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Football Tailgate Chili Cheese Fries - featured image

Football Tailgate Chili Cheese Fries: Easy Budget Game Day Crowd Pleaser

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings 1x

Description

A stress-free, budget-friendly recipe for feeding a crowd with crispy baked fries topped with hearty homemade chili, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15oz each) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6oz) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 cans (15oz each) kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 4–5 pounds frozen french fries (thick-cut or crinkle-cut)
  • 2–3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Oil for cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  6. Add drained beans and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour).
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
  8. Spread frozen fries in a single layer on baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  9. Spread hot fries on serving platters or baking sheets.
  10. Ladle hot chili generously over the fries.
  11. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot chili and fries. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes if needed to melt cheese.
  12. Top with green onions, sour cream, and other desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Fries are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 400°F to restore crispiness. Do not microwave fries as they will become soggy. For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup chili
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: chili cheese fries, game day food, tailgate recipes, budget meals, crowd pleaser, easy dinner, football party food

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Find it online: https://tableanddinner.com/football-tailgate-chili-cheese-fries-easy-budget-game-day-crowd-pleaser/