Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

1. Cook the Fries: Start by baking or frying your fries according to the package instructions. If you’re making homemade fries, cut your potatoes into strips, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
2. Set Aside: Once cooked, set your fries aside. You’ll need them as the base for your loaded beef fries.

Step 2: Make the Beef Topping

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth (or water). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is reduced and the beef is well-coated with seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce

1. Create a Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
2. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and lump-free.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries

1. Layer the Fries: Arrange the crispy fries on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
2. Top with Beef: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the fries.
3. Add Cheese Sauce: Drizzle the creamy cheese sauce generously over the beef and fries, making sure every bite gets some cheesy goodness.
4. Optional Toppings: Finish off your loaded beef fries with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños for some heat, and crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch. You can also add fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the fries are hot and crispy. Grab a fork (or just dive in with your hands!) and enjoy the savory, cheesy, beefy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries:

• Customize the Beef: If you want to get creative, you can swap out taco seasoning for chili powder, cumin, or paprika to customize the flavor of your beef. You could also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add chopped fresh jalapeños to the beef or cheese sauce, or top with hot sauce.
• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing for a party, you can cook the beef and cheese sauce ahead of time and simply assemble and heat everything together before serving.
• Change Up the Fries: Use sweet potato fries, crinkle-cut fries, or waffle fries to mix things up and add a different texture to the dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the perfect comfort food for any occasion—whether it’s a fun dinner, a game day snack, or a casual treat to share with friends. With crispy fries, flavorful beef, and a melty, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today, and indulge in the ultimate cheesy, beefy fries experience!