Chili Cheese Fries

Homemade hand cut fries smothered in cheesy chili goodness.

Ingredients

Chili

• 1 lb ground beef

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves of garlic. finely chopped

• 1 pepper, finely chopped

• 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped

• 8 white mushrooms, finely chopped

• 8 white mushrooms, sliced

• 2 1/2 tbsp. chili powder

• 2 tbsp. ground cumin

• 2 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

• 2 cups beef broth

• 15 oz diced tomatoes

• 1/2 can (8oz) red kidney beans

• 1 1/2 cups of jarred tomato sauce

• Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Air Fryer French Fries

• 3 large russet potatoes (the longer, the better)

• Canola or vegetable oil

• Seasoning salt

Queso

• 1 tbsp. butter

• 1 can of evaporated milk (13 oz)

• 1 tbsp. all purpose flour

• 75 g medium cheddar cheese, shredded

• 75 g old cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 large tomato, diced

• 1/2 large jalapeño, diced

• 1/4 white onion, diced

• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper seasoning

• 1 tsp. onion powder

• 1 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. cumin

Instructions

Chili

• Start by adding olive oil, onions, garlic, finely chopped mushrooms, jalapeños, and peppers to a pot over medium-high heat. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook for 5 minutes

• Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up and cook until beef is browned. Drain grease

• Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 2-4 minutes.

• Add cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, cayenne, beef broth, salt & pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes

• Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Season again with salt and freshly ground pepper.

• Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes (or more). Stir occasionally

Air Fryer French Fries

• Cut potatoes length wise into 1/2 inch thick fry shaped slices

• Soak the cut potatoes in slightly salted water (couple pinches) for an hour to allow the starch to come off

• Drain potatoes and dry thoroughly with paper towel

• Preheat air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit

• In a large bowl, toss the fries with 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil and preferred seasonings

• Place in air fryer for 14-16 minutes or to desired doneness. If you need to do batches, keep the fries on a cooling rack and cooking sheet in the oven at 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit

Queso

• In a large non-stick pan on medium heat, add your olive oil and veggies (onion, jalapeños, & tomato). Let your veggies cook while mixing occasionally. Once the onions are translucent (~5 minutes), take your veggies out of the pan and set aside

• Put your pan back on the medium heat and add your butter

• Once melted, add in the flour and whisk until the butter and flour create a paste

• Slowly whisk in your evaporated milk, ensuring the mixture remains clump-free

• Once your mixture is bubbling, add your veggies back into the pan

• Let cook for 2 minutes, then slowly whisk in your cheese, handful by handful

• Once all evenly added and mixed, add your spices

And when it’s all done…

Layer your homemade french fries in a bowl, then add your chili, followed by the queso. Top with a dollop of sour cream sliced green onion!