Introduction
Game day is all about two things: thrilling plays on the field and delicious food to enjoy while cheering on your favorite team. If you’re looking to take your tailgate or home-viewing experience up a notch, these Slow Cooker Chili Loaded Fries are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine crispy fries piled high with rich and hearty chili, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings, making it the perfect comfort food while you debate that last call or cheer for a touchdown.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare, thanks to your trusty slow cooker, but it also allows for endless customization to cater to all tastes. Whether you prefer a classic beef chili or a spicy vegetarian version, the choice is yours. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can focus on the game while your delicious snack slowly comes together. So grab your favorite toppings, gather around the screen, and get ready to score big with this irresistible dish!
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen French fries
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
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- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
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- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
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- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld.
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- While the chili is cooking, prepare the frozen French fries according to package instructions. You want them to be crispy!
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- Once the fries are finished, place them on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
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- Spoon the chili mixture generously over the fries, ensuring they are well-covered.
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- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili, allowing it to melt slightly.
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- Finish with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired.
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- Serve immediately, and enjoy the ultimate Game Day treat!
- Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 4 hours 20 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra kick)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
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For the Loaded Fries:
- 1 bag (20 oz) frozen French fries (classic or seasoned, your choice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional Toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Your favorite hot sauce
Gather these ingredients to create a hearty and delicious dish perfect for sharing with friends and family during game day!
Baking Process
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Prepare the Fries: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, spread your frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade fries by slicing fresh potatoes into thin strips, coating them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then baking them until golden and crisp.
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Season the Fries: For added flavor, consider sprinkling your fries with your favorite spices. A touch of garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne can elevate your fries to a whole new level. Toss them to ensure even coverage.
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Bake the Fries: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Halfway through the baking time, give them a good toss to ensure even cooking.
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Prepare the Chili: While the fries are baking, check on your slow cooker chili. If you haven’t made the chili yet, here’s a quick tip: combine ground beef or turkey, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and your preferred chili spices (such as cumin, chili powder, and onion powder) in your slow cooker. Set it on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When ready, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning.
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Assemble the Loaded Fries: Once the fries are out of the oven and the chili is bubbling and flavorful, it’s time to assemble! Place a generous layer of crispy fries on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous helping of hot chili over the fries.
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Add Toppings: Top your chili-loaded fries with your choice of shredded cheese (cheddar works beautifully), sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro. For an extra kick, a drizzle of hot sauce can take these fries over the top.
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Serve Immediately: Serve your Slow Cooker Chili Loaded Fries hot, ideally right out of the oven, so everything stays crispy and melty. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delightful game day treat!
Enjoy the deliciousness and the excitement of the game!
Serving Suggestions
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Garnish Options: Enhance your Slow Cooker Chili Loaded Fries with a variety of garnishes! Top with fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or extra jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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Cheese Options: Elevate your cheese game by using a mix of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled queso fresco. Offering a cheese sauce on the side allows guests to customize their fries further.
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Dipping Sauces: Serve with an array of dipping sauces such as sour cream, guacamole, or a zesty chipotle ranch for added flavor and creaminess.
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Side Salads: Balance the indulgence with a light side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast to the rich chili-loaded fries.
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Beer Pairings: Complement your game day feast with some craft beers. Pale ales, IPAs, or a nice amber lager are excellent choices that pair well with the bold flavors of chili and loaded fries.
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Fun Appetizer Platter: Round out your game day spread with a platter of mixed appetizers like chicken wings, stuffed jalapeños, and veggie sticks with dip. This creates a variety of options for your guests to enjoy throughout the game.
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Interactive Food Bar: Set up a DIY chili fries bar with toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, corn, and various hot sauces. This encourages guests to create their perfect fry creation!
With these serving suggestions, your Slow Cooker Chili Loaded Fries will be a hit at your next game day gathering! Enjoy the flavors and the fun!
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Chili Loaded Fries are the ultimate game day treat that will have your friends and family cheering for more than just the score! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish combines the comforting warmth of chili with the crispy delight of fries, topped with cheesy goodness and your favorite garnishes. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of togetherness that comes with game day gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a watch party or just looking for a delicious snack to enjoy while cheering on your team, these loaded fries are sure to be a hit. Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste—adding avocado, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream can elevate this dish even further.
Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Go team!
