Spicy Nachos Fries

Here is my go-to recipe for nacho fries – loaded with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and all your favorite taco toppings layered over crispy French fries.

These nacho fries are what my kids beg for on movie nights and game days. I often make a double batch because they disappear so quickly. And let’s be honest – cold nacho fries make a pretty great midnight snack too!

What Kind of Frozen Fries Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for crinkle-cut fries, you’ve got plenty of options that’ll work just as well for your nacho fries. Straight-cut fries, waffle fries, or even steak fries can be great alternatives – just keep in mind that thicker cuts will need a bit more cooking time. The most important thing is to look for fries labeled “extra crispy” or “restaurant style” since they’ll hold up better under all those toppings without getting soggy. For the best results, choose fries that are lightly coated rather than completely bare, as this helps them stay crispy even when loaded with cheese and toppings.

Options for Substitutions

This fun recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Crinkle-cut fries: Any style of frozen fries works great here – try straight-cut, waffle fries, or even sweet potato fries. You could also use tater tots for a different twist!
• Minced beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives all work well. If using turkey or chicken, you might want to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of taco seasoning since these meats are lighter in flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Feel free to use Monterey Jack, Mexican cheese blend, or pepper jack for extra kick. You can even mix different cheeses together for more flavor.
• Bell pepper: Any color bell pepper works fine, or swap it out for diced tomatoes, corn, or black olives.
• Jalapeño: If you don’t like jalapeños, leave them out completely. Or try pickled jalapeños for a milder heat, or serrano peppers if you want it spicier.
• Taco mix: Out of taco seasoning? Mix together some chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika as a quick substitute.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making nacho fries is not getting your french fries crispy enough before adding toppings – soggy fries will collapse under the weight of your delicious toppings, so make sure to bake them until they’re golden brown and extra crispy. Another common error is overloading the fries with too many wet toppings at once, which can quickly turn them soggy – instead, layer your ingredients thoughtfully and save wet toppings like salsa and sour cream for serving. To keep your cheese perfectly melted (not hard and rubbery), add it during the last few minutes of baking and watch it closely – once it starts bubbling, it’s ready to serve. For the best results, serve your nacho fries immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still gooey, as they tend to lose their appeal once they cool down and the cheese solidifies.

What to Serve With Nacho Fries?

Since nacho fries are already packed with protein and lots of toppings, they pair really well with simple, fresh sides that can help balance out all that cheesy goodness. A basic Mexican-style coleslaw with lime dressing or a simple corn and black bean salad makes a great companion to these loaded fries. For dipping options beyond the usual salsa and sour cream, try serving with some fresh guacamole or a zesty chipotle ranch sauce. If you’re feeding a crowd, you might want to put out a bowl of tortilla chips too – some folks like to scoop up any toppings that fall off the fries!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These loaded nacho fries are best enjoyed right away while the fries are crispy and the cheese is melty. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that the fries won’t stay as crispy as when they’re fresh.

Make Ahead: You can prep some components ahead of time to make assembly quicker. Cook and season the ground beef mixture up to 2 days in advance, and chop your toppings the day before. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to build your nacho fries.

Revive: To bring leftover nacho fries back to life, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps crisp up the fries again, though they might not get quite as crispy as the first time around. Add fresh toppings like sour cream and salsa just before serving.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-30 minutes
Total Time	30-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2500
• Protein: 110-130 g
• Fat: 150-170 g
• Carbohydrates: 200-220 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen crinkle-cut fries
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 pound lean minced beef
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon taco mix
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
• Salsa and sour cream for garnish, as preferred

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

While it’s heating, spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray to ensure the fries don’t stick while baking.

Step 2: Season and Bake the Fries

Toss your fries with some seasoning salt until they’re well coated.

Lay them out in a single flat layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing as much space around each fry as possible for even cooking.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture

While the fries are baking, cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium-high heat.

If you prefer more tender peppers, add them at this stage as well.

Stir often until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Stir in some taco seasoning to taste, then set the beef mixture aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Melt Cheese

Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven.

Top the fries evenly with some shredded cheese, followed by the cooked beef mixture and any red peppers you’re using.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and everything is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Finish your dish by sprinkling chopped green onions and some sliced jalapeños on top, if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy your deliciously cheesy beef-topped fries!