Pepper Jack Chili Cheese Fries

Ingredients:

For the 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 ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

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 Pepper Jack cheese
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream or salsa (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the 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, ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the chili to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Prepare the Fries:
   • Preheat the oven according 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 Pepper Jack Chili Cheese Fries:
   • Once the fries are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or a baking sheet.
   • Spread the prepared chili evenly over the fries.
   • Sprinkle shredded Pepper Jack cheese generously over the chili-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 Pepper Jack Chili Cheese Fries from the oven.
   • Top with sliced jalapeños, sliced green onions, and serve with sour cream or salsa on the side, if desired.

These Pepper Jack Chili Cheese Fries offer a spicy kick from the Pepper Jack cheese, adding a flavorful twist to classic chili cheese fries. Adjust the amount of jalapeños and spices to suit your preferred level of heat. Enjoy your deliciously spicy and cheesy fries!