There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy, golden fries piled high with savory toppings. And when those toppings include hearty chili, gooey melted cheese, and a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon? Well, that’s just pure bliss. Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with these Loaded Bacon Chili Cheese Fries. They’re an absolute game-changer for movie nights, casual gatherings, or whenever that craving for something incredibly satisfying hits.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a personal favorite because it hits all the right notes: it’s incredibly flavorful, wonderfully comforting, and surprisingly easy to throw together. The texture contrast between the crisp fries and the warm, meaty chili and melted cheese is just perfect. Plus, the addition of bacon takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and quickly disappears, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (around 28-32 oz) frozen french fries
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean)
• 1 (15 oz) can prepared chili (with or without beans, your preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• French Fries: While classic crinkle-cut or shoestring fries work great, feel free to use steak fries or even sweet potato fries for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.
• Chili: A good quality canned chili is a fantastic shortcut here. If you have homemade chili, even better! Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack, would be delicious.
• Ground Beef: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey for a slightly leaner option.
• Bacon: Always cook your bacon until truly crispy for the best texture. Pre-cooked bacon bits can be used for convenience, but fresh is usually best.
• Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream, some sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor and flair.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Get Those Fries Crispy: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your frozen french fries package (usually around 400-425°F or 200-220°C). Arrange the fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. This initial crispness is essential!
2. Cook the Beef: While the fries are cooking, grab a large skillet. Place it over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up into small, even pieces with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink and completely browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Heat the Chili: Add the entire can of prepared chili to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir everything together well, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the chili mixture is thoroughly heated through.
4. Assemble the First Layer: Once the fries are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer them to a large, oven-safe serving platter or a clean baking sheet (if your fries were on parchment, you can often just slide them over).
5. Load ‘Em Up: Spoon the hot chili mixture evenly over the crispy french fries, making sure to spread it out so every fry gets some chili goodness.
6. Cheese Please! Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili layer.
7. Melt the Cheese: Place the platter back into the preheated oven (no need to change the temperature from what you cooked the fries at) for just a few minutes, typically 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
8. Final Touches: Carefully remove the platter from the oven. Now for the bacon! Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon generously over the melted cheese.
9. Garnish & Serve: Finish by garnishing with the chopped green onions. Season with a little extra salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve immediately while everything is hot and gooey, and enjoy your amazing Loaded Bacon Chili Cheese Fries!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your fries plenty of space on the baking sheet to ensure they get crispy, not soggy. Use two sheets if necessary.
• Crispiness is Key: The success of this dish relies on crispy fries. Don’t undercook them in the first step.
• Hot Chili: Make sure your chili mixture is hot when you add it to the fries; this helps melt the cheese quickly in the oven.
• Serve Promptly: Loaded fries are best enjoyed immediately to maintain that perfect texture balance.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Loaded Bacon Chili Cheese Fries are a meal in themselves, but they also make an incredible appetizer or side dish for a casual get-together. They pair wonderfully with:

• More Dips: If you’re hosting a party, offer other beloved dips like This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
• Party Spreads: For a full spread of fun, consider setting up This Walking Taco Bar is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd or serving These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Loaded fries are definitely a dish best served fresh. The fries tend to get soggy once they’ve been topped with chili and cheese and then refrigerated. If you absolutely must store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be tasty!

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dishes, be sure to explore these other delicious recipes:

• These Totchos are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win!
• This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
• This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a recipe for Loaded Bacon Chili Cheese Fries that is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for any gathering. It’s the ultimate combination of crunchy, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest cravings. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare for a truly delicious experience!

Did you give these loaded fries a try? What are your ultimate loaded fry toppings? Share your feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more incredible recipes!