Description
This Chili Cheese Fries recipe is the ultimate vegan game day snack, combining spicy plant-based chili with crispy oven-baked fries and a gooey vegan cheese sauce. Topped with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro, it's a satisfying and flavorful treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinches freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces plant-based ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- + 3 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Chili Cheese Fries
- 1 (16 to 20-ounce) bag oven French fries
- ½ cup vegan cheese sauce
- Desired toppings such as tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro
Instructions
- Make the chili: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced red pepper, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the vegetables for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the plant-based beef: Add the plant-based ground beef to the pot and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef as it cooks until it is browned and heated through.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the chopped garlic, fire roasted tomatoes, drained black beans, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, water or broth, and lime juice. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened.
- Bake the fries: Spread the oven French fries evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake according to the package directions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
- Assemble the chili cheese fries: Arrange the baked fries on a serving platter. Spoon generous scoops of the hot chili over the fries, then drizzle evenly with vegan cheese sauce.
- Add toppings and serve: Garnish with desired fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your vegan chili cheese fries.
- Storage tips: Save any leftover chili in an airtight container for lunch the next day. The chili also freezes well for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a good quality plant-based ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
- You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
- For extra crispy fries, bake them on a preheated baking sheet or use an air fryer if preferred.
- Leftover chili is great for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness in flavor.
- Any vegan cheese sauce can be substituted depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American