Taco Beef Loaded Fries (Printable)
Crispy fries topped with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for the ultimate comfort food.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fries
01 - 1.5 lbs frozen or fresh French fries
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (if baking fresh fries)
03 - Salt to taste
→ Taco Beef
04 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
05 - 1 small onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
08 - 1/3 cup water
→ Cheese & Toppings
09 - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
11 - 1 large tomato, diced
12 - 1/2 cup sliced green onions
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup guacamole or diced avocado (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake fries according to package directions, or toss fresh-cut fries with oil and salt, then bake 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
02 - Heat large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with spatula, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add onion and garlic to beef; sauté 2–3 minutes until onion softens.
04 - Sprinkle in taco seasoning and add water. Stir well and simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
05 - Transfer fries to large oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Sprinkle half the cheeses over fries, then top evenly with taco beef.
06 - Add remaining cheese on top. Return to oven for 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven. Top with tomato, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sour cream, and guacamole as desired.
08 - Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between hot fries and cool toppings creates layers of texture and temperature
- This feeds four hungry people as a main dish or stretches to eight as appetizer portions
02 -
- Work quickly once the fries come out of the oven or they will lose their crucial crunch before serving
- Drain the beef fat before adding seasonings or the final dish will feel heavy and greasy
03 -
- A baking sheet with low sides makes serving and transferring easier than a rimmed pan
- Let the beef cool slightly before assembling so the cheese does not melt completely away too fast