Ultimate Baked Chili Cheese Fries Casserole Recipe

 Looking for the perfect comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy? This Baked Chili Cheese Fries Casserole brings together everything you love about game nights, casual dinners, and indulgent treats into one dish. Crispy fries layered with savory chili and topped with gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love?

This simple recipe is easy to follow and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a party or as a family dinner, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering casserole:

For the Fries:

• 1 bag of frozen french fries (about 24 oz)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based alternative)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend with Monterey Jack)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional garnish)
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional, for some heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fries

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the frozen fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly across the baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fries are golden and crispy.

Step 2: Make the Chili

1. While the fries are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano). Mix well to combine.
5. Simmer the chili for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly.
2. Spread the baked fries evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top generously with the chili, spreading it out to cover the fries.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chili layer.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
2. Top with chopped green onions, dollops of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
3. Serve up the gooey, chili-cheesy goodness and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Crispier Fries? Bake the fries until extra crispy before assembling the casserole. This ensures they hold up to the chili and stay more textured.
• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chilies for an extra kick in the chili.
• Make It Ahead: The chili can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat before layering the casserole.

Perfect Pairings

Baked Chili Cheese Fries Casserole is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with sides like a fresh garden salad or roasted veggies to round things out. And don’t forget an ice-cold soda, beer, or lemonade to wash it all down!

Why You Need to Try This Recipe

This casserole takes everything you love about chili cheese fries and elevates it into a satisfying, shareable dish. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and indulgence, ideal for gatherings, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something warm and cheesy.

Give this Baked Chili Cheese Fries Casserole a try and bring a little wow-factor to your table. You won’t regret it—your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!