Zesty Tex-Mex Chili Fries

Ingredients:

For the Tex-Mex 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) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Dash of cayenne pepper (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 Mexican blend cheese
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or salsa (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Tex-Mex 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, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the chili 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 Zesty Tex-Mex Chili Fries:
   • Once the fries are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or a baking sheet.
   • Spread the prepared Tex-Mex chili evenly over the fries.
   • Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend 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 Zesty Tex-Mex Chili Fries from the oven.
   • Top with sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, and serve with sour cream or salsa on the side, if desired.

These Zesty Tex-Mex Chili Fries offer a burst of Tex-Mex flavors with the combination of spices, cheese, and toppings. Adjust the spiciness and toppings according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your flavorful Tex-Mex-inspired fries!