Can I use sweet potato fries instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potato fries add a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory toppings. Just adjust the cooking time according to your package directions.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting lumpy?

The key is low heat and patience . Add the milk slowly while whisking constantly, and add the cheese gradually. If it does get lumpy, remove from heat and whisk vigorously.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use baked sweet potato fries, lean ground turkey, and reduce the cheese sauce. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for more nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Prep all your components separately and assemble just before serving. Keep the cheese sauce warm in a slow cooker and the meat covered and warm in another dish.

Cheeseburger Loaded Fries Recipe

Name: Loaded Fries: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: PT-487919H4M20S
Cook time: PT-487919H4M20S
Total time: PT-487919H4M20S
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (26 ounce) bag frozen fries (shoestring not recommended); 1-2 teaspoons olive oil; 2/3 pound 85% lean ground beef; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded lettuce; 1/4 cup diced tomato; 1/4 cup chopped pickles; 1/4 chopped red onion; 5 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated recommended); 1 teaspoon butter; 1 teaspoon flour; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard; 4 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons honey; 3/4 teaspoon yellow mustard; 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)

Description

Crispy fries loaded with juicy ground beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy special sauce—these Cheeseburger Loaded Fries are the ultimate comfort food appetizer or indulgent meal!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (26 ounce) bag frozen fries (shoestring not recommended)
1–2 teaspoons olive oil
2/3 pound 85% lean ground beef
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup chopped pickles
1/4 chopped red onion
5 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated recommended)
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
4 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
3/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to bake the fries according to package directions.
Shred cheddar cheese. Prep and chop the vegetables.
Place the fries in the oven to bake.
Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil, then ground beef. Break into large chunks with a spatula. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Break into small chunks and cook until meat is no longer pink. Cover and keep warm.
For the special sauce, add sauce ingredients into a bowl. Whisk to combine. Chill.
For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add flour. Whisk for one minute on medium-low heat.
Slowly add about 1/3 of the milk, whisking constantly until there are no lumps. Slowly whisk in the remaining milk. Add mustard. Whisk to blend well. Switch between a silicone spatula and whisk as needed to prevent sticking.
Add shredded cheese in increments, stirring after each addition until smooth before adding the next. Add salt to taste if desired.
Top hot fries with cheese sauce, ground beef, and toppings. Drizzle with special sauce. Serve immediately.
Makes 6 appetizer servings or 2 to 3 main dishes.

Notes

Shoestring fries don’t hold the toppings well—thicker fries work best. Chill the sauce while prepping everything else to deepen flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 appetizer portion
Calories: 300 cal