While the fries are baking, I prepare the beef. I heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding the ground beef. I break it up with a wooden spoon, allowing it to brown and cook through. It’s at this moment when your kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of sizzling beef! I also add salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavor. It usually takes about 7-10 minutes, and once it’s fully cooked, I drain any excess grease.
Once the fries are done, it’s time for the fun part! I pull the fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Next, I add the seasoned ground beef on top of the cheese, making sure every fry is well-covered. I return the loaded fries to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and gooey. The sight of that melted cheese is simply irresistible!
Finally, I remove the loaded fries from the oven and add all my favorite toppings—sour cream, green onions, and if I’m feeling spicy, jalapeños too! Then, I can hardly wait for them to cool just enough to dig in. This is comfort food at its best!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe in a few different ways, and one major tip I have is to make sure the fries are not crowded on the baking sheet. This way, they cook more evenly and get that incredible crispiness. If you have a large batch, consider cooking in two batches!
Another thing I’ve learned is to freshly grate your cheese instead of using pre-shredded versions. The pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect the melt. When I switched to fresh cheese, my loaded fries turned out even creamier!
Lastly, I love experimenting with my selection of toppings. Sometimes I get wild and add avocado or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce. The options are infinite, and it’s so much fun to try new combinations!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is undercooking the fries. I once made this mistake, and the result was not as satisfying. Be sure to give them enough time in the oven! They should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. It’s a delicate balance!
Another error I’ve made is using too much seasoning on the fries. When you sprinkle on the garlic and onion powder, it’s easy to go overboard. I’ve found that a light hand works best, especially since we’re also flavoring the beef.
Failing to drain the excess grease from the beef is another pitfall. It’s tempting to skip this step, but nobody wants greasy fries. Drain it well—your fries will thank you!
Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye on the cheese when it’s melting. I once got carried away with the delicious smell, and it turned a bit too brown. Just a few minutes in the oven after adding the cheese can make all the difference! (See the next page below to continue…)