When I’m looking for a quick dinner I can make from leftovers, vegetables, meat, or cheese I need to use up, that I can toss into one simple and crave-worthy dish, there is nothing like Nacho Fries! This dinner is incredibly flexible and adaptable to your family’s tastes – and easy to serve on chaotic weeknights. Try them with our air fryer french fries for a homemade twist!

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Nacho Fries Recipe

Easy loaded nacho fries are the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods: crispy french fries and flavorful nachos. This dish starts with a generous bed of golden fries, fresh out of the oven or fryer, ensuring a crisp texture that can withstand the hearty toppings to come. These are not your average snack; they’re a canvas waiting to be adorned with mouth-watering ingredients. Layered on top is savory ground beef, seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, which brings the classic Tex-Mex flair to the ensemble. The ground beef is cooked to perfection, juicy and rich, adding a substantial protein component that makes these fries a satisfying meal in their own right.

The fries and beef create a harmonious base for the gooey, melted cheese that comes next. A generous sprinkling of shredded cheese, preferably a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, is melted until it’s irresistibly stringy and envelops the other elements in a warm embrace. The melted cheese acts like glue, melding the flavors while adding a creamy texture and salty tang. Finally, sliced black olives are scattered on top, providing a contrast with their earthy and slightly bitter notes that cut through the richness of the cheese and beef. The olives are not just a garnish; their unique flavor is a nod to traditional nachos and they bring a welcome pop of color that makes the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. This easy loaded nacho fries platter is casual yet indulgent, perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or any time you crave a cheesy, meaty treat that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Nacho Fries

You’ll love Nacho Fries because they combine the best of both worlds—crispy, seasoned fries and warm, melty cheese. The fries are perfectly spiced, giving them a bold, savory flavor that complements the creamy cheese. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, a side, or even a meal (we love doing dinner with these just set in the middle of the table so that everyone can dig in!) Nacho Fries are the ultimate comfort food with a delicious twist. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing (or not!), making them an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

Homemade Nacho Fries Ingredients

First assemble these ingredients:

• Frozen fries (1 lb) – Fries offer a savory, golden crunch with a fluffy interior, providing a neutral base that absorbs flavors well.
• Ground beef (1 lb) – Ground beef has a rich, meaty taste that is hearty and full-bodied.
• Onion (1) – Onions bring a pungent, slightly sweet, and aromatic quality that intensifies when cooked.
• Bell peppers (2) – Bell peppers have a sweet, juicy crunch, adding a mild, vegetal flavor to the mix.
• Taco seasoning – Taco seasoning packs a bold, spicy kick with notes of cumin, garlic, and chili powder.
• Can jalapenos – Canned jalapeños offer a tangy, pickled heat that infuses a zesty spice.
• Cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups) – Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, creamy depth that melts into a rich, velvety layer.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes contribute a fresh, slightly tangy sweetness and a juicy texture contrast.
• Green onions – Green onions finish the dish with a mild, oniony bite and a burst of color.

How to Make Nacho Fries

1. Cook Fries. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay frozen fries on baking sheet and cook until crispy.
2. Cook Beef and Veg. While fries are cooking, brown ground beef. Drain fat. Add diced onion and peppers, cook until browned.
3. Season. Add taco seasoning and water, mix according to package directions.
4. Assemble. Remove fries from oven when just under crispy. Layer taco mixture over fries. Sprinkle with cheese and jalapeños.
5. Bake. Return to oven, cook until cheese is melted. Top with tomatoes and green onions, serve.

Tips to Making Nacho French Fries

• Choose the Right Potato: Opt for russet potatoes for their starchy content, which makes them perfect for frying to achieve that desired crispiness.
• Cut Evenly: Try to cut your fries in even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly and you don’t end up with a mix of overcooked and undercooked fries.
• Soak the Potatoes: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour to remove excess starch, which helps in getting them crispy when fried or baked.
• Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, dry the potatoes completely before cooking to prevent oil splatter and to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Make sure your fries have ample salt and Tex-Mex spices before and after cooking for a full-flavored base.
• High Heat for Baking: If you’re baking your fries, use a high oven temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) to get them nice and crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Whether you’re baking or frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan as this will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them.
• Use a Rack: If baking, place a wire rack on top of your baking sheet before spreading out the fries. This allows the heat to circulate around the fries, cooking them evenly and making them crispier.
• Layering: When you’re adding your toppings, do it in layers. A layer of fries, then cheese, then more fries, and more toppings. This ensures that every bite has a good distribution of toppings.
• Melt the Cheese Properly: If the cheese isn’t melting to your liking in the oven, put it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of cooking, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
• Fresh Toppings Last: Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, or green onions after the fries come out of the oven so they maintain their texture and flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Loaded fries are best served hot and fresh. The longer they sit, the soggier they can become due to the toppings.
• Use Sturdy Fries: If you’re worried about sogginess, consider double frying your potatoes or baking them extra crispy to ensure they can hold up to the toppings.
• Offer Varieties of Heat: Not everyone can handle the same level of spiciness, so consider serving the hot components, like jalapeños or hot sauce, on the side.
• Creative Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings. Try adding things like black beans, corn, avocado, or even a scoop of your favorite chili.
• Prep Ahead: Prep your toppings while your fries are cooking to assemble your loaded fries quickly once they’re out

