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Loaded Cheese Fries BBQ Beef

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Crispy fries are generously topped with tender BBQ beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and an array of fresh toppings like green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, and bacon. This crowd-pleaser delivers a hearty bite, balancing smoky, tangy flavors with rich, melty cheese. Flexible for main course or appetizer, you can use store-bought or homemade ingredients and mix and match toppings for your ideal plate. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or satisfying comfort food cravings.

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Casey
Updated on Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:37:00 GMT
A plate of food with a white plate. Pin it
A plate of food with a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Who can resist crispy fries blanketed with melty cheese and smoky BBQ beef These loaded cheese fries have become my Friday night guilty pleasure especially when I want something easy but over the top They combine all the best party flavors into one mind-blowing shareable dish that gets everyone talking

I crave this on game day and casual get togethers Usually the tray disappears before I even get to sneak seconds Everyone raves about the zesty cheese sauce layered with BBQ beef

Ingredients

  • Frozen French fries or homemade hand cut fries: serve as the best crispy base Choose thicker fries for sturdiness
  • Olive oil: makes oven fries golden and helps season stick
  • Salt: brings out natural potato flavor Always salt immediately after cooking for best results
  • Cooked beef brisket or shredded beef: is tender and holds sauce beautifully Look for marbled beef for juiciness
  • BBQ sauce: infuses smoky sweet flavor A tangy sauce balances cheese richness
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds savoriness Choose a quality brand for depth
  • Garlic powder: offers savory background flavor
  • Butter: forms the base of a silky cheese sauce Use real butter for richness
  • All purpose flour: helps thicken the cheese sauce Sifted flour ensures no lumps
  • Whole milk: keeps the cheese sauce creamy and smooth Use full fat for full flavor
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: gives bold cheesy character Grate your own if possible for better melt
  • Salt and pepper: essential to balance flavors and season both fries and sauce
  • Cayenne: gives a gentle kick Use sparingly or skip for mild taste
  • Toppings like sour cream green onions jalapenos and bacon: add fresh creamy and spicy notes Use fresh green onions for crunch and brightness

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Fries:
Bake air fry or deep fry French fries following your chosen method Make sure fries get extra golden and crispy on the outside so they hold up under toppings If using homemade fries pat them dry before cooking for ultimate crispiness
Make the BBQ Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium Add shredded beef BBQ sauce garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce Stir well Cook for five to seven minutes until heated through and sauce coats the meat Turn off the heat and keep beef covered so it stays juicy
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for one minute to make a roux Slowly pour in milk a little at a time whisking until smooth Let cook until slightly thickened about three to five minutes Reduce heat Stir in shredded cheddar until creamy and fully melted Add salt pepper and cayenne to taste Adjust thickness by adding a splash more milk if needed
Assemble the Loaded Fries:
Layer hot fries onto a big platter or pan Make sure they overlap for structure Spoon the saucy BBQ beef evenly over the top Drizzle thick cheese sauce all over Garnish generously with your selection of toppings like sour cream green onions jalapenos and bacon Serve right away so everything stays hot and melty
A plate of food with a white sauce on top. Pin it
A plate of food with a white sauce on top. | cookingwithcasey.com

I love the way sharp cheddar melts into a silky cheese sauce My first memory making this recipe involves everyone in my kitchen taste testing cheese sauce directly from the spoon before it could even make it to the fries We still do taste tests to this day

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days The fries lose their crispness but can be revived in a hot oven or air fryer Add extra cheese sauce if reheating so everything stays creamy To freeze shredded BBQ beef or cheese sauce keep in separate containers and thaw before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Try pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef For a vegetarian twist use black beans or BBQ jackfruit Use any cheese that melts well such as Monterey Jack pepper jack or mozzarella Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt or use store bought queso for the cheese sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a hearty appetizer at parties or lay out a toppings bar and let guests build their own plates For a meal pair with crunchy coleslaw or a fresh green salad For a fun twist serve loaded fries in small paper boats at outdoor gatherings

Cultural and Historical Context

Loaded fries are inspired by all American bar food and Southern barbecue traditions They take comfort elements like cheese fries and merge them with the classic tangy BBQ flavors loved across the south When you layer spicy creamy and meaty components every bite captures the spirit of a summer cookout or backyard gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover brisket or other meats?

Absolutely! Leftover brisket, pulled beef, rotisserie chicken, or even pulled pork all work well for the topping.

→ What’s the best way to get crispy fries?

Bake, air-fry, or deep fry the potatoes until golden and crisp. Flip or shake during cooking for even results.

→ Are there cheese alternatives to cheddar?

Yes. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack add delicious melt and different flavors to the cheese sauce.

→ How can I spice up the dish?

Use a spicy BBQ sauce, include extra jalapeños, or add a pinch of chipotle or cayenne to the cheese sauce.

→ What toppings can I add for freshness?

Sliced green onions, diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and sour cream bring brightness and balance to the plate.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare components in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep fries crisp and toppings fresh.

Loaded Cheese Fries BBQ Beef

Golden fries with BBQ beef, melty cheese sauce, and flavorful toppings. Perfect for sharing as a starter or meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 large platter)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Fries

01 680 g frozen French fries (steak-cut or crinkle-cut preferred), or homemade hand-cut fries
02 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, if baking
03 Salt, to taste

→ BBQ Beef

04 450 g cooked beef brisket or shredded beef
05 240 ml BBQ sauce
06 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce, optional
07 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder

→ Cheese Sauce

08 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
09 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
10 240 ml whole milk
11 150 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 Salt and pepper, to taste
13 Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

→ Toppings (as desired)

14 120 ml sour cream
15 25 g sliced green onions or chives
16 Pickled jalapeños
17 Diced red onion
18 Chopped crispy bacon, optional
19 Fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 220°C. Arrange frozen fries on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway, or deep-fry at 175°C until golden brown. Season with salt while hot.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, combine shredded beef, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring regularly, until the beef is thoroughly heated and coated. Cover and keep warm.

Step 03

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth and beginning to thicken (about 3–5 minutes). Reduce the heat, add cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired.

Step 04

Arrange hot fries on a large serving platter. Spoon BBQ beef over the fries, pour cheese sauce generously on top, and garnish with toppings such as sour cream, green onions, pickled jalapeños, red onion, bacon, and cilantro according to preference. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For added heat, use a spicy BBQ sauce or a pinch of chipotle powder in your cheese sauce.
  2. For variety, combine cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella in the cheese sauce.
  3. Pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken can be substituted for the beef.
  4. To make a hearty meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet or air fryer basket
  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Serving platter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 675
  • Total Fat: 37 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 32 g