Ingredients
Base
- Frozen French Fries – 4 cups (about 1 lb)
Beef Topping
- Lean Ground Beef – 1 lb
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional Spices (Chili powder, Cumin, Smoked paprika) – 1 teaspoon combined, or to taste
Cheese
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 1½ cups, shredded (about 6 oz)
Fresh Toppings
- Tomatoes – 1 medium, diced
- Jalapeños – 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
- Green Onions – 2, thinly sliced
- Sour Cream – ½ cup, for dolloping
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Cook the frozen fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy, using baking or air frying, ensuring they remain crunchy as the foundation.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Break up the beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Assemble the Fries: Spread the cooked fries evenly on an oven-safe tray or skillet. Top with the cooked beef mixture, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything for a cheesy layer.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the loaded fries under a broiler or bake at high temperature until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- Choose thicker-cut fries to maintain crispiness under toppings.
- Don’t overcrowd the fries when cooking them to achieve even crispiness.
- Season beef well to enhance flavor depth.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting results.
- Watch the broiler closely as cheese can burn quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cheesy loaded fries, beef fries, comfort food, game day snack, loaded fries, easy dinner