Name: Nacho Loaded Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 16 oz frozen fries, use a standard crinkle-cut or waffle-cut for best texture; 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 4-6 cheese slices or 1.5 cups shredded cheddar, American cheese slices melt beautifully, but sharp cheddar adds extra flavor; 1 cup shredded lettuce, crisp iceberg or romaine work best; 1/2 cup guacamole, fresh or store-bought; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup pico de gallo, fresh salsa with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro; Optional toppings: jalapeños, bacon bits, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, black olives, or green onions

Description

Nacho Loaded Fries feature crispy oven-baked fries topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce for the ultimate indulgent snack. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and shareable that comes together in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz frozen fries, use a standard crinkle-cut or waffle-cut for best texture
1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4-6 cheese slices or 1.5 cups shredded cheddar, American cheese slices melt beautifully, but sharp cheddar adds extra flavor
1 cup shredded lettuce, crisp iceberg or romaine work best
1/2 cup guacamole, fresh or store-bought
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup pico de gallo, fresh salsa with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro
Optional toppings: jalapeños, bacon bits, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, black olives, or green onions

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Instructions

Cook the Fries: Spread frozen fries on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink.
Season the Beef: Reduce heat to medium and add salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder to the cooked beef, stirring well to coat evenly.
Crisp It Up: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is slightly crispy and the spices are fragrant, then remove from heat.
Layer the Fries: Spread the hot, crispy fries evenly in a large baking dish or on a serving platter.
Add the Cheese: Immediately place cheese slices or sprinkle shredded cheddar over the hot fries and let it melt for 1-2 minutes, or place under the broiler for 30 seconds if needed.
Top with Beef: Sprinkle the seasoned ground beef evenly over the melted cheese, then add the shredded lettuce.
Finish with Toppings: Spoon guacamole and sour cream across the top, then finish with fresh pico de gallo, and serve immediately while everything is warm and gooey.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes