Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries

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Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries

Description

Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the ultimate comfort-food snack or dinner—crispy golden fries topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite garnishes like jalapeños, sour cream, and green onions. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for game nights, parties, or a quick indulgent meal.

Servings

Serves: 4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Fries

  • 1 bag (28–32 oz / 800–900 g) frozen French fries or 4 large potatoes, cut into fries

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (if baking fresh potatoes)

  • Salt to taste

For the Beef Topping

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or ¼ cup salsa (optional for richness)

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Salt + pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Sliced jalapeños

  • Sour cream

  • Diced green onions

  • Chopped tomatoes

  • Cilantro

  • Hot sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the Fries

  • Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.

  • Air fryer: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.

  • Deep fry: Cook until crispy and drain on paper towels.

2. Make the Beef

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

  4. Stir in paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and tomato paste/salsa.

  5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and thickened.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan.

  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.

  3. Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.

  4. Add cheese and stir until melted.

  5. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble

  • Place fries on a large plate or tray.

  • Spoon the seasoned beef over the fries.

  • Pour the cheese sauce generously on top.

  • Add optional toppings.

Serve hot!

Recipe Notes

  • You can use nacho cheese instead of making a cheese sauce for a faster version.

  • For spicier beef, add crushed red pepper or hot sauce.

  • This dish can be made with sweet potato fries for a slightly healthier twist.

Tips for Best Results

  • Make fries extra crispy so they hold up under the toppings.

  • Drain the beef well to prevent sogginess.

  • Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.

  • Layer toppings strategically: fries → beef → cheese → fresh toppings.

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: ~680

  • Protein: ~30 g

  • Carbs: ~58 g

  • Fat: ~36 g

  • Fiber: ~4 g

  • Sodium: ~1050 mg

Values vary depending on ingredients and toppings.

Health Benefits

While indulgent, this dish offers:

  • Protein from beef and cheese — helps with muscle repair and satiety.

  • Calcium from cheese — supports bone health.

  • Customizable ingredients — can add veggies for vitamins (tomatoes, onions, peppers).

For a lighter version: use lean beef, air-fried potatoes, and reduced-fat cheese.

Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well—just season generously.

Q: Can this be made ahead?

You can prep the beef and cheese sauce ahead, but assemble right before serving to keep fries crispy.

Q: How can I make this healthier?

Use air-fried fries, lean beef, and add vegetables like corn, peppers, or tomatoes.

Q: What cheese melts best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt smoothly and give great flavor.

Q: Can this be turned into a meal?

Absolutely—serve with a side salad or add beans to the beef for more substance.

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