Loaded Nacho Fries Beef (Printable version)
Crispy fries layered with seasoned beef, smooth queso, and fresh toppings for a satisfying Tex-Mex treat.
# What you need:
→ For the Fries
01 - 1.5 lbs frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For the Beef
07 - 1 lb ground beef
08 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tbsp taco seasoning
11 - 1/4 cup water
12 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Queso Sauce
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
14 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
15 - 1 cup whole milk
16 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
18 - 1/4 tsp ground cumin
19 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
20 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
21 - Salt to taste
→ Toppings
22 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
23 - 1/3 cup sliced jalapeños
24 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
25 - 1/4 cup sour cream
26 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
# How To:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread fries in single layer on baking sheet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through cooking.
02 - Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook 2 minutes, breaking up with spoon. Add chopped onion and cook until beef browned and onion soft, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
03 - Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Return to low heat and stir until cheese melts and sauce smooth. Season with salt.
04 - Transfer cooked fries to large platter. Top with seasoned beef mixture. Pour queso sauce over top. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve immediately with extra toppings on side if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The homemade queso sauce puts anything from a jar to absolute shame and comes together in under five minutes
- You can customize the heat level and toppings to please everyone from spice seekers to mild food lovers
02 -
- The queso will thicken as it cools, so have your toppings ready before you start making the sauce
- If your fries arent crispy enough, give them a few extra minutes under the broiler while the beef simmers
03 -
- Season your fries while they are still hot from the oven so the spices adhere better
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded bags for the smoothest queso possible