Ultimate loaded fries recipe for Crispy Cheesy Fries
This loaded fries recipe features oven-baked russet potatoes with golden edges and fluffy centers, topped with seasoned ground beef, smooth cheddar sauce, sour cream, tomato, green onions, jalapeño, and fresh herbs. It is a customizable appetizer or casual dinner made with simple ingredients.
Equipment
- Two large rimmed baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towels
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Instant-read food thermometer
Ingredients
Fries
- 3 pounds russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Seasoned Beef
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Toppings
- 1 medium tomato diced
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- 1 small jalapeño sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Optional
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup corn
- 1 diced avocado
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare two large baking sheets.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized ½-inch fries.
- Rinse the potatoes in cold water, drain them, and pat completely dry.
- Toss the potatoes with cornstarch, oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the fries in single layers across both baking sheets.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turn the fries, rotate the pans, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cook the ground beef and onion for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles, until the beef reaches 160°F.
- Drain excess grease. Add garlic, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, and water. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat and gradually whisk in the cheese, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Season the hot fries to taste, then arrange them on one baking sheet or a serving platter.
- Top with beef, cheese sauce, tomato, green onions, jalapeño, herbs, and sour cream.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Dry the potatoes completely and spread them across two baking sheets. Add the beef, cheese sauce, and fresh toppings only when you are ready to serve so the fries stay crisp.