Loaded Tex-Mex Fries

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) frozen French fries 1 pound (450g) frozen French fries
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 ounces/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 jalapeno, sliced 1 jalapeno, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 650 kcal / 2720 KJ
• Fat: 38g (Total), 16g (Saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Total), 6g (Sugars)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
6. 6.
   Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the fries. Return the baking sheet to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese has melted.
7. 7.
   To serve, transfer the loaded fries to a platter or individual plates. Top with the prepared chili, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
8. 8.
   Enjoy the Loaded Tex-Mex Fries while they're hot and gooey!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• Cheddar cheese — Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different twist.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.
• Customize the toppings by adding sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapenos.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some hot sauce or cayenne pepper on top before serving.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the Loaded Tex-Mex Fries with a side of fresh salad or coleslaw.
• Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a topping for nachos or tacos.

Serving advice

Serve the Loaded Tex-Mex Fries as a main course for a casual weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game nights or parties. Pair it with refreshing drinks and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the loaded fries on a large platter, ensuring the chili, cheese, and toppings are evenly distributed. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an inviting and vibrant presentation.