Why You’ll Love Loaded Cheese Beef Fries Recipe

This recipe combines the crispy crunch of fries with the savory flavor of seasoned beef, all smothered in gooey, melted cheese. It’s a delicious, indulgent treat that’s customizable to your tastes. The balance of textures—from crispy fries to tender beef and melty cheese—makes each bite irresistible. Plus, the toppings like sour cream, green onions, and bacon take these fries to a whole new level. It’s a fun, shareable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
1/2 cup jalapeños (optional)
Olive oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Fries: Peel and cut the potatoes into thin strips. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Fry the Fries: Heat oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the potato strips in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Season with salt immediately.
Cook the Beef: While the fries are frying, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and a bit of water (according to the seasoning packet instructions). Simmer for a few minutes until well combined.
Assemble: Arrange the crispy fries on a large serving platter. Evenly spread the cooked beef over the fries, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Place the loaded fries under a broiler for about 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the fries from the broiler and top with sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, and jalapeños (if using). Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Beef: Add extra heat by mixing in chopped jalapeños or adding hot sauce to the seasoned beef.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, plant-based meat, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar for other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.
Additional Toppings: Add toppings like guacamole, salsa, or diced tomatoes to enhance the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the loaded fries in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the fries crispy again and the cheese melty. You can also microwave, but the fries may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the fries ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the potatoes ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat them when ready to serve. However, the fries are best fresh for optimal crispiness.

2. What type of fries are best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work great for fries because they become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. You can also use frozen fries if you’re short on time.

3. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives can be used instead of beef.

4. How can I make these fries even crispier?

For extra crispiness, consider double frying the potatoes. Fry once at a lower temperature (about 325°F) to cook through, and then again at a higher temperature (375°F) to crisp up.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! You can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.

6. Can I add vegetables to the topping?

Yes, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even grilled onions would work great as toppings for added flavor and texture.

7. How spicy are these fries?

The heat level depends on how much taco seasoning you use and whether you add jalapeños. You can control the spice level by adjusting those ingredients to suit your taste.

8. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the fries in the oven instead of frying them. Just toss the potato strips in olive oil and bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning. Always check the label of your seasoning packet to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten.

10. Can I freeze the fries after cooking?

It’s not recommended to freeze the fully loaded fries, as the texture of the fries and toppings can change. However, you can freeze the cooked fries and assemble them later.

Conclusion

Loaded Cheese Beef Fries are a fun, indulgent, and flavorful dish that is sure to please any crowd. With crispy fries, savory beef, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your personal taste preferences!

Loaded Cheese Beef Fries

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These Loaded Cheese Beef Fries are a mouthwatering indulgence made with crispy fries, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, topped with your favorite garnishes. Perfect for a party appetizer or a satisfying meal. Customize with toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and bacon for even more flavor!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the potato fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Cook the Beef: While the fries are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and additional paprika or chili powder if desired. Once the beef is fully cooked, remove from heat.
Assemble the Fries: Once the fries are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Evenly distribute the cooked beef mixture on top of the fries, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Melt the Cheese: Return the fries to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Top and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon bits, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can use frozen fries for convenience, but fresh-cut potatoes will give you the best crispiness.
For extra flavor, drizzle with ranch dressing or hot sauce.
Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.