Super Bowl Chili Cheese Fries

My apartment smelled like a football stadium concession stand, and I was not mad about it. I had been tinkering with this chili cheese fry recipe for weeks, trying to get that perfect balance of crispy fries, hearty chili, and cheese that actually pulls apart in those glorious strings everyone loves. The Super Bowl party was in two hours, and I was pretty sure my friends were going to judge me if I showed up with storebought potato skins again.

Last year my brother walked into my kitchen while I was testing different cheese ratios, grabbed a fork straight from the platter, and literally said I am never leaving. We ended up eating an entire batch while standing at the counter, discussing strategy for exactly how to layer everything so nothing gets soggy. That is the memory I want you to have with this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg frozen or fresh potato fries: Fresh cut fries have better texture but frozen ones work perfectly fine on busy game days
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Helps achieve that restaurant style crunch we are all chasing
• 500 g halal ground beef: The foundation of your chili, choose a mix with some fat content for better flavor
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Sweet onions work beautifully here and become almost meltingly tender
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic makes a huge difference compared to powder
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and color that makes the chili look homemade
• 400 g canned crushed tomatoes: Creates that rich, saucy base that clings to every fry
• 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the whole chili
• 400 g canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Stretch the chili and add protein without overwhelming the fries
• 2 tsp chili powder: Build your base heat level here, adjust based on your crowd
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Essential for that classic chili flavor profile
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds depth and that subtle smoky note everyone notices but cannot place
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing all flavors together
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Optional, but my spice loving friends insist on it
• 250 g shredded halal cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor impact
• 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese: The secret to those incredible cheese pulls
• 2 spring onions, sliced: Fresh brightness to cut through all that richness
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander or parsley, chopped: Makes everything look and taste fresher

Instructions

Crispy Potato Foundation:

Preheat your oven to 220°C and toss those fries with vegetable oil and salt until every piece is coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and begging to be topped.

Building Your Chili Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté your onions for 3 minutes until they turn translucent. Add garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Browning The Beef:

Stir in your halal ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until browned throughout. This takes about 6 to 8 minutes, and the smell will make you want to skip straight to eating.

Adding The Spices:

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne if you are feeling brave. Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are coated in spices.

Creating The Sauce:

Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and kidney beans. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened enough to coat a spoon.

The Grand Assembly:

Transfer your crispy fries to a large ovenproof dish and top evenly with that hot chili. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top.

Melting Magic:

Return everything to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, watching until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The wait feels impossible but the result is worth it.

Final Touches:

Remove from the oven and scatter spring onions and fresh herbs across the top. Serve immediately while everyone is still gathering around.

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I once made the mistake of assembling everything too early and ended up with what my friend called chili soup with some sad potatoes floating around. Now I time everything perfectly, and the difference is remarkable. This dish went from game day experiment to the thing people actually text me about weeks later.

Making It Your Own

Ground chicken or turkey work beautifully if you prefer lighter meat, and the seasoning blend holds up perfectly. For vegetarian friends, plant based mince with a splash of vegetable stock creates a surprisingly convincing chili that everyone will still grab seconds of.

The Cheese Strategy

That mozzarella cheddar combination is not random. The cheddar brings bold flavor while mozzarella provides the structure for those dramatic cheese pulls that make everyone reach for their phones. I learned this ratio after testing seven different cheese combinations and taking very thorough notes.

Timing Like A Pro

The best thing I ever did was make the chili the day before and reheat it while fresh fries bake. This lets flavors meld and means you are not frantically chopping onions when people are already hungry and asking what smells so good.

• Set out all your toppings before you start so assembly happens fast
• Keep the baking sheet handy in case you want to pop everything under the broiler for extra cheese bubbling
• Have extra lime wedges ready because that bright acidity cuts through richness beautifully

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There is something magical about watching a room full of people fall silent over food, then suddenly come alive with that universal happy hum. That is what these fries do, and I hope they become part of your game day traditions too.

Your Recipe Questions

→ What type of meat is used in the chili?

Halal ground beef is used to keep the dish flavorful while meeting specific dietary preferences.

→ Can the fries be baked instead of fried?

Yes, baking the fries in the oven until golden and crispy is recommended for a healthier and convenient option.

→ What cheeses are included in the topping?

A combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella provides a rich and melty cheese layer over the chili.

→ How is the chili seasoned?

The chili features warm spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne for a mild heat.

→ Are there vegetarian alternatives for the chili?

Yes, substituting plant-based mince and using vegetable stock can create a flavorful vegetarian version.

→ What garnishes finish the dish?

Fresh spring onions and chopped coriander or parsley provide a bright, fresh finish to balance the rich toppings.