A cheesy, spicy, crunchy Taco Bell-inspired dish that’s perfect for a snack or party. These

Ingredients

For the Fries:

  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), cut into 1/4-inch fries
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Seasoned Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup guacamole (optional)

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and cut potatoes into 1/4-inch fries. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, toss fries with vegetable oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
  5. Stir in cayenne pepper and salt. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Seasoned Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  2. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir to combine.
  3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens and beef is well-coated. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Nacho Fries

  1. Arrange baked fries on a large serving platter or individual plates.
  2. Drizzle warm nacho cheese sauce generously over the fries.
  3. Spoon seasoned beef evenly over the cheese-covered fries.
  4. Top with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, and optional black olives or guacamole.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Pair with extra napkins—this is a deliciously messy dish!

Tips

  • For extra crunch, fry the potatoes in a deep fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes instead of baking.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne in the cheese sauce or using milder/hotter peppers.
  • Make it vegetarian by swapping beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

  • Calories: 600–700 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Serves: 4–6