Description
Nduja Beef Loaded Fries are a deliciously indulgent snack or meal featuring crispy golden fries topped with a spicy, flavorful mixture of ground beef and Nduja sausage, melted cheese, and optional garnishes like sour cream, chives, and pickled jalapeños. This recipe combines bold Italian flavors with classic comfort food for a crowd-pleasing dish ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 lb frozen French fries or hand-cut potatoes
Beef Mixture
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Nduja (spicy spreadable pork sausage)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fries: Cook fries according to package instructions or bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and crispy, ensuring they are evenly cooked and crisp on the outside.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Add Nduja and spices: Stir in the Nduja, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, allowing the Nduja to fully melt and infuse the beef mixture with its spicy, smoky flavor.
- Arrange fries: Once fries are cooked, spread them out evenly on an oven-safe dish or tray to prepare for the cheese topping.
- Top with beef and cheese: Spoon the Nduja beef mixture evenly over the fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, covering all the meat and fries.
- Broil to melt cheese: Place the tray under the oven broiler for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Add garnishes: Remove from oven and garnish with sour cream, chopped chives or green onions, and pickled jalapeños if using, adding cool, fresh, and spicy notes to the dish.
- Serve immediately: Serve the loaded fries hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For crispier fries, spread them out in a single layer to avoid sogginess when loaded with toppings.
- You can substitute Nduja with spicy Italian sausage if unavailable, but the spreadable texture of Nduja is unique to this recipe.
- Sour cream and pickled jalapeños are optional but add a nice balance to the spicy meat and creamy cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, particularly the salt and pepper depending on the saltiness of the Nduja.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve a larger group.
