Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef Crunch Fries, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a full meal!
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
- 1 lb (450g) frozen or fresh French fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the Beef Topping:
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp barbecue sauce (or taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or extra cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup jalapeño slices (optional)
- ¼ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
- Sour cream or ranch for drizzling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
- Bake or fry the French fries according to package instructions or until golden and crispy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside on a baking tray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Drain excess grease, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in barbecue sauce (or taco seasoning with a splash of water) and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute until smooth.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until slightly thickened.
- Add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, stirring until the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Fries
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the cooked fries on a baking tray and evenly spread the seasoned beef over the top.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the fries, then sprinkle with mozzarella (or extra cheddar) cheese.
- Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve
- Remove from the oven and top with green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and crispy bacon bits.
- Drizzle with sour cream or ranch and serve immediately!
Optional Variations:
🔥 Tex-Mex Style: Use taco-seasoned beef and add guacamole.
🥓 Ultimate Bacon Loaded Fries: Add extra crispy bacon bits on top.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Use hot sauce in the cheese sauce and add extra jalapeños.