Loaded Nacho Fries Beef

The first time I made loaded nacho fries for a Super Bowl party, my brother stood by the counter for twenty minutes, eating them straight off the platter until I literally had to shoo him away. Now whenever I mention I'm making them, he shows up with his own container, claiming he's helping with leftovers. That's the kind of snack that disappears before you even sit down to eat.

Last summer, I made these for a group of friends who were skeptical about fries as a base instead of tortilla chips. Within five minutes, the entire platter was demolished and they were already planning when we could have them again. There's something about the combination of crispy potatoes, spiced beef, and that warm cheese sauce that just works on every level.

Ingredients

• Frozen or fresh French fries: I've found that thick-cut fries hold up better under all those toppings without getting soggy too quickly
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder: This spice trio transforms ordinary fries into something extraordinary
• Ground beef: The taco seasoning adds just the right amount of familiar flavor that everyone loves
• Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack: This cheese combination gives you the perfect balance of meltability and flavor
• Butter and flour: The roux base ensures your queso stays silky smooth instead of separating
• Fresh toppings: Don't skip these because they cut through all that rich, cheesy goodness

Instructions

Season and bake the fries:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and spread the fries on a large baking sheet, giving them room to crisp up. Toss them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Cook the seasoned beef:

While the fries are getting crispy, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, then stir in the garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until everything thickens nicely.

Make the queso sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in the cheeses with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne until smooth.

Assemble your masterpiece:

Pile those crispy fries onto a large platter or right onto individual plates. Top with the seasoned beef, drizzle generously with that warm queso sauce, and scatter with all your fresh toppings.

Save

These became my go-to contribution for friend gatherings because they're impossible to resist and so much more satisfying than standard party fare. Something about piling everything onto fries just makes people happy.

Making It Your Own

I've played around with different proteins over the years, and ground turkey works beautifully if you want something lighter. Black beans make an excellent vegetarian option, and I've even used shredded chicken when that's what I had on hand. The beauty here is that the foundation is so strong, you can customize almost every element.

The Cheese Situation

Homemade queso might seem unnecessary when you can buy it, but the difference is night and day. Making your own roux-based sauce means you control the consistency and the flavor intensity. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to exactly where you like it, something store-bought versions never quite get right.

Serving Strategy

If you're feeding a crowd, set up a toppings bar and let people build their own perfect plate. Keep the fries warm in the oven at 200°F and the queso sauce on the lowest setting. This way, everyone gets hot food and can load up on exactly what they love.

• Extra lime wedges brighten everything up
• Have hot sauce available for the spice lovers
• Napkins are non-negotiable with this meal

Save

Whether it's game day or just Tuesday, these loaded nacho fries turn ordinary moments into something worth celebrating. Enjoy every messy, delicious bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F, tossing halfway for even crispiness.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or black beans work well as lighter or vegetarian alternatives.

→ What cheeses are used in the queso sauce?

Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses combine for a creamy, flavorful queso.

→ How do I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Add cayenne pepper to the queso and increase jalapeño amounts for a spicier kick.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?

Use gluten-free fries and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative in the queso.