Description
Delicious and fun twist on traditional nachos using crispy baked waffle fries topped with seasoned ground beef, melted Mexican cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for a festive St. Patrick’s Day party or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (14 ounce) package frozen waffle fries
Beef Topping
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
Cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Mexican cheese blend
Fresh Toppings
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup sliced jalapeño peppers
- 3 leaves romaine lettuce, chopped
Condiments
- 3 tablespoons sour cream, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons guacamole, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) to get it ready for baking the waffle fries.
- Bake Waffle Fries: Spread the frozen waffle fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Bake until they are light golden brown, about 12 to 20 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning with the cooked beef and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Assemble Nachos: Transfer the baked waffle fries into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef over the fries. Then, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled pan back into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, jalapeño peppers, and chopped romaine lettuce for freshness and crunch.
- Serve with Condiments: Finish by dolloping sour cream and guacamole on top to add creaminess and flavor balance. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute jarred jalapeños for fresh ones if you prefer a milder or more readily available option.
- Iceberg lettuce can be used instead of romaine lettuce for a different texture and flavor.
- For extra crispiness, spread the waffle fries on multiple baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Feel free to add other toppings like green onions or cilantro to customize your nachos.
