If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of tacos and nachos, then Taco Frachos is where it’s at! This delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, crispy fries, and melty cheese is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for game day, movie nights, or any casual gathering, these Taco Frachos will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Imagine a platter piled high with golden French fries, topped with spicy seasoned beef, and smothered in ooey-gooey cheese. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of your favorite salsa, and you’ve got a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and how you can create your very own Taco Frachos at home.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Taco Frachos are a unique twist on traditional nachos, swapping out tortilla chips for crispy French fries. This gives the dish a hearty base that holds up against all the toppings, making each bite a delicious fusion of flavors. The combination of spices in the ground beef, including chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne, brings warmth and depth, while the melty Mexican cheese adds a rich creaminess. With fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor, these Taco Frachos are sure to impress!
Ingredients at a Glance
To make your own Taco Frachos, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups Mexican cheese
- 1/4 cup cojita cheese
- Cilantro, chopped
- 4 cups French fries
Appliances & Accessories
To prepare your Taco Frachos, you will need the following appliances and accessories:
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef and mixing in the spices.
- Baking tray: To assemble and bake the Taco Frachos in the oven.
- Spatula: For stirring the beef and transferring the fries.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure out your spices and cheese.
Build Taco Frachos Step by Step
Creating your Taco Frachos is a breeze with these simple steps:
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Add 1 lb. of ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Spice it Up
Once the beef is browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to meld with the beef.
Step 3: Prepare the Fries
While the beef is cooking, prepare your French fries according to the package instructions. Bake or fry them until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Frachos
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking tray, layer the crispy fries first. Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the fries, followed by 2 cups of Mexican cheese. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of cojita cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Add Freshness
Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro and any additional toppings you desire, such as salsa, jalapeños, or sour cream.
In-Season Flavor Ideas
To elevate your Taco Frachos, consider incorporating seasonal ingredients:
- Fresh Avocado: Add slices or guacamole for creaminess.
- Seasonal Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers or roasted poblano peppers for added flavor.
- Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes or a tomato salsa can brighten up the dish.
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans can add heartiness and protein.
Pro Perspective
The beauty of Taco Frachos lies in their versatility. You can customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for black beans or sautéed mushrooms. If you love a little heat, don’t hesitate to increase the cayenne pepper or add jalapeños on top. Taco Frachos can also be a great way to use up leftover ingredients from your fridge.
For those looking for a twist, consider pairing these Taco Frachos with an easy homemade chicken enchiladas or some cheesy cheese enchiladas on the side for a fun feast!
Storage & Reheat Guide
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can store your Taco Frachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Taco Frachos on a baking tray and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help keep the fries crispy and the cheese melty.
Questions People Ask
Can I make Taco Frachos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the seasoned beef and cook the fries ahead of time. Just assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.
Can I freeze Taco Frachos?
While it’s best to enjoy Taco Frachos fresh, you can freeze the cooked beef and fries separately. Just reassemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
What toppings can I add to Taco Frachos?
You can get creative with toppings! Consider adding sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
If you’re looking for more recipes that blend flavor and healthy ingredients, check out these options:
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to create your own Taco Frachos, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! With each layer of flavor, you’ll be creating a dish that’s not just a meal, but an experience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, Taco Frachos will definitely satisfy those cravings. Enjoy the process, have fun with the toppings, and most importantly, relish in the deliciousness that is Taco Frachos!
Taco Frachos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Add 1 lb. of ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to meld with the beef.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare your French fries according to the package instructions. Bake or fry them until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking tray, layer the crispy fries first. Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the fries, followed by 2 cups of Mexican cheese. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of cojita cheese on top.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro and any additional toppings you desire, such as salsa, jalapeños, or sour cream.
Notes
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
