Taco Beef Loaded Fries (Printable Version)
Crispy fries topped with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream for the ultimate comfort food.
# What You Need:
→ Fries
01 - 1.5 lbs frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (if baking fresh fries)
03 - Salt, to taste
→ Taco Beef
04 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
05 - 1 small onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
08 - 1/3 cup water
→ Cheese & Toppings
09 - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
11 - 1 large tomato, diced
12 - 1/2 cup sliced green onions
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup guacamole or diced avocado (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake frozen fries according to package directions, or toss fresh-cut fries with oil and salt, then bake 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp.
02 - Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with spatula, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add onion and garlic to beef; sauté 2-3 minutes until onion softens.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning and add water. Stir well and simmer 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
05 - Transfer cooked fries to large oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Sprinkle half the cheeses over fries, then top evenly with taco beef. Add remaining cheese on top.
06 - Return to oven for 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven. Top with tomato, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sour cream, and guacamole as desired.
08 - Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of textures goes from salty crisp to creamy rich in every single bite.
- It transforms ordinary fries into a complete meal that feels like celebration food.
02 -
- Never skip the step of draining excess fat from the beef or your fries will become soggy underneath all that topping weight.
- Adding water to the taco seasoning helps it bloom and distribute evenly through the beef rather than staying in concentrated spots.
03 -
- If you're making this for a crowd bake the fries and beef ahead then just do the final melt under the broiler for 2 minutes.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the whole platter right before serving brightens every flavor.