Loaded Barbecue Beef Cheese Fries
Indulge in these Loaded Barbecue Beef Cheese Fries, a playful twist on classic comfort food that brings together crispy potato wedges, savory ground beef, and plenty of gooey cheese. Perfect for game day or as a quick after-school snack, these fries are sure to please both kids and adults alike. You can easily customize this dish by swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option, or using texturized vegetable protein for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Enjoy the layers of flavor and the satisfying crunch of this crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking potatoes
4 medium (cut into 8 wedges)
Barbecue sauce
1/2 cup
Spicy seasoning mix
4 teaspoons (preferably salt-free)
Nonfat cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Extra lean ground beef
1 lb
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Cut the medium baking potatoes into wedges and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle your choice of spicy seasoning mix over the potato wedges.
3
Bake the potato wedges in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through, flipping them halfway for even baking.
4
While the potatoes are baking, spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Add the extra lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5
Once the beef is cooked, add the barbecue sauce to the skillet and stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6
After the fries have finished baking, remove them from the oven. Pour the barbecue beef mixture evenly over the potato wedges, then sprinkle the shredded nonfat cheddar cheese on top.
7
Return the loaded fries to the oven for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Serve the Loaded Barbecue Beef Cheese Fries immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this delightful snack with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Barbecue Beef Cheese Fries?
They are a comfort food dish featuring crispy potato wedges topped with seasoned ground beef, barbecue sauce, and melted cheddar cheese.
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires four medium-sized baking potatoes.
What type of beef is recommended?
One pound of extra lean ground beef is used for this dish.
Can I make a vegetarian version of these fries?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with texturized vegetable protein for a vegetarian alternative.
What is a leaner meat option for this recipe?
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner meat option.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
Line the baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
How do I cut the potatoes?
Cut each medium baking potato into eight even wedges.
What seasoning is used on the potato wedges?
Use four teaspoons of a spicy seasoning mix, preferably a salt-free variety.
How long do the potato wedges bake initially?
Bake the wedges for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.
Should I flip the potatoes while they bake?
Yes, flip the potato wedges halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
How do I cook the ground beef?
Brown the beef in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes while breaking it apart with a spatula.
When do I add the barbecue sauce?
Add the barbecue sauce to the skillet once the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
How much barbecue sauce is used?
The recipe calls for one-half cup of barbecue sauce.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
One cup of shredded nonfat cheddar cheese is recommended.
How is the dish assembled?
Pour the barbecue beef mixture over the baked fries and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
How long is the final baking step?
Bake the loaded fries for an additional 5 to 6 minutes after adding the toppings.
How do I know when the fries are done?
The dish is ready when the cheese has become melted and bubbly.
Can I add a garnish to the fries?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, these loaded fries are a kid-friendly snack that is popular with both children and adults.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
What occasion is this dish best for?
It is perfect for game day, parties, or as a quick after-school snack.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as an appetizer, snack, and comfort food.
Can I use a different seasoning?
While spicy seasoning is suggested, you can customize the spices to your preference.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The recipe does not require peeling; the skin adds texture to the wedges.
Can I use a regular skillet?
A nonstick skillet is recommended to make cooking the beef easier and for faster cleanup.
How many servings does this make?
Based on using four medium potatoes, it typically serves four people as a snack.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the Loaded Barbecue Beef Cheese Fries immediately.
Can I use regular cheddar cheese?
Yes, while the recipe specifies nonfat, you can use regular or sharp cheddar if preferred.
How long does the beef and sauce simmer?
Stir the beef and barbecue sauce together for about 2 to 3 minutes until heated through before topping the fries.