Loaded Taco Fries with Ground Beef

Name: Loaded Taco Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 28 oz steak fries (frozen); 1 lb ground beef; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (see note); 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, see note); 1/2 cup lettuce (shredded); 1/4 cup tomato (diced); 1/4 cup scallion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup avocado ranch dressing (or sour cream see note); cilantro; lime wedges

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If you’re looking for a show-stopper recipe for a crowd, this is it! You’ll be the hit of any gathering by bringing these Ground Beef Taco Fries and it will only take you 30 minutes from start to finish.

This post is a collaboration with Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. I received compensation, but all opinions are my own.

While loaded nachos are good, taco fries are incredible. Loaded with Ground Beef seasoned with taco seasoning, melty cheese and your favorite toppings, there’s no need to go to the drive through. Stay home and whip these up yourself.

Making Taco Fries wtih Ground Beef this tailgating season will make you the all-start of any party. Here are some tips for success when making and serving this recipe:

For food safety, all Ground Beef should be cooked through completely before topping the steak fries. Ground beef is cooked through when it reaches 160ºF on an instant-read thermometer.
Cook and season the Ground Beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then you’re ready for a lightning-fast assembly process come game time.
If you’re serving a crowd, leave the toppings in bowls and serve the taco fries buffet style so everyone can customize their own plate.

For more great tailgating ideas visit Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.!

Since talking about Food Safety, please include cooking ground beef to 160F. (please include this throughout the document wherever this statement is made.)

Ingredients for Loaded Steak Fries

Frozen SteakFries
Ground Beef
Taco seasoning
Water
Cheddar cheese

Toppings for Loaded Steak Fries

Lettuce
Tomato
Scallion
Avocado ranch dressing
Cilantro
Lime wedges

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

Recipe for Taco Fries

Prepare steak fries according to package directions. While they cook, prepare the rest of your ingredients.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the Ground Beef.
Once browned, add the taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine.
Simmer for about 3 minutes until most of the liquid is evaporated.
Once the fries are done cooking, remove them from the oven but leave them on the sheet tray.
Change (if necessary) the oven temperature to 425ºF.
Evenly distribute the Ground Beef taco mixture over the fries.
Evenly distribute the cheese over the fries.
Bake for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Remove and top as desired.

Where did taco fries originate?

Taco fries became popular when Del Taco and Taco Bell started selling them, but Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant in San Diego claims to have invented them first. Whatever the case, loaded taco fries are a genius invention.

What are steak fries?

Steak fries are a thicker cut french fry. Not to be confused with the dish steak frites which directly translates to “steak and fries” in French. This is a delightful dish found in many steakhouses. Probably because of this dish, any fry that was served with steak was called a steak fry but over time, the term has come to mean a thick-cut french fry.

What are Taco Fries made of?

Taco fries are made up of a few basic ingredients. See a full list below in the recipe card. Topping ingredients are optional.

What is the difference between taco fries and nacho fries?

Taco fries and nacho fries are the same thing. While the toppings may vary, each are made with a delicious Ground Beef layer seasoned with taco seasoning and cheese melted over fries.

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