Super Bowl Loaded Nacho Fries

The first Super Bowl party I ever hosted taught me that people will forgive a lot of things, but mediocre appetizers are not one of them. I had ordered a disappointing spread of takeout that arrived lukewarm and sad, and I watched my friends politely pick at half-hearted wings while the game played in the background. The next year, I decided to go all in on homemade comfort food, and these loaded nacho fries were the redemption arc I needed. Now they're the first thing people ask about when they get the text about game day.

Last year my brother stood over the platter for a solid five minutes, strategically planning his approach to getting the perfect ratio of cheese to beef to toppings in every bite. It became this hilarious group project, with everyone taking their turn at the loaded fries, swapping stories about their worst party food disasters and greatest appetizer victories. Something about sharing a mountain of food brings out the best in people.

Ingredients

• Frozen French fries: Thicker-cut fries hold up better under all those toppings, but shoestring works if you are craving extra crunch
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives you that golden exterior that screams restaurant quality
• Ground beef: An 80/20 ratio gives you the best flavor, but leaner beef works if you want to cut down on the grease
• Taco seasoning: Store-bought is perfectly fine, but making your own lets you control the heat level exactly
• Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack: This combo melts beautifully and gives you that perfect cheese pull every time
• Fresh toppings: Do not skip the cilantro and green onions, they cut through all that rich cheese and beef with bright, fresh flavor

Instructions

Crisp up those fries:

Toss your frozen fries with olive oil and all the spices until they are evenly coated, then spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy enough to stand up to the toppings.

Get the beef going:

While the fries are baking, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks for about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.

Season it right:

Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens up nicely. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed, then remove from heat and set aside.

Build your masterpiece:

Transfer the crispy fries to an ovenproof platter or large cast-iron skillet, then sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese, drizzle with nacho cheese sauce if you are feeling extra, then pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes until everything is melted and bubbly.

Finish with the fresh stuff:

Pull it from the oven and immediately pile on the tomatoes, black olives, jalapeños, diced avocado, green onions, and cilantro. Add generous dollops of sour cream and serve while everything is still hot and melty.

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These fries have become my go-to for everything from birthday parties to random Tuesday nights when we need something celebratory. There is something about the way everyone gathers around the platter, plates forgotten, just reaching in and sharing that makes any occasion feel like a party.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you are craving or have on hand. Sometimes I swap the beef for seasoned black beans, and other times I go full carnivore with crumbled bacon and chorizo.

Timing Is Everything

Having all your toppings prepped before the fries even go into the oven the first time will save you so much stress. I learned this the hard way, frantically dicing tomatoes while my cheese sauce started to separate.

Serving Strategy

Set up a toppings station on the side and let people customize their own portion. It keeps the serving line moving and gives everyone exactly what they want without any drama.

• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup
• Warm your serving platter in the oven so everything stays hot longer
• Have extra napkins ready because this is definitely not a fork-free meal

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Whether it is game day or just a Tuesday that needs saving, these loaded nacho fries never disappoint. Now grab a napkin and dig in.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of fries works best for this dish?

Frozen French fries or fresh-cut potatoes tossed in olive oil and spices provide the best crispy texture when baked.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can replace beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

→ How do I get the cheese melted perfectly?

After layering shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the fries and beef, bake for 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.

→ What toppings complement this dish well?

Classic nacho toppings like diced cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, green onions, and cilantro add great flavor and texture.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free fries and ensuring taco seasoning and sauces contain no gluten.