Carne Asada Fries: A Flavorful Mexican Delight

Introduction

Carne Asada Fries have become a beloved comfort food in our household, combining the best of both worlds—crispy fries topped with savory carne asada and a medley of delicious toppings. This dish never fails to impress family and friends at gatherings. Each bite is a flavor explosion, thanks to the combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, and I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear so quickly! Whether it’s game day or a casual family dinner, Carne Asada Fries are always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 lb carne asada
• 1 (32-oz) bag frozen French fries
• 1 1/2 cups refried beans, warmed
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pico de gallo
• 3/4 cup guacamole
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the Carne Asada

1. Marinate the Steak: Start by marinating the carne asada for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 8 hours will enhance the flavor significantly.
2. Cook the Steak: Grill or cook the marinated carne asada in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is browned and cooked to medium doneness. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Fries

3. Bake the Fries: While the steak is resting, prepare the frozen French fries according to the package instructions. You can use your oven or an air fryer. Cook until they are golden and crispy.
4. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Once the fries are crispy, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Assemble the Dish

5. Top with Beans and Cheese: Drizzle the warmed refried beans over the fries, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add the Toppings: Once the fries are out of the oven, top them with the diced carne asada, guacamole, pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese.

Serve

7. Serve Family Style: Present the Carne Asada Fries right on the baking sheet for a fun and communal dining experience. Enjoy while hot!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 700-800 calories (varies based on toppings and specific brands of ingredients used)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes (including resting time for carne asada)

How to Serve

• Serve directly on the baking sheet for a casual, family-style meal.
• Offer extra toppings on the side, such as additional guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
• Pair with cold beverages like margaritas or soda.
• Consider adding a side of pickled jalapeños for those who like a spicy kick.

Additional Tips

1. Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate your carne asada overnight if possible.
2. Customize Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences—sliced jalapeños, black olives, or even shredded lettuce can be great additions.
3. Cheese Options: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
4. Make Ahead: You can prep the carne asada and refried beans a day in advance to save time.
5. Healthier Option: For a lighter version, swap out regular fries for baked sweet potato fries.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute carne asada with grilled vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• BBQ Carne Asada Fries: Add a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce along with the toppings for a smoky flavor.
• Loaded Nacho Style: Replace fries with tortilla chips and layer with the same toppings for a nacho version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of Mexican street corn (elote) for a full meal.
• Pair with a light salad to balance the richness of the fries.
• Offer a selection of hot sauces for guests to customize their spice level.

Freezing and Storage

• Leftovers: Store any leftover assembled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, it’s best to store cooked fries and carne asada separately. Reheat fries in the oven to restore their crispiness and warm the carne asada on the stove.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to keep the fries crispy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

• Yes, you can cut your own potatoes and fry or bake them for a fresher taste.

1. What if I don’t have carne asada?

• You can substitute with any cooked steak or even grilled chicken.

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Yes! Use grilled veggies or beans as the protein source.

1. How spicy are Carne Asada Fries?

• The spice level can be adjusted based on the type and amount of chili used in the recipe.

1. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

• Reheat in the oven to keep the fries crispy.

1. Can I add more cheese?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese if you love it extra cheesy.

1. How long can I marinate the steak?

• Marinate for at least 1 hour; up to 8 hours is ideal.

1. What toppings can I use?

• You can add black olives, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for variation.

1. What kind of beans should I use?

• Refried beans are traditional, but black beans or pinto beans can also work.

1. Can I serve this as a main dish?
   • Yes, Carne Asada Fries make a hearty main dish and are perfect for sharing.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Fries are a fantastic way to elevate a simple comfort food into a spectacular meal that everyone will love. With layers of flavor from the marinated steak, creamy toppings, and crispy fries, this dish is sure to please at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a casual family night or serving it at a party, Carne Asada Fries are bound to become a new favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness and the joy of sharing this delightful dish with those you love!

Print