By Lisa M. Pressey
What’s better than cheese fries for a weekend movie night? Double Decker Chili Cheese Fries! This recipe will satisfy your comfort food craving and then some. For those of you who are looking to start eating healthier, this is a great compromise. Even though the recipe uses a plant-based meat alternative, it still hits all the key flavors of chili. That is a feat in itself!
This may sound like junk food, but it’s done in a healthier fashion. The use of homemade fries keeps a bit healthier, since you skip the additives. Beyond beef is a healthier choice if you are looking to start a plant-based diet. The package states it has less saturated fat than 80/20 ground beef.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large yukon gold potatoes
- olive oil to coat the potatoes
- 1 package beyond beef
- 1 can black beans
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
CHEESE SAUCE
- 1 tablespoon plus of almond milk
- 1/2 bag gluten free dairy free shredded cheddar
DIRECTIONS
- Cut the potatoes into long thin pieces, about a 1/4 inch thick. Then soak them in cold water for 5 minutes to remove the starch. Drain the potatoes, then rinse to get rid of excess starch.
- Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Coat the potatoes with olive oil and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking start cooking the beef. Heat the pan over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon of oil and let that heat up. Add the onion, then cook for 5 minutes.
- Next, add the meat and brown it, breaking it up into pieces.
- Add the garlic, spices, and ketchup, then mix thoroughly to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- In a measuring cup add 1 tablespoon of milk and cheddar cheese. Put in the microwave and cook in 30 second increments, stirring in between until cheese mixture is smooth and completely melted. If it is too thick add another tablespoon of milk, stir in, then heat another 30 seconds. Repeat until you get the desired consistency.
Now it’s time to put together the double decker chili cheese fries. I like to use crocks with handles because it makes it easy to assemble and carry. First, put a layer of chili on the bottom of the crock. Next, add a helping of fries. Drizzle a generous amount of cheese over the fries. Repeat the layers one more time and then sprinkle some extra onions on top if you choose.
I hope you enjoy this plant-based version of chili cheese fries. Using a meat alternative makes the transition to a plant-based diet a little easier for someone who is used to eating animal protein.