These Chili Cheese Waffle Fries are topped with homemade chili with ground meat and fiery spices. The chili is a dish itself and can be made outside of this recipe for a meal.
1large Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and cut into slices for garnish (optional)
Ingredients for the Texas-style Chili:
2poundsGround Beef
1small Yellow Onion, peeled and chopped
2large Garlic Cloves, peeled and diced
1large Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and diced
1tablespoonGround Chiles(e.g. Ancho powder, Chimayo Powder, etc); I used Mild Chimayo Powder
2teaspoonsOregano
2teaspoonsground Cumin
¾teaspoonsground Coriander
½teaspoonChipotle Chile Powder
¼teaspoonCayenne Pepper(optional)
½teaspoonKosher Salt
8ouncesTomato Sauce
3cupsWater
2tablespoonsMasa Harina
Instructions
Instructions for Texas-Style Chili:
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until no red color remains. Stir periodically during cooking, breaking up the meats into small pieces.
Add the onions and garlic; stir to combine. Allow to cook 1-2 minutes.
Add all the seasonings and spices, tomato sauce, and water (everything except the masa harina). Stir to fully combine. Bring to a boil then reduce temperature to a low simmer and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the masa harina and stir to incorporate. Allow to simmer 20 more minutes.
Instructions for the Chili Cheese Fries:
Cook each bag of waffle fries to the package instructions, each bag on a separate baking sheet. If making while the chili is cooking, time the fries to finish when the chili does. If the chili was cooked prior, warm it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through while the fries are cooking.
When the fries are done cooking remove them from the oven but leave the oven on. Add the second batch to the first baking sheet spreading the fries to be one layer though they may overlap. Spoon the chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and return to the oven to cook until the cheese is melted (3-4 minutes).
When the cheese has melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle with the jalapeno slices and the green onions and serve immediately.