Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food, blending crispy fries with savory ground beef, melty mozzarella, and a burst of flavor from green onions and optional sour cream. This indulgent dish is perfect for serving at parties, game nights, or as a satisfying snack. With its combination of crispy fries, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among your family and friends. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To make this delicious and cheesy loaded fries dish, you will need the following ingredients: 1 lb of frozen fries, which will form the crispy base of your dish. For the beef topping, you will need ½ lb of ground beef, which will be seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The cheese layer consists of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, providing the perfect meltiness. To enhance the flavor, you will also need ¼ cup of diced green onions, which will add a fresh, savory note to the dish. Optional but highly recommended, ¼ cup of sour cream will add a creamy element that complements the flavors of the fries and beef.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven and baking the 1 lb of frozen fries as per the package instructions until they are golden and crispy. This is an essential step to ensure that the fries form a sturdy base for all of the toppings. While the fries are baking, cook ½ lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season the beef with ½ tsp of garlic powder, ½ tsp of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it crumbles nicely.
Once the fries are cooked and crispy, spread them out evenly on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. Then, take the cooked ground beef and spread it evenly over the fries. After the beef, sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring that every inch of the fries is covered with the melted cheese. Next, place the fries under the broiler in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbling.
Once the cheese is melted to your liking, remove the fries from the oven. Garnish the cheesy loaded fries with the ¼ cup of diced green onions for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, add a dollop of ¼ cup of sour cream to the top for a rich, creamy finish. Serve hot and enjoy this savory, indulgent dish!
Tips for Making Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella
For extra flavor, consider adding other toppings such as crispy bacon bits, sliced jalapeños for a bit of spice, or even diced tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to suit your tastes, such as using pepper jack for a spicy kick or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a creamier, milder flavor.
If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, you can use baked fries instead of fried ones, or opt for sweet potato fries for a delicious twist. Additionally, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter version of this recipe, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can make the beef and fries separately and assemble them just before serving. This will keep everything crispy and fresh when it’s time to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it also pairs well with other comfort foods. You can serve it as an appetizer at your next party, alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even a light salad to balance the richness. For a more casual gathering, serve this dish with a side of dipping sauces such as ranch, ketchup, or barbecue sauce. The creamy and cheesy elements of the fries will complement any of these dipping sauces perfectly.
For those who love a touch of heat, try adding a spicy sriracha mayo or hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store the cheesy loaded fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to retain the crispy texture of the fries. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the leftovers for 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are heated through and the cheese has melted again.
Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze very well due to the texture of the fries and cheese, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, the beef topping can be stored separately and frozen for up to 3 months if you’d like to prepare ahead of time.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and bake the fries ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the fries with the cooked beef and cheese, then broil them for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade fries are a great option. Just make sure they’re cut into even pieces and baked until crispy before adding the toppings.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To spice up the dish, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce before broiling. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Can I substitute the beef for another protein?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you prefer. The seasonings will still complement these proteins well, but the overall flavor will change depending on your choice.
Conclusion
Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual family dinner, or just craving a tasty snack. The combination of crispy fries, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese is undeniably delicious, while the optional sour cream and green onions add extra flavor and freshness. This recipe is easily customizable to suit your tastes, and it’s sure to be a crowd favorite every time you make it.
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Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella
Description
• 1 lb frozen fries
• ½ lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup diced green onions
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients
1️⃣ Bake fries as per package instructions until crispy.
2️⃣ Cook ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Spread fries on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
4️⃣ Top with cooked beef and cheeses.
5️⃣ Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
6️⃣ Garnish with green onions and sour cream.