Nacho Fries Recipe Variations

• Buffalo Nacho Fries: Toss the fries in buffalo sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese, shredded chicken, and chopped green onions. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Tex-Mex Nacho Fries: Add a Tex-Mex flair by topping the fries with chili, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and sliced jalapeños. Bake until the cheese is melted, then garnish with fresh cilantro.
• BBQ Nacho Fries: Drizzle your fries with smoky BBQ sauce and top with pulled pork or shredded brisket, pickled jalapeños, and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Vegetarian Nacho Fries: Keep it vegetarian by topping the fries with black beans, corn, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of salsa or chipotle mayo. Add shredded cheese or queso fresco for extra flavor.
• Greek Nacho Fries: Give your fries a Mediterranean twist by topping them with crumbled feta cheese, chopped cucumbers, diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
• Breakfast Nacho Fries: Top your fries with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa. Add some diced avocado for an extra touch.

What to Serve With Loaded Nacho Fries

Loaded Tex-Mex fries are a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of other foods. Here’s a list of items that complement them well:

Proteins:

1. Grilled Chicken: Slices of grilled chicken breast add a healthy protein option.
2. Pulled Pork: Shredded pulled pork can enhance the Tex-Mex flavors.
3. Beef Brisket: Tender slices of beef brisket offer a smoky, meaty addition.
4. Ground Beef: Seasoned ground beef adds a classic taco filling vibe.

Dips & Sauces:

5. Guacamole: A side of fresh guacamole brings creaminess and richness.
6. Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and cool element.
7. Salsa: Offer a variety of salsas for extra heat and freshness.
8. Queso Dip: Warm, cheesy queso dip is always a hit with Tex-Mex fries.

Side Dishes:

9. Coleslaw: A side of tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast.
10. Cornbread: Warm cornbread complements the spices in the Tex-Mex fries.
11. Grilled Vegetables: Assorted grilled vegetables add a smoky and healthy option.

Drinks:

12. Beer: A cold beer pairs well with the spicy and cheesy flavors.
13. Margaritas: A classic margarita adds a festive touch to the meal.
14. Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea offers a refreshing beverage choice.

Desserts:

15. Churros: For a sweet finish, serve churros with chocolate dipping sauce.
16. Sopapillas: These puffy, fried pastries are a delightful Tex-Mex dessert.
17. Fried Ice Cream: A unique dessert option that complements the spicy fries.

Toppings:

18. Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for an added burst of flavor.
19. Pickled Jalapenos: For those who like it extra spicy.
20. Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh chopped tomatoes add a juicy, refreshing element.

Storing Homemade Nacho Fries

Homemade Nacho Fries are best enjoyed fresh, as they’re crispiest right after cooking. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nacho fries can safely be frozen and reheated – but the texture can break down and be a bit mushy upon reheating, though perfectly safe to eat.

Reheating French Fry Nachos

To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and regain some crispiness. While they won’t be as crisp as when first made, this method helps restore some of their original texture and flavor.

Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Try these other Tex-Mex recipes you will love:

Easy Chicken Tinga Recipe

Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Carne Asada Nachos

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Shredded Beef Tacos

Habanero Jalapeño Hot Sauce

Homemade CrunchWrap

Spicy Jalapeño Beef Stew

Also try favorites like Easy Fogo De Chao Brazilian Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe, Easy Keto Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip Recipe, Bacon Wrapped Cheddar and Garlic Jalapeno Poppers, Sweet and Spicy Guinness Snack Mix Recipe, Air Fried Nandos Chicken Wings Recipe, Sweet and Spicy Crispy Baked Chicken Wings, and Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks.

Loaded Nacho Fries Recipe

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