Description
Crispy oven-baked fries loaded with savory seasoned ground beef, creamy homemade cheese sauce, and your favorite toppings! A crowd-pleasing appetizer or indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup beef broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole
- Bacon bits
- Your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Fries: Soak the potato fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Season the Fries: Toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Season Again: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped green bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add Remaining Beef Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans (rinsed and drained), taco seasoning, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and Adjust Beef Seasoning: Taste the beef mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth and thickened.
- Add Cheese Sauce Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Keep Cheese Sauce Warm: Keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Fries: Spread the baked fries on a platter or plates.
- Top with Beef: Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the fries.
- Drizzle with Cheese Sauce: Generously drizzle the cheese sauce over the beef.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with your desired toppings.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef or cheese sauce.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses in the cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground beef or black beans.
- Air Fryer Fries: Cook fries in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
- Make Ahead: Beef and cheese sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes