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Loaded Taco Fries Recipe: Easy Super Bowl Appetizer with Queso

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Crispy golden fries are topped with savory taco beef, creamy homemade queso, and fresh toppings for the ultimate game-day appetizer. This crowd-pleasing dish is quick to make and perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or steak fries recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoned salt, to taste
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Jalapeño slices (optional)
  • Sour cream (for drizzling or dipping)
  • Guacamole (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil and seasoned salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  2. While fries bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and garlic to beef; sauté until onion softens (about 2 minutes). Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until beef is saucy and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium-low, combine cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until cheeses melt and mixture is smooth (about 5 minutes). Add diced jalapeño and salt. If queso thickens, add a splash more milk.
  5. Transfer baked fries to a large platter or baking sheet. Spoon taco beef evenly over fries. Pour warm queso over the top.
  6. Sprinkle with pico de gallo, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño slices. Add dollops of sour cream and guacamole if desired.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly. For prepping ahead, keep fries and beef warm separately, then assemble just before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use crinkle-cut or steak fries and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Freshly grated cheese melts best for queso. Customize toppings to taste—try avocado, corn, or pickled jalapeños. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free fries. Vegetarian and dairy-free adaptations are easy with plant-based meat and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded fries, taco fries, Super Bowl appetizer, queso fries, game day snacks, party food, Mexican fusion, comfort food