Here’s a decadent Southern Loaded Cheesy Beef & Sausage Fries recipe—crispy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness:
🍟 Ingredients
For the fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the meat topping:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cheese sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Crumbled bacon
🍴 Instructions
1. Prepare the fries:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. Cook the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage and ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
3. Make the cheese sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the loaded fries:
- Spread baked fries on a serving platter.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over fries.
- Drizzle with warm cheese sauce.
- Add optional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, or bacon.
💡 Tips for Extra-Crispy Loaded Fries:
- Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch.
- Double-bake method: Bake once, cool for 10 minutes, then bake again for extra crispiness.
- For a creamier sauce, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
If you want, I can also make a skillet version where everything is cooked together for a fast, gooey, cheesy meal in one pan—perfect for game day.
Do you want me to share the skillet version?
