Loaded Nacho Fries Beef (Print version)
Crispy fries layered with seasoned beef, creamy queso, and fresh spicy toppings for a bold flavor delight.
# What you need:
→ For the Fries
01 - 1.5 lbs frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For the Beef
07 - 1 lb ground beef
08 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tbsp taco seasoning
11 - 1/4 cup water
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ For the Queso Sauce
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
14 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
15 - 1 cup whole milk
16 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
18 - 1/4 tsp ground cumin
19 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
20 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
21 - Salt, to taste
→ Toppings
22 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
23 - 1/3 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
24 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
25 - 1/4 cup sour cream
26 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the fries on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through cooking.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 2 minutes, breaking up with a spoon. Add chopped onion and cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
03 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Return to low heat, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
04 - Transfer crispy fries to a large serving platter. Top with seasoned ground beef, then pour queso sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
05 - Serve the loaded nacho fries while hot. Offer extra toppings on the side if desired, such as additional sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The combination of crispy spiced fries and rich homemade queso hits every comfort food craving
- It transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant
02 -
- The queso will thicken as it cools, so keep it warm until you are ready to pour
- Overcrowding the baking sheet makes soggy fries, so use two pans if needed
03 -
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent seasoned fries from sliding off
- Warm your platter in the oven before assembling to keep everything hot longer