Description
Cheesy Beef Fries with Pickles
Ingredients:
For the fries:
4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
For the beef topping:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the garnish:
1/2 cup pickles, sliced
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
(optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the fries:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and slice the potatoes into thin strips. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Cook the beef:
While the fries are baking, heat a pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened. Remove from heat.
Assemble the dish:
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a serving plate. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Optionally, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Garnish and serve:
After the cheese has melted, garnish with sliced pickles and chopped green onions.
Enjoy:
Serve your cheesy beef fries with pickles hot and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and texture!
These cheesy beef fries are a great comfort food dish with a delicious savory beef topping and the crunch of pickles. Perfect for a fun meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For crispier fries, soak the peeled and cut potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them completely dry before tossing with oil and spices. This removes excess starch. While the fries bake, start browning your ground beef in a skillet. For deeper flavor, cook the chopped onions separately until caramelized before adding them to the cooked beef with the spices. When assembling, create a base layer of fries, then the beef, and finally the cheeses. The optional 5-minute broil at the end ensures perfectly melted, bubbly cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a hearty standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side to cut through the richness. Serve with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of cool sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping. For a fun game-day spread, offer small bowls of additional toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or crispy bacon bits so everyone can customize their portion. It also makes a fantastic late-night snack after a movie.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Cut and season potatoes, then bake until crispy. 2) Brown ground beef with onions and spices. 3) Layer hot fries, beef, and cheeses on an oven-safe plate or skillet. 4) Broil briefly to melt cheese. 5) Garnish with pickles and green onions before serving immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fries to save time?
Absolutely. For a quick version, use a high-quality frozen french fry or steak fry. Bake or air-fry them according to package directions until extra crispy before adding your toppings.
What kind of pickles work best?
Dill pickles are classic for their tangy punch, but bread and butter pickles add a sweet contrast. For maximum crunch, use cold, freshly sliced pickles from the fridge as your final garnish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika to the beef mixture. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can cook the beef topping 1-2 days in advance and reheat it gently. The potatoes are best cooked fresh, but you can cut and soak them ahead of time, keeping them in water in the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F until warmed through. This will keep the fries from getting soggy. The microwave will soften the fries significantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Baking Sheet: Spread fries in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding steams them, resulting in soggy fries.
- Underseasoning the Beef: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and cumin in the beef mixture before assembling, as it’s the dish’s primary flavor layer.
- Adding Garnishes Too Early: Adding pickles and green onions before the final broil will cause them to wilt and lose their fresh, crisp texture.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese Exclusively: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. For best results, shred your own cheddar.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Fries with Pickles are the ultimate customizable comfort food, combining crispy potatoes, savory spiced beef, and gooey cheese with a bright, crunchy finish. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home that’s perfect for sharing. Remember, the key lies in the contrast of textures and temperatures—hot, melty cheese against cold, crisp pickles. Dig in and enjoy this deliciously satisfying meal.