There is nothing better than a hot tray of snacks on a crispy fall afternoon. You want something warm, filling, and easy to share with your favorite people.
These Loaded Beef Cheese Fries deliver everything you crave in one pan. They are golden, savory, and incredibly satisfying for any hungry crowd.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is the definition of ultimate comfort food. It combines the crunch of fries with the richness of seasoned beef.
You will love how fast this comes together on a busy weeknight. It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your freezer and pantry.
It is perfect for game day or a casual movie night at home. Your family will keep coming back for just one more bite.
How It Comes Together
Making these fries is a total breeze for any beginner cook. You simply bake the fries until they reach a perfect golden crunch.
While they bake, you quickly brown the beef in a single skillet. Layering everything together on one tray makes the cleanup very minimal.
Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this recipe. It is all about assembly and letting the oven do the hard work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We use a few smart shortcuts like frozen fries to keep things simple. Here is what you will need for this tray of goodness.
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup warm nacho cheese sauce
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños, sliced
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare French fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- While fries are baking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Remove fries from the oven and arrange them closely together in a single layer on the baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet.
- Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the hot fries.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and fries.
- Return the tray to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the shredded cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Drizzle the warm nacho cheese sauce over the top.
- Garnish with crumbled bacon, green onions, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream before serving immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these fries straight from the tray for a fun, communal feel. They are best enjoyed while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.
Pair them with a fresh side salad to balance the richness. A cold glass of lemonade or your favorite soda fits the casual vibe perfectly.
Set the tray in the middle of the table and dig in. It is a great way to bring the family together for a fun weekend treat.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days.
To keep the fries from getting soggy, avoid the microwave. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
You can also use an air fryer to bring back that signature crunch. This makes for a great quick lunch the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the step of draining the beef fat to keep fries crisp.
- Avoid crowding the pan so the fries bake evenly.
- Use sharp cheddar for the most flavorful melt.
- Warm your nacho cheese sauce separately before drizzling.
- For a festive touch, double the batch for a larger gathering.
- Add the sour cream just before serving so it stays cool.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic kitchen-to-table look.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- In summer, use fresh diced tomatoes instead of jalapeños.
- Use tater tots instead of fries for a fun texture change.
- Add a dash of taco seasoning to the beef for extra spice.
Common Questions
Can I make the beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown and season the beef a day early. Just reheat it slightly before adding it to your hot fries.
How do I know when the fries are done?
The fries should be deeply golden and feel firm to the touch. This helps them hold up under the heavy toppings.
Will kids enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely, this is a very kid-approved meal. You can leave the jalapeños on the side for picky eaters.
I hope these Loaded Beef Cheese Fries bring some extra joy to your next gathering. There is nothing like a warm, shared meal to make memories. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup warm nacho cheese sauce
- 4 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare French fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- While fries are baking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Remove fries from the oven and arrange them closely together in a single layer on the baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet.
- Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the hot fries.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and fries.
- Return the tray to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the shredded cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Drizzle the warm nacho cheese sauce over the top.
- Garnish with crumbled bacon, green onions, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream before serving immediately.
