Stage 1: Prepare the Fries
- Make Homemade Fries (if using fresh potatoes):
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then cut them into thin fries (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Stage 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Cook the Beef: While the fries are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup), cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stage 3: Assemble the Loaded Fries
- Layer the Fries: Once the fries are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large serving platter or baking dish.
- Add Ground Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the fries.
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the beef. Return the fries to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Stage 4: Add Toppings and Serve
- Finish with Sour Cream: Once the cheesy fries are out of the oven, dollop sour cream over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, bacon bits, and jalapeños if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Serve the loaded fries immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey. They make a great appetizer, side dish, or main course for sharing!
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Add More Toppings: Customize your loaded fries with additional toppings like guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture while cooking for a spicier kick or top the fries with a few extra jalapeño slices before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version of loaded fries.
- Fry Variations: Try sweet potato fries or waffle fries instead of regular fries for a fun twist on the dish.
Conclusion
Loaded Fries with Ground Beef, Cheddar, and Sour Cream are a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy fries, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and tangy sour cream come together to create a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for game day or just a casual family meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!