Loaded Nacho Fries Beef (Print Version)
Crispy fries layered with spiced beef, creamy queso, and fresh toppings for a bold Tex-Mex flavor.
# What You'll 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
21 - Salt, to taste
→ Toppings
22 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
23 - 1/3 cup sliced jalapeños
24 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
25 - 1/4 cup sour cream
26 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread fries on a baking sheet in single layer. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through cooking.
02 - Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook 2 minutes, breaking up with spoon. Add chopped onion and cook until beef browned and onion soft, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
03 - Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Return to low heat and stir until cheese melts and sauce smooth. Season with salt.
04 - Transfer fries to large platter. Top with seasoned beef. Pour queso sauce over top. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro.
05 - Serve immediately with extra toppings on side if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That restaurant quality queso actually comes together faster than delivery would take to arrive
- The seasoned fries bake up extra crispy, creating the perfect foundation for all those toppings
- Everyone can customize their own section of the platter, making it ideal for picky eaters and adventurous friends alike
02 -
- The queso will thicken as it cools, so keep it warm over very low heat while you finish the other components
- Dont skip tossing the fries with seasoning before baking, it is what elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary
- Everything needs to come together at the same time, so have all toppings prepped and ready before you start the queso
03 -
- Shred your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags for a smoother queso that melts without any grainy texture
- Space fries in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, because steam makes them soggy instead of crispy