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These jam-packed Philly Taco Fries turn ordinary frozen waffle fries into an addictive fusion meal that blends the tastiest elements of cheesesteaks and loaded tacos. This crowd-favorite dish has become my trusty answer for game nights and laid-back get-togethers when folks want something tasty that's easy to share around.
I whipped these loaded fries up for the first time during a playoff weekend when I wanted something filling but couldn't afford to miss any game action. The completely empty dish and folks asking how I made them told me this combo needed to stay in my entertainment lineup for good.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen waffle fries: Their grooves catch way more goodies than flat fries; grab a good brand for best results
- Ground beef: The 80/20 mix gives great taste without too much fat
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and nice crunch when cooked with the meat
- Taco seasoning packet: Gives you perfect spice balance without fussing with individual seasonings
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese: This mix delivers smooth melting and sharp flavor in one go
- Green onions: Adds crisp freshness and pretty color; look for stiff ones with vibrant tops
- Diced tomato: Cuts through the heavy richness; pick tomatoes that feel firm but ripe
Simple Cooking Method
- Get Those Fries Going:
- Crank your oven to 450 degrees so your fries turn out nice and crunchy. Put parchment on your baking sheet so nothing sticks and cleanup's a breeze. Spread those frozen waffle fries out with tiny gaps between them so hot air can flow around. Cook them 20-25 minutes until they're golden and snap when you bite them.
- Fix the Meat Mix:
- While fries are cooking, start on your meat base. Throw ground beef and diced onion into a hot skillet over medium high heat. Smash the meat into tiny chunks as it browns. Keep cooking about 7 minutes until you don't see any pink meat and onions turn clear. Pour off the extra grease so your fries won't get soggy later.
- Add Flavor to the Meat:
- Turn heat down low so spices won't burn. Dump the taco seasoning all over the meat and stir until everything's coated. Add a bit of water if things look dry. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes so all those flavors can mix together nicely.
- Stack and Melt Everything:
- Pull those crispy fries from the oven and dump the seasoned meat evenly on top. Scatter cheese all over, making sure to cover everything well. Stick it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and melty all around.
- Finish with Fresh Stuff:
- Right after taking it out, sprinkle chopped green onions and tomatoes across the top. The leftover heat will warm them just enough while keeping their fresh crunch and bright taste.
Those waffle fries really carry this whole dish. I found out how awesome they are completely by accident when I grabbed the wrong bag at the store. The little pockets trap bits of seasoned meat and melty cheese in ways regular fries just can't match. My teenage kid now flat-out refuses to eat this any other way.
Prep Ahead Tricks
You can cook the taco meat mix up to two days early and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. This cuts down your cooking time a lot on the day you serve it and actually lets the flavors grow stronger. Just warm up the meat in a pan or microwave before you pile it on your freshly baked fries.
Ways To Switch It Up
This dish works with all sorts of tweaks based on what you like or have handy. Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. If you don't eat meat, try sautéed black beans with the same seasonings instead. The toppings can be anything you fancy: sliced jalapeños for kick, mashed avocado for creaminess, sliced olives for salt, or sweet corn kernels. Each change gives you a whole new dish while keeping the basic awesome idea.
How To Serve It
These loaded fries work as a meal on their own but really shine when served as part of a casual spread. Put them next to a fresh green salad to balance out the richness, or alongside other finger foods for snacking. For a fun dinner setup, just put out the base fries and meat, then let everyone add their own favorite toppings from separate bowls.
Feeding A Crowd
When making these for parties, try using several smaller baking sheets instead of one big tray. This lets you stagger cooking times, so you can bring out hot, fresh batches throughout your gathering. The smaller portions also help keep the fries crunchy since people usually gobble them up before they have a chance to get soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What other cheeses work well?
You can swap with mozzarella, spicy pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for creamy or bold flavors.
- → Can I replace the beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats work just as well for alternatives.
- → How do I get fries extra crispy?
For the crispiest fries, spread them out evenly on the pan and flip midway while baking.
- → Are there more toppings I can use?
Definitely! Add some sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, or drizzle on hot sauce for a fun twist.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Feel free to cook the beef mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to two days. Heat it up and assemble when ready to serve.