Easy Nacho Fries Recipe (better than Taco Bell)

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These loaded Nacho French Fries are an easy appetizer or dinner. They’re better than Taco Bell’s and loaded with seasoned beef, cheese, tomatoes, and jalapenos.

An overhead picture of the finished Nacho Fries.

Table of Contents

Recipe Tips for the Best Nacho Fries at Home

Cook the fries extra crispy. Slightly overbake them (1–2 extra minutes), so they hold up under the toppings.

Drain the beef well. Excess grease will make the fries soggy.

Serve immediately. Nacho fries are best hot and fresh for maximum crispiness.

Smother them in Chile Con Queso.

How To Make Homemade Nacho Fries

Cook the fries, brown the beef, stir in the seasonings and salsa, and bake. Let me show you how.

Cook the fries on a baking sheet. Use the package instructions.
Cook the beef with the onion in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the excess fat.
Stir in the salsa and taco seasoning. Cook for two additional minutes.
Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle evenly with seasoned salt. Leave the oven on.
Add one cup of cheese on top of the fries. Then, spread the mixture over the fries, followed by the remaining cheese.
Place the fries back in the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

a collage showing the steps to make nacho fries by adding the shredded cheese, adding the beef, and adding the additional toppings

Ingredients & Estimated Cost

Recipe Cost: $14.03

Per Serving: $2/33

Here is everything you need to make this recipe, along with a few substitution recommendations.

ingredients for making nacho fries with text overlay

Frozen crinkle-cut fries (1 pound – $2.49) – Use crinkle-cut sweet potato fries. I prefer crinkle-cut fries in this recipe because they hold their shape better when toppings are piled on them.
Diced onion (½ cup – $0.25) – You can use ½ teaspoon of onion powder as an alternative.
Taco seasoning (1 Tablespoon – $0.56) – Make your own taco seasoning with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Seasoned salt (1 teaspoon – $0.03) – This pantry staple is a must-have on hand for other recipes.
Shredded Mexican cheese (2 cups – $2.98) – You can also use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
Lean ground beef (1 pound – $6.48) – Ground turkey or ground chicken can also be used as a substitute.
Tomato salsa (1 cup – $1.24) – Use your favorite brand.
Feel free to load up on your favorite toppings. I like tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, avocados or guacamole, sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, black beans, and pico de gallo.

The recipe cost is calculated based on the amounts needed and may vary due to fluctuating grocery costs.

Nacho Fries Recipe FAQs

Can I cook the fries in an air fryer?

Definitely, cook either way according to the package directions.

How do I keep the fries crispy after adding toppings?

Be sure to cook the fries fully before adding the toppings. If the fries are crispy before adding the toppings, they will hold all the toppings without getting soggy.

What kind of ground beef works best?

Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.

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A serving spoon scooping up some Nacho Fries.

Nacho French Fries

Recipe Cost 14.03

Serving Cost 2.33

Author Jess Jankowski

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

These loaded Nacho Fries are an easy appetizer or dinner. They’re better than Taco Bell’s and loaded with seasoned beef, cheese, tomatoes, and jalapenos.

Servings: 6 people

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Equipment

baking sheet
measuring cups
medium skillet
Measuring spoons

Ingredients

NACHO FRIES:

1 pound frozen Crinkle Cut Fries
1 teaspoon seasoned salt such as Lawry’s or Mrs. Dash
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup diced onion
1 cup tomato salsa
1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

TOPPINGS:

Green onions
Tomatoes
Pico de Gallo
Jalapenos
Sour cream
Avocado
Guacamole
Salsa

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

COOK FRIES:

Place the fries in an even layer on a baking sheet.
Cook the fries as per the package instructions.

COOK BEEF LAYER:

While the fries cook, add beef and onion to a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, often stirring, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Drain off excess fat.
Stir in salsa and taco seasoning and cook for 2 additional minutes.

SEASON FRIES AND LAYER:

Once the fries are done cooking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle evenly with seasoned salt. Toss fries to coat. DO NOT TURN OFF THE OVEN!
Add 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the fries.
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the fries.
Sprinkle the last cup of cheese over the beef.

MELT CHEESE:

Place the fries back in the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the oven.

TOP AND SERVE:

Add the desired toppings and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

The nutrition information below does not include the optional toppings.

Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that they might be a little soggy.

Freeze: This recipe does not freeze and reheat well; therefore, we do not recommend freezing these nacho fries.

Nutrition

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