Taco Fries
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Taco fries are loaded with all your favorite taco fixings: gooey cheddar cheese, herbaceous cilantro, bursting cherry tomatoes, tangy sour cream, savory black beans, red onions, some zesty jalapeño, and spiced ground beef. It's an easy, flavor-packed, kid-friendly dinner the whole family will love!
For another delicious loaded fries recipe, make these Mexican fries next!
Remember the iconic taco salad with iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, taco meat, all the sour cream, and salsa piled into a giant, deep-fried taco bowl? Of course, you do. Silly question! Imagine those familiar and delicious ingredients merging with crispy French fries!
Whether it's a game day snack, appetizer, a side dish next to your favorite taco night recipes, or as a standalone, hearty meal, taco fries fill the bill! Their versatility makes them a perfect fit for any occasion. With familiar taco fixings piled on top, they meld together for a comforting dish that tastes nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
These taco fries need to be on your table this week!
Friends! In case you can't tell by the name and the pictures, these taco fries are amazing. They're everything I love about taco salad, and everything I love about fries, combined!
This is a super fun recipe to serve when friends visit – just put out a plate and watch it disappear fast. But I also make it for dinner sometimes and it's always a hit. I mean – fries and tacos, what's not to love?!
Here is why you should make them:
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves taco fries! They taste even better when you enjoy them around a table with your friends, laughing away, while eating them with your fingers!
- The cheese: Gooey cheddar cheese adds sharp flavor and creates stringy strands of melted deliciousness as you pull your fries away. Fact: cheese makes everything better!
- Family-approved: These taco fries are kid-approved! Just like burgers or pizza, taco fries are one of those recipes that will always result in excited, happy faces! It's minimal effort with maximum reward.
- Fridge clearer: Taco fries are one of those recipes that clean out the fridge. Got odds and ends in the fridge? Taco fries to the rescue! Sweet potato? Roast it, and toss it in! Leftover salsa? Pile it on top! Some carrots? Grate them up, and scatter them on!
- Ease: With just five minutes of prep time and simple instructions, this recipe is will become a favorite back pocket go-to on busy weeknights. Simply roast your fries in the oven while you cook up the ground meat with spices or taco seasoning in a large skillet. Throw the fries in a baking dish, load it up with the meat, cheese, and toppings, then bake until it's bubbly and delicious. Done!
Frequently asked questions
If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! Note that different types of meat have different cooking times, so just be sure to cook any meat all the way through. You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground veggie meat!
Can I use sweet potato fries?
You sure can! These taco fries are really versatile, so you can use regular potato French fries, sweet potato fries, or even carrot fries! You could even use waffle fries.
How do I store leftovers?
Taco fries are best enjoyed fresh, as the fries can become soggier after storing them. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They'll taste great reheated, the fries will just have a softer texture.
What toppings can I use?
The possibilities are endless! We enjoy dolloping on some guacamole and sour cream, and serving with sliced jalapeño peppers, fresh cilantro, green onions, or lime wedges. You can mix it up! Use some hot sauce, corn salsa, or pico de gallo, or see what's in the fridge!
How do I make these vegetarian?
Make these vegetarian taco fries with some easy ingredient substitutions. Simply omit the beef and use additional black beans, or substitute it for some ground veggie meat. Both options work well and taste delicious.
What seasoning do you use on the beef?
I use a number of spice-rack staples, like oregano, onion powder, sea salt, and chili powder. You can also use taco seasoning or other Mexican spices, if you have it on hand.
Watch how to make these taco fries
Taco Fries Recipe
Ingredients
The Taco Fries Toppings
- Black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- Sliced jalapeño peppers
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the fries according to the package directions, until they are golden and crispy.1 bag frozen french fries
- While the fries are baking, prep the topping ingredients and cook the taco meat. Add the beef to a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chili powder, onion powder, salt, and oregano and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.1 lb ground beef, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon EACH: onion powder and sea salt, ½ teaspoon oregano
- Transfer the crispy fries to a serving platter and top with the hot taco meat. Sprinkle the cheese on top and let it melt.1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Top with any or all of the toppings and serve right away.Black beans, Cherry tomatoes, Sliced jalapeño peppers, Cilantro, Sour cream, Lime slices
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our taco recipes!
This recipe is part of our Healthy Super Bowl Recipes series.
Love this healthy version of fries but love the fact that you put the ingredient list within the step by step instructions even more!! I hope everyone catches on to this!
amazing so good
I wish I could give this recipe 10 stars! My kids and I both loved it!
Hahah I love it!!
I remember those taco salads of which you speak!!!! This salad is like the way classier, healthier more delicious version! absolutely love this!
They were so good, weren’t they?! This one is even tastier. 🙂
“The butternut squash zig zag fries:” can this me made using chicken instead of beef? I don’t eat beef, but i loved the recipe though!
Absolutely it can! Just sub ground chicken and follow the recipe other than that. 🙂
I love the idea of squash fries but we don’t have a product like Culinary Cuts in my country. So I will have to make my own, but without the zigzag to make it doable 🙂
Are these frozen or fresh when they go in the oven? Thanks!
Oh that’s too bad they’re not available near you! I just love the cut of them. 🙂
They’re a fresh product so if you’re making your own just slice up a squash into fry shapes and pop the fries in the oven. 🙂
Thank you! There are squash fries in my near future for sure.