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Crispy Campfire Cast Iron Chili Cheese Fries

campfire cast iron chili cheese fries - featured image
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A delicious and indulgent recipe for crispy fries topped with homemade chili and melted cheddar cheese, cooked in a cast iron skillet over a campfire or stovetop. Perfect for camping, game nights, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 600g) frozen French fries, thick-cut preferred
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a twist)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 1 cup (175g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  5. Cook the fries: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a separate or same cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add frozen fries in a single layer without overcrowding.
  6. Cook fries undisturbed for about 4 minutes until crispy edges form, then flip and cook another 4 minutes until golden and crisp but tender inside.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low. Spoon chili evenly over fries, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
  8. Cover skillet with lid or foil and let cheese melt for 3-5 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid burning.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and jalapeños. Serve hot.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking fries to ensure crispiness. Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy chili. Cover skillet while melting cheese to trap steam and melt evenly. For extra crispiness, broil assembled dish for 1-2 minutes if skillet is oven-safe. Reheat leftovers in skillet or under broiler to maintain crispiness; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, campfire recipe, cast iron skillet, camping food, comfort food, crispy fries, homemade chili, cheesy fries

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/crispy-campfire-cast-iron-chili-cheese-fries-recipe-easy-and-best/