Easy Homemade Nacho Fries Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy Comfort

Crispy, golden nacho fries have become a recent obsession for snack enthusiasts everywhere.

Cheese-covered potato strips tempt taste buds with their irresistible crunch and bold flavors.

Southern California’s favorite street food inspires home cooks to recreate restaurant magic in their kitchens.

Quick preparation meets intense seasoning, promising a delightful twist on traditional side dishes.

Restaurant-style satisfaction awaits with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Spice lovers and comfort food fans unite around this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers pure deliciousness.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that guarantees smiles at every bite.

Why Nacho Fries Are The Ultimate Snack

• Quickly Customize: Personalize these nacho fries with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or salsa to match your taste preferences.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for game nights, movie gatherings, or casual get-togethers where everyone loves a crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to share.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it a go-to recipe for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines the beloved flavors of nachos and fries into one irresistible dish that satisfies cravings and brings instant joy to the dinner table.

Ingredients Needed for Crispy Nacho Fries

• Seasoned Fries: Crispy potato base that serves as the foundation of the dish.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substance to the nachos.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creamy texture to the fries.

• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that gives the ground beef a zesty and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.

• Water: Helps the taco seasoning blend and coat the ground beef evenly.

How to Make Nacho Fries at Home

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Fries

Cook frozen seasoned fries in the oven following the package directions until they’re golden and crisp.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it sizzles.

Drain any extra grease from the pan.

Step 3: Season Beef Perfectly

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and add a splash of water.

Stir and simmer until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Layer Fries with Meat

Transfer the hot, crispy fries to a serving plate or baking sheet.

Generously spread the spiced beef across the top of the fries.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Shower the beef-covered fries with a blanket of shredded cheese.

Make sure every fry gets some cheesy love.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Place the loaded fries in the oven or microwave for 2-3 minutes until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Pull out your sizzling creation and get ready to dig into these ultimate nacho fries. Grab a fork or eat them with your hands – no judgment here!

Tips for Crunchy and Flavorful Nacho Fries

• Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and maximum crunchiness.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent soggy fries and reduce greasiness.
• Adjust taco seasoning amount to match your spice preference or use homemade blend for more authentic flavor.
• Add cheese after beef to prevent soggy bottom layer and maintain fry crispness.
• Watch carefully during cheese melting to avoid burning and achieve perfect gooey texture.

Variations to Spice Up Your Nacho Fries

• Loaded Veggie Nacho Fries: Replace ground beef with sautéed black beans, bell peppers, and corn for a vegetarian version packed with colorful vegetables and protein.
• Spicy Chicken Nacho Fries: Swap ground beef with shredded spicy chicken seasoned with chipotle powder and topped with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Nacho Fries: Use lamb seasoned with za'atar spices, crumbled feta cheese, and add fresh herbs like parsley and mint for a global flavor profile.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Nacho Fries: Top fries with tender slow-cooked pulled pork glazed in tangy barbecue sauce and sprinkle with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, smoky experience.

Perfect Pairings for Nacho Fries

• Craft a Zesty Margarita Pairing: Blend a tangy lime margarita with salt rim to complement the spicy beef and crispy fries, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
• Select Refreshing Mexican Lager: Choose a cold Corona or Modelo to balance the hearty meat and cheesy fries, providing a crisp counterpoint to the bold flavors.
• Add Fresh Pico de Gallo Topping: Sprinkle homemade pico de gallo over the nacho fries for a fresh, zingy contrast that adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
• Create Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Dollop smooth sour cream on top to temper the spice and add a creamy texture that softens the overall heat of the seasoned beef.

How to Store Nacho Fries Without Losing Crisp

Store leftover Nacho Fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.

Separate meat and fries before freezing in individual sealed containers. Frozen leftovers stay good for 1-2 months.

Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Uncover for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp fries.

Place on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain texture.

FAQs

• Are nacho fries a healthy meal?

While delicious, nacho fries are considered an indulgent dish high in calories and fat. They’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• What cheese works best for nacho fries?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheese are excellent choices. They melt well and provide a rich, tangy flavor that complements the seasoned beef.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, use a hot taco seasoning blend, or include a splash of hot sauce when cooking the ground beef to increase the heat level.

Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy nacho fries deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with crispy potato wedges covered in zesty cheese sauce and bold toppings. Crunchy, cheesy goodness awaits those craving a flavor-packed snack that brings restaurant excitement straight to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (lb) / 907 grams Walmart brand seasoned fries
• 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams ground beef
• 1 cup / 240 milliliters shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Seasoning:

• 1 packet taco seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare crispy fries according to package temperature guidelines, ensuring a golden and crunchy texture.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook ground beef, continuously breaking it into small crumbles and eliminating excess fat.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning into the browned meat, adding recommended water amount and simmering until the mixture thickens and becomes richly flavored.
4. Arrange hot fries on a large serving platter, creating an even base for toppings.
5. Generously distribute seasoned beef across the entire surface of the prepared fries.
6. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat-covered fries, covering most of the surface.
7. Place the loaded fries into a 350°F oven or microwave for 2-3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and create a gooey, appetizing layer.
8. Remove from heat, let cool briefly, and serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Notes

• Customize fries by choosing thick-cut or seasoned varieties for extra flavor complexity.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy fries and reduce excess grease.
• Consider using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for unique taste variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg