📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's make the chili. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Don't worry if you leave a bit, it adds flavor. I learned that the hard way!
2. Next, dump the browned beef into your slow cooker. Add one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained; one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed; one 15-ounce can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed; and one small onion, chopped. If you're fancy, add a diced bell pepper!
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, and a dash of cayenne pepper (if you like a little kick!). Season generously with salt and black pepper. Remember, taste as you go!
4. Now, for the magic. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors marry, creating an incredible depth of taste.
5. While the chili is bubbling away happily, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss about 2 pounds of frozen french fries (or fresh-cut, if you're feeling ambitious!) with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
6. Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, ovens can be fickle beasts.
7. Once the chili is done, it's time to assemble this masterpiece! Pour the chili into a large oven-safe bowl or a cast iron skillet. I love the way cast iron keeps things warm and makes for pretty pictures.
8. Top the chili with about 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. You can use your fav cheese blend!
9. Place the bowl into the preheated oven (or broil it if you want super melty, bubbly cheese) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. If it starts to brown too much, just take it out earlier!
10. Finally, once the cheese is nice and gooey, carefully remove the dip from the oven. Top with the crispy french fries and serve immediately. Get ready for amazingness! You might want to have extra chips or even some bread for dipping!