Loaded Fries with Ground Beef (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the meat sauce
01 -
1 pound (500g) fresh ground beef
02 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
03 -
3/4 cup (200g) strained tomatoes or tomato puree
04 -
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
05 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 -
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ The basics
07 -
1 pound 5 ounces (600g) frozen crispy french fries
08 -
2 thick slices of cheddar cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
→ For the special sauce
09 -
5 tablespoons creamy mayonnaise
10 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
11 -
Juice from half a fresh lemon
12 -
Pinch of salt and pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Bake the frozen french fries according to package instructions in your preheated oven or air fryer until they're golden brown and extra crispy. You want them slightly crispier than normal since they'll soften a bit under the toppings.
02 -
Finely chop the garlic. In a hot skillet without oil (the beef has enough fat), brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Add the tomato paste and garlic, stirring for about 1 minute to develop flavor. Pour in the strained tomatoes, sprinkle with oregano, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
03 -
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well-blended. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This tangy sauce adds the perfect finishing touch.
04 -
Transfer the crispy fries to an oven-safe dish. Spoon the hot beef mixture evenly over the fries, then lay the cheddar slices on top (or sprinkle with shredded cheese). Place under the broiler or back in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
05 -
Drizzle your homemade sauce generously over the hot loaded fries. If you like, sprinkle with some chopped fresh parsley for color. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still gooey.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor and heat, try topping with sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.