Chili cheese fries are one of those over-the-top comfort foods that just hit different — warm, cheesy, saucy, and downright addictive.

This Homemade Chili Cheese Fries Recipe brings all that fast food energy, but made with clean, feel-good ingredients. The fries are oven-baked, the chili is hearty and lean, and the cheese? Melted just enough to make it all come together in one crave-worthy bite.

Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or whenever you want something cozy without the regret. This is Healthy Fast Food at Home at its most satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the fries:

• 3 medium russet potatoes, cut into fries

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

For the chili:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ lb lean ground turkey or beef

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)

• ½ cup canned black beans or kidney beans, rinsed

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or dairy-free cheese

• Optional: chopped green onions, Greek yogurt or clean sour cream, jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Bake the fries
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cut potatoes with oil and seasonings. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

2. Make the chili
While the fries bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, and spices. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.

3. Assemble the chili cheese fries
Once the fries are crispy, transfer to a serving plate or shallow dish. Spoon warm chili over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

4. Finish & serve
Melt cheese slightly (optional: pop under the broiler for 1–2 minutes). Top with green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Sarah’s Tips:

• Make it meatless: Swap in lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian chili.

• Add heat: Use chipotle powder or diced green chiles in the chili.

• Crispier fries? Soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.

• Short on time? Use frozen clean-label fries and heat while you make the chili!

Flavorful Conclusion:

These Homemade Chili Cheese Fries are bold, messy in the best way, and made with ingredients that fuel your body and your cravings. Comfort food never felt this good — and once you try them, you’ll never want the drive-thru version again.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 34g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 3g