Loaded Taco Fries
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
A fun take on the dish we all know and love, these Loaded Taco Fries are the perfect appetizer for parties and get-togethers!
Top them with all your favorite taco fix-ins for a super tasty snack that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ready in 20 minutes, you can make this recipe from frozen fries for a super convenient party snack. It’s also great as a dinner option when you’re craving tacos but want everything to come together in one dish for no-stress dining.
Similar to my Maryland Crab Fries or these Chicken Poutine Fries, this recipe upgrades any simple fries into an appetizer or main course that rarely leaves you with leftovers!
You can even make a batch of air fryer garlic parmesan fries instead of frozen; but maybe you swap the seasoning for salt and pepper or a sprinkle of taco seasoning!
Why This Recipe Works
- Fast and easy: Extremely simple prep means this dish is hot and on the table in just 20 minutes.
- Fun to customize: With a simple base recipe, this dish leaves lots of room for yummy toppings of your choice.
- Serve any time: Great as a party snack, a game day appetizer, or even a lazy day main dish!
Ingredients You Will Need
- French fries: I like to use frozen fries so I can keep them around as long as I need to and I can always be ready to throw this together.
- Ground beef: Go for a leaner beef if you want a slightly lighter result.
- Taco seasoning: Not all taco seasonings are created equal! This one is my favorite. You can also make your own blend of spices.
- Diced tomatoes: Be sure to give your canned tomatoes a good drain, or dice some fresh tomatoes if you prefer!
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
Substitutions/Additions
- If you want to lighten up your loaded fries, you can use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of ground beef. For a super hearty, low-fat option, try ground bison!
- Feel free to switch up the kinds of shredded cheese you use. A Mexican blend works well, but you could go for something simple like cheddar or add a hint of extra flavor with pepper jack.
How to Make Taco Fries
Step 1: Bake fries. Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Cook beef. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then mix in the taco seasoning. Once combined, stir in diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Top fries. Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the baked fries and top with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake again. Pop everything back in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melty, then remove and add your toppings of choice.
Recipe FAQs
This is likely because you didn’t drain the beef fat well enough, or there’s some excess moisture from the diced tomatoes. Be sure you get your fries nice and crispy too–it’ll prevent them from absorbing moisture from the ground beef mixture.
Aside from the beef and cheese, I like to top mine with sour cream, traditional guacamole, fresh cilantro, and some sliced jalapeno. Avocado, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and black olives are also great options.
If you have leftovers (unlikely, because they’re that good!) store them in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for about two days.
Reheat the taco fries in the oven at 350F or in your air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warmed through.
More Easy Taco Recipes
If you tried these Taco Fries or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Taco Loaded Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes juices drained
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- salsa
- guacamole
- sliced jalapeños
- pickled onions
Instructions
- Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake according to package instructions or until crispy and golden brown.1 lb frozen French fries
- While the fries are cooking, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, drain the excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and toss until the beef is fully coated. Then add the diced tomatoes and toss to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside.½ tablespoon olive oil, 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
- Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and spread the seasoned taco meat evenly over the fries, then add the shredded cheese over the top.½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Place the sheet pan back in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove the taco fries from the oven and top with the diced red onion, cilantro and any other toppings you like before serving.2 tablespoons finely diced red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Notes
- I like to add a few pinches of flaky salt to the fries when they finish cooking.
- If ground beef isn’t your favorite, you can make this with ground bison, turkey or chicken!
