Nacho Fries

Craving something crispy, cheesy, and just plain irresistible? Look no further than these homemade Nacho Fries! Imagine golden, crispy fries loaded up with melty cheese, seasoned beef, and all the classic nacho toppings. They’re the perfect snack for a movie night, a fun party appetizer, or even a cozy dinner when you just want to treat yourself to something totally satisfying. These fries are everything you love about nachos, but in fry form. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Nacho Fries

Ultimate Comfort Food

They’ve got all the crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness that makes nachos a favorite, but with fries as the base. It’s comfort food taken to the next level!

Fully Customizable

Top them with all your favorite nacho ingredients—cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños. The possibilities are endless, and you can make them exactly the way you like!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a game night or just indulging in some solo snacking, these nacho fries are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re the perfect combination of salty, cheesy, and flavorful.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. They’re perfect for when you want something tasty without much effort.

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• Frozen Fries: Choose your favorite kind (crinkle-cut, steak fries, or regular) for that crispy base.
• Olive Oil: For extra crispiness when baking or frying the fries.
• Salt: To season the fries right after cooking.

For the Toppings:

• Ground Beef: Cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning for that classic nacho flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that melty, gooey cheese that’s essential in nacho fries.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds a nice meltiness and a slightly milder flavor.
• Sour Cream: For a cool, creamy contrast to the heat and cheese.
• Guacamole: A creamy, fresh addition to balance out the bold flavors.
• Salsa: For a fresh, zesty kick on top of your fries.
• Jalapeños: For those who like a little heat, jalapeños add the perfect amount of spice.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Cook the Fries:

1. Prepare the fries: Preheat the oven according to the package instructions for your frozen fries. Lay the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt.
2. Bake or fry the fries: Bake the fries according to the package directions, or if you prefer, fry them until golden and crispy. The key is to get them nice and crunchy!

Make the Beef:

1. Cook the beef: While the fries are cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and stir in taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet (or use homemade seasoning if you prefer).
2. Simmer: Add a splash of water to the beef and let it simmer until the mixture thickens and the seasoning is well distributed.

Assemble the Nacho Fries:

1. Layer the fries: Once the fries are cooked and crispy, spread them out on a large serving plate or tray.
2. Top with beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the fries.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef. Place the fries under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Top it off: Once the cheese has melted, top your nacho fries with your favorite toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Dig in: Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the fries are hot. Grab a fork or just go for it with your hands—either way, you’re in for a delicious treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 25g
Carbs per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 18g
Sugar per serving: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Nacho Fries

With Dipping Sauces:

Serve your nacho fries with a side of extra salsa, sour cream, or even some spicy queso dip for dipping!

As a Side Dish:

These nacho fries are the perfect side for tacos, grilled meats, or a big salad.

As a Main Dish:

You could easily make these nacho fries the star of the meal—pair them with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a margarita for the ultimate treat.

Additional Tips

Make Them Extra Crispy:

If you want your fries even crispier, after baking, try a quick broil for a minute or two to get that extra crunch.

Vegetarian Version:

Skip the ground beef and load up on other toppings like black beans, corn, and extra cheese for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Add More Heat:

If you love spice, top your fries with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for that extra kick.

Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for that crispy texture again!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
A1: Absolutely! Homemade fries will work just as well—just make sure to season and cook them to get them crispy.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes, you can swap the ground beef for black beans, grilled veggies, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Q3: Can I use cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese?
A3: Yes, cheese sauce is a great alternative! Just pour it over the fries instead of using shredded cheese.

Q4: Can I freeze nacho fries?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the fully assembled nacho fries, but you can freeze the cooked fries and then top them fresh later.

Q5: Can I add other toppings?
A5: Of course! Add things like olives, green onions, or even shredded lettuce for a crunchier topping.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q7: Can I use sweet potato fries?
A7: Absolutely! Sweet potato fries would be a delicious twist on this recipe.

Q8: How do I make these spicier?
A8: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to kick up the heat.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A9: Yes! Feel free to swap the cheeses for anything you like, such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.

Q10: How do I make nacho fries in the air fryer?
A10: Preheat your air fryer, cook the fries in a single layer for 15-20 minutes, then top with beef and cheese. Finish under the broiler or in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Conclusion

These Nacho Fries are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for sharing or just treating yourself. Crispy fries topped with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite nacho fixings—what’s not to love? Whether you’re having them as a snack, a side, or a full meal, you’re in for a flavorful treat! Enjoy!

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