I cooked Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella, featuring crispy golden fries topped with a savory ground beef mixture, molten mozzarella, and flavorful aromatics. It’s pure comfort food—rich, cheesy, and indulgent.

Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines crispy fries with a hearty, cheesy topping that feels like a mashup of burger and fries in every bite. The beef is seasoned and juicy, the mozzarella melts in gooey layers, and I can customize the toppings—making it perfect for game night, family dinner, or late-night cravings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen or homemade French fries
Ground beef (about 1 lb)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, scallions, or cilantro for garnish

directions

I bake or fry fries until they’re crisp and golden, spreading them out on a serving platter to make them ready for toppings.
I sauté diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet with a bit of oil, then brown the ground beef until no longer pink. I drain off any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, paprika, or taco seasoning if I want a bolder flavor.
I layer the hot beef mixture evenly over the fries, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top so it melts in every nook.
I pop it under the broiler or back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
I finish with optional toppings—like chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, scallions, or a drizzle of sour cream—just before serving.

Servings and timing

My version yields about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size. Prep time is around 10 minutes, frying or baking fries about 20 minutes, beef cooking 10 minutes, plus cheese melting time—total roughly 40–45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use crinkle-cut or waffle fries for texture and extra crispiness.
I’ve added diced tomatoes, cilantro, or jalapeños as toppings for freshness and heat.
For a cheesier sauce, I whisk together a cheese sauce with mozzarella and cheddar instead of shredding.
I serve it poutine-style—with hot gravy poured over and mozzarella melted underneath—for ultimate indulgence. Mozzarella stands in for cheese curds in easier homemade versions.

storage/reheating

I refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, I bake or air-fry at 375 °F until hot and crispy again. I don’t microwave, since that softens the fries.

FAQs

How do I prevent soggy fries under the toppings?

I serve the beef and cheese over piping-hot fries right before eating. Spreading them in a single layer helps maintain crispness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely—I swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or seasoned plant-based meat crumbles and layer the same cheese over fries.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes—mozzarella gives supreme stretch, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend also work well depending on flavor preference.

Are these fries good for parties?

Perfect—they’re crowd-pleasing and easy to share. I serve them family-style in a large bowl or on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Yes—I prep fries (or use frozen), cook the beef filling earlier, and assemble just before serving. Melting cheese in the oven takes only minutes.

Conclusion

I absolutely love making Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella—each bite is crunchy, savory, and cheesy comfort packed into one irresistible dish. Whether for a casual gathering or crave-worthy dinner, it always hits the spot. Let me know if you’d like ideas for vegan versions, low-carb swaps, or vegetarian toppings!