Introduction:
Loaded fries with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and sour cream are the ultimate comfort food. This dish features crispy fries piled high with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream. It’s a perfect snack for movie nights, gatherings, or even as a hearty meal. Customizable to suit your taste, this indulgent dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes (for fries)
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced tomatoes
Instructions:
Prepare the fries:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into fries.
Toss the fries in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Cook the ground beef:
While the fries are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is well coated and the mixture is slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the loaded fries:
Once the fries are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Layer them on a serving plate.
Top the fries with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top and return the fries to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Finish and serve:
Remove the fries from the oven and top with sour cream and any optional garnishes (green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, etc.).
Serve immediately while the fries are hot and cheesy.
Description: These loaded fries are an irresistible combination of crispy fries, savory seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, this dish is both hearty and flavorful. The crispy fries form the perfect base, while the savory beef adds depth, and the melted cheese gives that indulgent touch. Topped with sour cream and optional fresh garnishes, this dish is a fun and satisfying meal or snack.
Tips:
For extra flavor, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Bake the fries in the air fryer for even crispier results.
Make your taco seasoning at home with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a more personalized touch.
Add some spicy elements, such as jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce, for those who enjoy heat.
For a cheesy boost, drizzle with nacho cheese sauce along with the cheddar.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Spicy: Add spicy chorizo or top with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
BBQ: Replace the taco seasoning with BBQ sauce and shredded chicken for a BBQ twist on loaded fries.
Buffalo: Mix some buffalo sauce with the ground beef or drizzle over the top for a buffalo chicken variation.
Corrections:
Ensure the fries are evenly spread out on the baking sheet to ensure crispiness.
If you prefer extra crispy fries, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet while cooking the ground beef; cook in batches if necessary to achieve an even brown.
Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and satisfying loaded fries dish! Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a filling snack on your own.