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Best Game Day Chili Cheese Fries Skillet – Easy 30-Min Recipe

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This chili cheese fries skillet is the ultimate game day comfort food—crispy fries topped with hearty chili and melted cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag frozen French fries (24–28 oz), thick cut like steak or crinkle
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
  2. While fries bake, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion to the beef and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir and cook 1 minute to toast spices.
  5. Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and undrained chili beans. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let bubble gently while fries finish.
  6. When fries are done, remove from oven and switch oven to broil (high). Carefully transfer hot fries to a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe dish) and spread into an even layer.
  7. Ladle chili evenly over the fries.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top, covering completely.
  9. Place skillet under broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Remove skillet carefully and let rest 2 minutes. Garnish with green onions and jalapeño slices (if using). Add dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, reserve a handful of fries and scatter on top after broiling. Let chili simmer while fries bake for deeper flavor. Use room temperature cheese for faster melting. Watch cheese closely under broiler to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, game day recipe, easy appetizer, 30-minute meal, comfort food, skillet recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/best-game-day-chili-cheese-fries-skillet-easy-30-min-recipe/