If indulgence had a recipe, this would be it! These Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella combine crispy golden fries, a hearty beef and sausage sauce, and a gooey blanket of melted cheeses. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make.
This recipe has become a legend in our family. My husband swears it’s better than any restaurant nachos, and my kids look forward to “loaded fries night” like it’s a holiday. The first time I made this, it was gone so fast I barely had a chance to grab seconds. Now, it’s our go-to for Friday movie nights or when we need something comforting after a long day.
Why These Cheesy Loaded Fries with Beef and Mozzarella?
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, and roasted garlic creates a sauce that’s robust and unforgettable.
- Cheesy Goodness: Two types of cheese—mozzarella and cheddar—melt perfectly over the fries for ultimate gooeyness.
- Customizable: Swap out salami for pepperoni, or tweak the spices to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is an absolute hit at gatherings and can easily be turned into sliders for variety.
Ingredients:
- 350 g hot Italian sausage (approx. ¾ lb)
- 450 g ground beef (1 lb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 150 g / 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped (about 75 g / ½ cup)
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 75 g / ½ cup)
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (about 150 g / 1 cup)
- 100 g salami or pepperoni, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 450 g tomato puree (approx. 16 oz)
- 2 tbsp prepared pesto (30 ml)
- 2 cloves roasted garlic, minced (or raw if preferred)
- Seasoning to taste: salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar or honey
- 750 g frozen fries (26 oz)
- 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups)
- 150 g shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups)
- Optional: Slider buns and sliced mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sausage and ground beef, breaking them into small crumbles as they cook.
- Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor, and add the onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the salami, tomato puree, pesto, and garlic. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Bake the Fries:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the fry package (typically 425°F/220°C).
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
- Assemble and Finish:
- When the fries are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and top with a layer of the warm meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For extra browning, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with a side of buns to scoop up extra sauce, or enjoy straight off the tray with a fork!
Notes:
- Substitutions: For a leaner option, swap ground beef and sausage for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and double the vegetables, adding beans or lentils for protein.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Storage: The meat sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before using.
- Leftovers: Turn any leftovers into sliders by layering the sauce and cheese between buns and baking until warm.
Enjoy this delightful twist on loaded fries, guaranteed to bring smiles to your table!