Print

Loaded Nacho Cheese Fries – Easy Taco Bell Copycat

loaded nacho cheese fries - featured image
Print Recipe

These loaded nacho cheese fries are a crave-worthy, homemade version of the Taco Bell favorite, featuring crispy fries, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, seasoned taco beef, and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family dinner, they’re customizable and come together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz frozen French fries (thick-cut or crinkle preferred)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 packet; homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 oz, sharp preferred)
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • Pickled jalapeños, sliced (to taste)
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. (For air fryer: cook at 400°F for 14-16 minutes, shaking once.)
  2. While fries bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef, add 1/3 cup water, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove from heat.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium-low, whisk together evaporated milk and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until melted and glossy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. Remove from heat if it starts to separate and whisk vigorously.
  4. While everything cooks, dice tomato, slice green onions, and drain jalapeños. Set out sour cream and any other desired toppings.
  5. Arrange hot fries on a serving platter or leave them on the baking sheet. Spoon taco meat evenly over fries. Pour warm nacho cheese sauce generously over the top. Scatter on tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños.
  6. Add dollops of sour cream and any extra toppings you like. Serve immediately while hot and gooey. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Notes

For crispier fries, don’t overcrowd the pan and use a light spray of oil. Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. To make gluten-free, check fries and taco seasoning labels. For vegetarian, swap beef for black beans or plant-based crumbles. Keep all components warm until assembly for the best texture. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nacho cheese fries, Taco Bell copycat, cheesy fries, game day snack, party food, Tex-Mex fries, nacho fries, comfort food, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/loaded-nacho-cheese-fries-recipe-easy-taco-bell-copycat/