Name: Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning; ½ cup beef broth; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Chopped green onions; Diced tomatoes; Pickled jalapeños; Sour cream; Guacamole; Bacon bits

Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries: Prepare to meet your new favorite indulgence! Imagine crispy, golden fries smothered in a savory, seasoned beef mixture, then blanketed in a molten river of cheese. It's a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you craving more with every single bite. This isn't just a snack; it's an experience!

While the exact origins of cheesy loaded beef fries are a bit hazy, they're a delicious evolution of classic comfort foods. Think of them as a decadent cousin to chili cheese fries, borrowing inspiration from American diner fare and Tex-Mex cuisine. The combination of crispy potatoes, hearty beef, and gooey cheese is a timeless trio that appeals to almost everyone.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of salty, savory, and cheesy goodness. The crispy fries provide a satisfying crunch, while the seasoned beef adds a rich, meaty depth. And let's not forget the cheese! It melts everything together into a harmonious blend of flavors. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game-day gathering, or a satisfying late-night snack. Get ready to elevate your fry game with this ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients:

For the Fries:

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Beef:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
½ cup beef broth

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional):

Chopped green onions
Diced tomatoes
Pickled jalapeños
Sour cream
Guacamole
Bacon bits

Preparing the Fries:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the fries will cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
Prepare the Fries: Place the cut fries in a large bowl and rinse them under cold water for a few minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which contributes to crispier fries. Drain the fries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Make sure they are really dry!
Season the Fries: In the same bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the seasonings. I like to use my hands to really get in there and make sure everything is well distributed.
Bake the Fries: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the fries instead of baking them. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.

Making the Beef:

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy beef!
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped green bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly softened.
Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans (rinsed and drained), taco seasoning, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be!

Creating the Cheese Sauce:

Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the cheese sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux, or it will affect the taste of the sauce.
Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Season the Sauce: Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Assembling the Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries:

Arrange the Fries: Place the baked fries on a large serving platter or individual plates.
Top with Beef: Spoon the cooked beef mixture generously over the fries. Make sure every fry gets a little bit of that delicious beef!
Drizzle with Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and fries. Don't be shy with the cheese sauce – the more, the merrier!
Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and bacon bits. Get creative and customize your fries to your liking!
Serve Immediately: Serve the cheesy loaded beef fries immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for fries because they have a high starch content, which helps them get crispy.
Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the fries instead of baking them, resulting in soggy fries. Bake the fries in batches if necessary.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains cellulose to prevent clumping.
Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the beef and cheese sauce to your liking. Add more or less taco seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder as desired.
Make it Spicy: If you like your fries with a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or cheese sauce.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the beef and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Reheat them before assembling the fries.
Get Creative with Toppings: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings! Try adding black olives, corn, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Variations:

Chili Cheese Fries: Substitute the taco seasoned beef with your favorite chili recipe.
Pulled Pork Fries: Top the fries with pulled pork and barbecue sauce instead of beef.
Buffalo Chicken Fries: Use shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese dressing instead of beef and cheese sauce.
Pizza Fries: Top the fries with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Fries: Leftover fries are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will lose some of their crispness, but you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of their texture.
Leftover Beef and Cheese Sauce: Leftover beef and cheese sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

As an Appetizer: Cheesy loaded beef fries make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings.
As a Main Course: Serve them as a main course for a casual dinner.
With a Side Salad: Pair them with a side salad for a more balanced meal.
Game Day Snack: They are the perfect snack for watching sports games.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are so much more than just a snack; they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of crispy fries, savory seasoned beef, and that glorious blanket of melted cheese is simply irresistible. It's the kind of dish that disappears in minutes, leaving everyone wanting more. But what makes these fries truly special is their versatility. While I've shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished fries. If you're a fan of fresh flavors, top them with diced tomatoes, red onions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Guacamole would also be an amazing addition! Thinking about serving suggestions? These Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are perfect as a hearty appetizer for game day, a fun and satisfying snack for movie night, or even a complete meal when you're craving something indulgent. They pair perfectly with a cold beer, a refreshing soda, or even a crisp glass of white wine. For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the beef with seasoned black beans or lentils. You could also add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrients. The possibilities are truly endless! Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients; this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different flavors until you find your perfect combination. I promise you, once you try these fries, you'll be hooked! I've poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I'm so excited for you to try it. I truly believe that these Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries will become a new favorite in your household. They're the perfect way to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or fire up your air fryer!), and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. I'm confident that you'll love every single bite. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you've made these Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries, please share your experience with me. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family and friends think? Leave a comment below and let me know! I can't wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I am sure that you will love this Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries recipe.