Loaded Nacho Fries Beef

The first time I made loaded nacho fries was during a last-minute Super Bowl party when I realized I had no chips. I grabbed a bag of frozen fries from the freezer and started experimenting, much to my friends amusement. By the time the game started, everyone was ignoring the television and hovering over the platter. Now it's become a regular request whenever we have people over.

I made these for my brother's birthday last year and he declared them better than anything he's had at sports bars. The secret is really taking the time to season the fries before baking and making the queso from scratch instead of using processed cheese. His friends still text me asking for the recipe whenever they host watch parties.

Ingredients

• Frozen or fresh French fries: The thicker cut fries hold up better under all those toppings without getting soggy too quickly
• Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese sauce
• Ground beef with some fat content: The 80/20 ratio keeps the beef mixture juicy and flavorful as it simmers
• Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack: The sharp cheddar brings bold flavor while Monterey Jack creates that perfectly smooth melt
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that helps bind the beef seasoning together beautifully

Instructions

Get those fries seasoned and baking:

Toss your fries with olive oil and all those spices until every piece is coated, then spread them out on a baking sheet so they have room to crisp up properly in that hot oven.

Build the flavor foundation with beef:

Brown the ground beef until it's nice and crumbled, then add the onions and garlic until your kitchen smells amazing before stirring in the spices and tomato paste.

Create the magic queso sauce:

Make a quick roux with butter and flour, whisk in the milk patiently until smooth, then gradually melt in those cheeses until you have the creamiest sauce imaginable.

Bring everything together:

Pile those golden fries onto your biggest platter, blanket them with the spiced beef, drizzle that queso all over, and let everyone go to town with their favorite toppings.

Pin It

My roommate used to request these every Friday night during our college years. We'd set everything up on the coffee table and watch movies while building our own perfect platefuls. Some nights we'd get so caught up in conversation that we'd forget the movie entirely.

Making It Your Own

I love switching up the protein depending on what I have on hand or who's coming over. Sometimes I use shredded chicken or even make a vegetarian version with black beans and corn. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is while still feeling completely satisfying.

Perfect Pairing

These fries beg to be served alongside something cold and refreshing to balance all that rich, spicy goodness. An ice-cold lager cuts through the cheese perfectly, or go classic with a margarita that complements the Tex-Mex spices.

Timing Like A Pro

The key is having everything ready to go before the fries come out of the oven. I prep all my toppings and warm my serving platter so everything stays hot longer. The queso sauce will stay warm enough for about 15 minutes if you keep it on the lowest heat setting.

• Set up a toppings station so guests can customize their own servings
• Keep extra napkins nearby because this is definitely finger food at its best
• Consider doubling the recipe if you're feeding a crowd because these disappear fast

Pin It

There's something wonderfully communal about gathering around a platter of loaded nacho fries, everyone reaching in and building their perfect bite. It's messy, it's fun, and it brings people together in the best way possible.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of fries work best for this dish?

Frozen or fresh French fries can be used. Baking them until crispy with seasoning brings out the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I make the queso sauce dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and adjust thickening agents accordingly.

→ How can I add more heat to the dish?

Increase jalapeños, add hot sauce, or mix cayenne pepper into the queso for a spicier kick.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative for the beef topping?

Plant-based crumbles or cooked black beans make great substitutes while maintaining texture and flavor.

→ What sides pair well with these loaded fries?

Cold lagers, margaritas, or fresh salads complement the dish’s rich and spicy profile.