Delicious Cheesesteak Fries

These stacked Cheesesteak Taco Fries turn ordinary frozen waffle fries into a mouthwatering fusion meal that blends the tastiest elements of Philly cheesesteaks and loaded tacos. This crowd-pleasing dish has become my favorite fix for game nights and laid-back get-togethers when folks want something tasty yet easy to share.

I whipped these loaded fries up during a football championship weekend when I needed something filling but didn't want to miss any action. The clean plate and people asking how I made them convinced me this combo needed to stay in my entertaining lineup.

Key Ingredients

• Frozen waffle fries: Their ridges catch more goodies than plain fries; grab a good brand for better taste
• Ground beef: An 80/20 mix gives great flavor without too much fat
• Onion: Brings a touch of sweetness and crunch when mixed with the beef
• Taco seasoning packet: Offers the right spice mix without fussing with separate spices
• Shredded cheddar jack cheese: This blend delivers smooth melting and tangy taste
• Green onions: Add a fresh kick and pop of color; pick ones with bright tops
• Diced tomato: Cuts through the heaviness; go for ripe but still firm ones

Simple Preparation Steps

Start With The Fries:

Set your oven to 450 degrees so the fries get nice and crunchy. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper to stop sticking and make cleaning easier. Spread the frozen waffle fries out with tiny gaps between them for better air flow. Cook for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.

Make The Meat Mix:

While fries are baking, start on your meat base. Toss ground beef and diced onion into a pan over medium high heat. Break the beef into tiny bits with a wooden spoon as you cook. Keep going for about 7 minutes until beef isn't pink anymore and onions look clear. Drain off extra fat so your fries won't get mushy later.

Add Flavor To The Meat:

Turn heat down to avoid burning your spices. Shake the taco seasoning all over the meat mixture and mix well to coat everything. Splash in a bit of water if things look dry. Let the seasoned meat cook gently for 2-3 minutes so flavors can blend together.

Put It All Together:

Take those crispy fries out and spread the meat mix evenly on top. Scatter cheese all over, making sure to cover everything well. Put it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.

Top It Off:

As soon as it comes out, scatter chopped green onions and diced tomatoes over everything. The leftover heat will warm them slightly while keeping their fresh taste and bright colors.

The waffle fries really are the secret stars here. I found out they worked better completely by chance when I grabbed the wrong bag while shopping. Their deep grooves trap tiny bits of spiced meat and melty cheese in ways regular fries just can't match. My teenage son now flat out refuses to eat this dish with any other kind of fry.

Prep Ahead Options

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 on the day and actually lets the flavors grow stronger. Just warm up the meat in a pan or microwave before putting it on freshly baked fries.

Ways To Mix It Up

This dish works great with lots of changes based on what you like or have handy. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. Folks who don't eat meat can use black beans cooked with the same spices instead. You can top it countless ways: add jalapeños for kick, guacamole for creaminess, black olives for salty flavor, or corn for a touch of sweetness. Each change creates a totally new meal while keeping the same satisfying base idea.

Ways To Serve It

These loaded fries work as a meal on their own but really shine as part of a casual spread. Serve them with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness, or put them alongside other finger foods for snacking. For a fun dinner, set up the basic 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 pans instead of one big tray. This lets you cook batches at different times, so you'll have hot fresh servings throughout your event. The smaller batches also help keep the fries crunchy since they'll likely get eaten quickly before going soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I pick a different cheese for this?

Totally! Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicier pepper jack if you like a kick of heat.

→ What meat works as a beef substitute?

You can switch it up with ground chicken, turkey, or pick a plant-based meat option that you prefer.

→ Any tips for achieving ultra-crispy fries?

Spread them in a single layer on the sheet and leave some space between them. Flip them midway during baking for the perfect crisp.

→ What else can I add on top?

You’ve got lots of options—guacamole, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, or even jalapeños for an extra kick.

→ Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yep! Cook the beef mix up to two days early and store it in the fridge. Heat it and assemble everything fresh before serving.