Description

Who can resist the heavenly combination of crispy fries, savory chili, and gooey melted cheese? This Loaded Chili Cheese Fries Casserole takes everything you love about classic chili cheese fries and turns it into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or when you're just craving some serious comfort food, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 1 (28 oz) bag frozen french fries (crinkle-cut or shoestring recommended)
• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (or black beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade chili spice blend)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado
• Hot sauce

Preparation Method

Prepare the French Fries:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the frozen french fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and cook according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. For extra crunch, bake them for an additional 5 minutes.

Make the Chili Mixture:
While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chili seasoning mix. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. Spread half of the cooked french fries on the bottom of the dish.

Spoon half of the chili mixture evenly over the fries, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining fries, chili, and cheese.

Bake and Garnish:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the casserole hot, letting everyone customize their plate with their favorite toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a splash of hot sauce.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra kick, mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the chili seasoning. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more beans and roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

This Loaded Chili Cheese Fries Casserole is a true comfort food masterpiece, bringing together the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and cheesy. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again! Looking for more comfort food inspiration? Check out our other easy and delicious recipes.