Description

A small-batch recipe for crispy loaded nacho cheese fries that serves two people, featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeños, and green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

12–14 ounces frozen steak fries or crinkle-cut fries (or 2 medium russet potatoes, cut into thick sticks)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2–3 tablespoons sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
2 stalks green onions, sliced

Instructions

Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
Cook beef for 4-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Drain excess grease thoroughly and set aside.
While beef cooks, heat vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add fries in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake fries at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Transfer cooked fries to the serving skillet or plate and sprinkle evenly with salt.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the hot fries.
Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese using steam, or broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese.
Top with sliced jalapeños and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy fries. Serve immediately as the fries lose crispiness quickly. For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with black beans or corn.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (half the
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 850
Fat: 42
Saturated Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 4
Protein: 22

Keywords: loaded nacho cheese fries, small batch recipe, easy appetizer, comfort food, nacho fries, quick dinner, cheesy fries