Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the ultimate comfort food, packed with crispy fries, seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful toppings. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family meal, these loaded fries are easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, Cheesy, and Flavorful – A perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep time.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for parties or casual dinners.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and tasty meal for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen French fries (or homemade)
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Taco seasoning (or salt, pepper, paprika)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Sour cream
- Green onions (sliced)
- Jalapeños (sliced, optional)
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled, optional)
Directions
- Cook the Fries – Bake or air-fry the French fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Beef – In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease and mix in taco seasoning.
- Assemble the Fries – Spread the cooked fries on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Add Cheese and Beef – Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack over the fries, then evenly distribute the seasoned beef.
- Melt the Cheese – Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings – Garnish with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and crumbled bacon if using.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy while hot and melty!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, hot sauce, or extra jalapeños.
- BBQ Beef Fries: Swap taco seasoning for BBQ sauce in the beef.
- Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Use chili instead of ground beef.
- Low-Carb Option: Use roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of fries.
- Extra Cheesy: Drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as fries may become soggy.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry to crisp up the fries.
FAQs
Can I make these with homemade fries?
Yes! Slice potatoes, bake or fry them, then proceed with the recipe.
What’s the best cheese for loaded fries?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both work best for melty goodness.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry fries at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, then melt the cheese separately.
What’s a good dip for these fries?
Ranch, salsa, guacamole, or chipotle mayo pair perfectly.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Use black beans or sautéed mushrooms instead of beef.
How do I keep the fries from getting soggy?
Use crispy fries, drain the beef well, and don’t overload with toppings.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lighter alternative.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Double-bake the fries for extra crunch before adding toppings.
What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve them on a platter with forks for easy grabbing!
Can I make these ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble and bake fresh, but you can prep the beef in advance.
Conclusion
Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are a fun, indulgent, and delicious way to enjoy crispy fries with bold flavors. Whether you’re making them for a game night, party, or just a cozy dinner, these loaded fries are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
PrintCheesy Loaded Beef Fries
These Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the ultimate comfort food, featuring crispy golden fries topped with savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and delicious toppings. Perfect for game nights, parties, or an indulgent dinner, this dish is easy to customize and comes together in 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Beef Topping:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream (for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake or Fry the Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) (or heat oil for deep frying).
- Spread frozen fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Alternative: Deep fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until browned.
- Drain excess grease and stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and salt, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Fries
- Place crispy fries on a large serving plate or baking sheet.
- Top with seasoned beef, melted cheese sauce, and crumbled bacon.
- Garnish with green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or spicy queso for a fiery kick!
- Low-Carb Option: Swap fries for baked zucchini fries or roasted cauliflower.
- Extra Cheese: Use nacho cheese sauce or pepper jack for extra gooeyness.