Name: Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 (2 lb.) bag frozen fries; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb. ground beef; 1 package taco seasoning; ⅔ cup water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb. Hot Italian Sausage, removed from casings; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 red onion, diced; 1 jar jalapeños, drained; 1–2 tomatoes, diced; Sour cream, to taste; Green onions, diced

Jump to Recipe

Golden, crispy fries layered with flavorful beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a mountain of irresistible toppings—Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the kind of comfort food that hits every craving. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, planning a game day menu, or simply indulging in a savory snack for dinner, this recipe delivers a mouthful of flavor with every bite. It’s the perfect fusion of crunchy, cheesy, spicy, and savory, and it can be customized in so many ways.

With two meat options—zesty taco-seasoned ground beef or spicy Italian sausage—this dish is easy to adapt to your flavor preferences or dietary needs. The homemade cheddar cheese sauce adds a creamy richness that takes it to the next level, far beyond your average nacho fries. Add in your favorite toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, red onion, or a dollop of sour cream to finish it off exactly how you like.

Whether served as a main dish or an indulgent side, Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any table. Best of all, it’s a recipe that can be prepped in parts ahead of time, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser when you’re short on time but want something bold and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food – Crispy fries smothered in cheesy, meaty goodness are hard to beat when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Easy to Customize – Choose between taco-seasoned beef or spicy sausage, and pile on your favorite toppings to suit any taste.
Perfect for Sharing – This dish is a hit at parties, family movie nights, or casual dinners where everyone can dig in.
Homemade Cheese Sauce – Skip the processed cheese and make your own creamy, flavorful cheddar sauce from scratch.
Quick and Convenient – With frozen fries and pantry staples, this recipe comes together easily and can be partially prepped in advance.

Ingredients

Frozen fries
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Ground beef
Taco seasoning
Water
Hot Italian sausage (optional substitute)
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Red onion
Jalapeños
Tomatoes
Sour cream
Green onions

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use black beans or a plant-based ground beef substitute.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped fresh jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese in the sauce.
Loaded Nacho Style: Top with black olives, corn, and a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa.
Breakfast Fries: Swap the beef for breakfast sausage and top with scrambled eggs.
Sweet Potato Fries: Use sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Preheat your oven and bake the frozen fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

For ground beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then sauté the diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer until thickened.
For sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth and melted.

Step 4: Assemble

Spread the cooked fries on a large serving platter or baking sheet. Top with cooked meat, followed by generous amounts of cheese sauce. Sprinkle with diced red onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add a few dollops of sour cream or serve it on the side. Enjoy immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Bake fries until crispy to prevent them from getting soggy under the toppings.
Make the cheese sauce fresh just before assembling to keep it smooth and pourable.
Drain any excess grease from the meat to avoid soggy fries.
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded cheese can be gritty.
Customize toppings to suit your preference or dietary needs.

How to Serve

Serve Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries hot and fresh right from the oven. Pile them onto a large platter for sharing, or serve individual portions in bowls. Pair with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side. They also make a great side dish for burgers or a main course when you’re in the mood for comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate if possible to preserve texture.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze assembled fries, but you can freeze the cooked meat and cheese sauce separately. Reheat when ready to assemble.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes to help re-crisp the fries. You can also microwave in a pinch, though fries may be softer.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can hand-cut and bake or fry fresh potatoes for a homemade version.

2. What type of cheese works best for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar melts well and adds strong flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.

4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free fries and substitute the flour in the cheese sauce with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

5. How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy?

Bake them until crisp and avoid overloading with wet toppings. Serve immediately.

6. Can I use store-bought cheese sauce?

You can, but homemade cheese sauce adds better flavor and texture.

7. What toppings work best for kids?

Stick with mild options like tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese—skip the jalapeños.

8. Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, just scale up all components and use a large baking sheet or platter for serving.

9. What kind of ground beef should I use?

Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best to minimize excess grease.

10. Is this dish spicy?

It can be. You control the heat with cayenne in the sauce and jalapeños on top—omit for a milder version.

Conclusion

Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries are the kind of bold, crowd-pleasing recipe that checks all the boxes—crispy, cheesy, savory, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a group or treating yourself, this dish brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. Keep it classic or add your own twist for a guaranteed favorite that everyone will want seconds of.