Disco Fries with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) frozen French fries 1 pound (450g) frozen French fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 2.
   Toss the frozen French fries with olive oil and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it up into small pieces using a spatula.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
7. 7.
   Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. 8.
   Simmer the gravy over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.
9. 9.
   Once the fries are done, transfer them to an oven-safe dish.
10. 10.
    Pour the beef gravy over the fries, ensuring they are fully covered.
11. 11.
    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
12. 12.
    Place the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. 13.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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 twist.
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese — Opt for high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and melting properties.
• Frozen French fries — If you prefer, you can make your own fries from scratch using russet potatoes. Cut them into thick strips and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before baking or frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef gravy.
• Customize your toppings by adding crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or vegetarian ground meat alternatives.
• To make the dish more indulgent, drizzle some truffle oil over the fries before adding the gravy and cheese.
• Serve the Disco Fries with a side of tangy ketchup or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Disco Fries immediately while they are still hot and the cheese is gooey. This dish is perfect as an appetizer for parties or as a satisfying main course for a casual dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top of the dish. Serve the Disco Fries in individual serving dishes or on a large platter for sharing. The golden fries, rich gravy, and melted cheese create an inviting and comforting visual appeal.