Chili Cheese Fries

Ingredients

These chili cheese fries feature spicy chorizo. You can substitute an equal amount of hamburger if you'd like to tone down the heat. Garnishes are optional. The recipe serves 4.

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 pound bulk chorizo
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 2 (14-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Fries

• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into one-inch thick fries
• 4 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Toppings and Garnish Options

• 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
• Green onions, chopped (optional)
• Jalapeno rings (optional)
• Cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• Avocadoes, chopped (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

Get the chili started and then work on the fries so you have everything timed perfectly.

For the Chili

1. In a large pot, heat the oil on medium-high until it shimmers.
2. Add the onion and green pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft, about five minutes.
3. Add the chorizo and cook, crumbling with spoon, until it is browned, about five minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
5. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For the Fries

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Brush two rimmed baking sheets with two tablespoons of the oil. Preheat them in the oven for five minutes.
3. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the remaining two tablespoons of oil. Put them in a single layer on the hot baking sheets.
4. Bake in the preheated oven, turning occasionally, until the fries are crispy, about 20 minutes. Season with the salt.

Add Toppings

1. On four plates, arrange the potatoes. Top with the hot chili and then sprinkle with the cheese.
2. Allow the cheese to melt naturally from the heat of the chili. Then, add any of the above optional toppings, as desired.