Name: Loaded Cheese Beef Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag frozen French fries; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup sour cream; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tomato, diced (optional); Sliced jalapeños (optional)

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Loaded cheese beef fries are the ultimate comfort food snack—crispy fries layered with savory ground beef, gooey cheddar, and all the toppings I love. I make them when I’m craving something indulgent, whether for game day, a weekend treat, or even a casual dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s quick, customizable, and always a hit. The fries get perfectly crispy, the beef adds hearty flavor, and the melted cheese ties it all together. I also like that I can pile on different toppings depending on what I have—sometimes fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, or even guacamole.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 bag frozen French fries
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup sour cream
2 green onions, chopped
1 tomato, diced (optional)
Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Directions

Cook French fries according to package instructions until crispy.
While the fries bake, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess grease, then season with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Once fries are done, place them on an oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
Spread the seasoned beef over the fries, then top with the remaining cheese.
Return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
Remove from oven and top with sour cream, green onions, and any other garnishes I like. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to cook, depending on the fries used.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, or ground turkey. For extra flavor, I drizzle nacho cheese instead of shredded cheese. I also like making it Tex-Mex style with black beans, corn, and salsa added on top.

Storage/Reheating

I find this dish is best eaten fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp the fries again.

FAQs

Can I make this with homemade fries instead of frozen?

Yes, I often use homemade fries. I cut potatoes into sticks, toss them with oil and seasoning, and bake until golden and crispy.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, I like mixing cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for extra flavor and meltiness.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, I add cayenne pepper to the beef or top the fries with pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

I can cook the beef mixture ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, I just bake the fries, assemble, and heat everything together before serving.

What’s the best way to serve loaded fries for a crowd?

I like spreading them out on a large sheet pan and letting everyone add their own toppings. It’s fun and makes serving easy.

Conclusion

Loaded cheese beef fries are one of my go-to indulgent recipes when I want something hearty and fun. The crispy fries, savory beef, and gooey cheese make an irresistible combination, and with endless topping options, I can customize them however I like. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.