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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 Loaded Nacho Fries! Try them with our air fryer french fries for a homemade twist!
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Table of Contents
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. The fries and beef create a harmonious base for the gooey, melted cheese that comes next. A generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese 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. Top these with diced tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, bell pepper. I like to add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole to the center to dip in. 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.
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.
- Cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups) – Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, creamy depth that melts into a rich, velvety layer.
- Fresh jalapenos – Fresh jalapeños offer a tangy, pickled heat that infuses a zesty spice.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes contribute a fresh, slightly tangy sweetness and a juicy texture contrast.
- Sour Cream – I like to add a dollop of sour cream to dip the fries in for a creamy texture.
- Guacamole – A little guacamole or mashed avocado adds a lovely creamy texture and earthy freshness to these indulgent fries.
Once you have assembled the ingredients use this method
Bake the Fries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay frozen fries on baking sheet and cook until crispy. Remove fries from oven when just under crispy.
Brown Beef and Veg and Assemble
Brown the beef and the veggies in a pan on the stovetop, drain the fat. Add the taco seasoning and some water and simmer till combined. Top the fries with the meat mixture, shredded cheese, and fresh jalapenos.
Bake and Enjoy
Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake till cheese is melted. Top with tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Making Nacho French Fries
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
FAQs
Thick-cut fries or steak fries work best for loaded Tex-Mex fries because they have a sturdy base that can hold the weight of the toppings without getting too soggy.
It’s best to assemble and bake your loaded Tex-Mex fries just before serving to ensure the fries remain crispy and the toppings are fresh and hot. You can prep your toppings ahead of time to save on cooking time.
To prevent sogginess, make sure your fries are well-cooked to a golden crispness before adding toppings, and serve immediately after baking with the toppings.
Loaded Tex-Mex fries can be gluten-free if you ensure that the fries and all toppings are free of gluten-containing ingredients. Always check the labels if using packaged products.
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, black olives, green onions, black beans, corn, seasoned ground beef or chicken, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Absolutely! Sweet potato fries are a delicious and nutritious alternative and pair well with Tex-Mex flavors.
Yes, you can make vegan loaded Tex-Mex fries by using dairy-free cheese alternatives, vegan sour cream, and plant-based meat substitutes.
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.
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.
What to Serve With Loaded Nacho Fries
Top your nachos with fresh guacamole, salsa, or even some queso dip if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Try some of my favorite sides with nacho fries like coleslaw, cornbread, or my favorite – grilled vegetables!
I round out your Tex Mex dinner try pairing these nachos with a fresh margarita or some kid friendly iced tea!
Try these other Tex-Mex recipes you will love:
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.
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French Fry Nachos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb bag frozen fries
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning, or one packet
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- jalapenos, sliced, optional
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ cup sour cream, optional topping
- ½ cup guacamole, optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Lay frozen fries on baking sheet and cook until crispy.
- While fries are cooking, heat a pan on the stovetop to medium and brown the ground beef.
- Drain the ground beef and set the beef aside.
- Add diced onion and peppers to the hot pan, cook 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Return the ground beef to the pan and add taco seasoning and about 2 tbsp of water. Simmer 3-4 minutes till well combined.
- Remove fries from oven when just under crispy.
- Layer the beef and vegetable taco seasoned mixture over the fries.
- Sprinkle with the shredded cheese and fresh jalapeños.
- Return to oven, cook until cheese is melted.
- Top with tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Super excited to try these Loaded nacho fries, seems amazing . Thanks for sharing this one with us.
Super excited to try these Loaded nacho fries, seems amazing . Thanks for sharing these delicious ones with us.
These were absolutely delicious. Followed recipe exactly as stated 1st time. Second time, I used crinkle cut seasoned fries and they held the meat and cheeses perfectly. Third time I used waffle fries and these scooped all that deliciousness in one sweep. Thanks for delicious meal!!!!
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Hi Patty,
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https://sendpulse.com/knowledge-base/push-notifications/enable-disable-push-notifications-google-chrome
The only thing this was missing was sour cream! So yummy!