Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries 🍟🧀🥩
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (1 lb) frozen French fries
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños for garnish
Directions:
1. **Cook the Fries:**
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the French fries evenly on a baking sheet and cook according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
2. **Prepare the Beef Mixture:**
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Season with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. **Assemble the Dish:**
- Transfer the cooked fries to a baking dish.
- Evenly spoon the beef mixture over the fries.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
4. **Bake:**
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Serve:**
- Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 25 minutes, Servings: 4, Calories: ~450 kcal per serving.
Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together crispy French fries, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese. To enhance your dish, consider adding toppings like sour cream or fresh jalapeños for an extra kick. This satisfying meal not only impresses with its flavors but also with its ease of preparation. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. The combination of hearty ingredients makes it filling, while the variety of textures keeps every bite interesting. You can customize the spice level by adjusting the chili powder or adding hot sauce directly into the beef mixture for a heat boost. Packed with protein from the ground beef and flavor from the cheese and sauce, these loaded fries are an excellent choice for feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, they come together in about 40 minutes, making them a quick solution for weeknight meals or unexpected guests. Experiment with different types of cheese or sauces to suit your taste – the possibilities are endless! Try serving with a side salad to balance out the richness for a complete meal.