Description
Crispy, seasoned fries loaded with warm nacho cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy jalapeño sauce, and all your favorite toppings! A delicious and indulgent twist on classic nachos.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced green onions
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Peel the potatoes and cut them into ½ inch thick fry shapes. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
- (Optional Parboil): Place fries in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and cool.
- Season the Fries: Toss fries with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- First Fry: Heat vegetable oil to 325°F (160°C). Fry in batches for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Drain on a wire rack.
- Second Fry: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in milk, a little at a time, until smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in jalapeño juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir well.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in water and simmer for 10-15 minutes until liquid evaporates.
- Combine Jalapeño Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, jalapeños, jalapeño juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix Well: Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Arrange the Fries: Spread fries on a platter or plates.
- Top with Cheese Sauce: Drizzle warm nacho cheese sauce over the fries.
- Add the Ground Beef: Spoon seasoned ground beef over the cheese.
- Drizzle with Jalapeño Sauce: Drizzle creamy jalapeño sauce over the beef and cheese.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and green onions over the top. Add jalapeños if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
Notes
- Parboiling the fries is optional but highly recommended for a texture similar to Taco Bell fries.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper in the sauces to your preferred spice level.
- The nacho cheese sauce can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting.
- For best flavor, chill the creamy jalapeño sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer when frying the fries, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries.
- Serve immediately for the best experience, as the fries will soften over time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes