Fiery Nacho Chili Fries

Ingredients:

For the Fiery Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preferred heat level)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Fries:

• 4 large potatoes, cut into fries (or use frozen fries)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly and Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions or cilantro
• Sour cream or salsa

Instructions:

1. Make the Fiery Chili:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Stir in kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Prepare the Fries:
   • Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended for the fries.
   • If using fresh potatoes, cut them into fries, then toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake according to package instructions until crispy. If using frozen fries, bake them according to package instructions.
3. Assemble the Fiery Nacho Chili Fries:
   • Once the fries are done and crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or a baking sheet.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the fries.
   • Spoon the prepared fiery chili generously over the cheese-covered fries.
4. Bake:
   • Place the assembled fries back into the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the Fiery Nacho Chili Fries from the oven.
   • Top with sliced jalapeños, sliced black olives, chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness, and serve with dollops of sour cream or salsa on the side.

These Fiery Nacho Chili Fries offer a spicy and flavorful twist to classic loaded fries. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and other toppings based on your preference for heat and flavor. Enjoy your deliciously fiery dish!