Nacho Fries

Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries start with spiced French Fries and are topped with homemade Taco Bell style cheese sauce, and your favorite nacho toppings like taco meat, salsa, jalapenos, sour cream and cilantro. They are full of flavor and a fun Mexican dinner or appetizer for a party.

It’s no secret that eating out is way more expensive than eating at home. But, some days just call for that fast food that you really love. So, why not make it home and save money…and you don’t have to drive anywhere!

The copycat taco bell nacho fries are the ultimate comfort food and game-day appetizer. They taste exactly like the real thing, but even better!

With a delicious homemade cheese sauce and perfectly seasoned fries, this easy recipe will have you thinking you’ve just gone through the drive-thru. Who needs tortilla chips when you can make nachos with french fries instead?!

And if you love this sheet pan recipe, then check out these sheet pan quesadillas to go with your nacho fries!

Why You’ll Love Nacho Fries

• Homemade nacho fries are the perfect appetizer for game-day or a large crowd of people!
• This recipe is really easy to follow and only takes 40 minutes to complete. And most of that is just time for the fries to cook in the oven!
• They are very adaptable and can serve even the pickiest eaters. You can adjust the cheese sauce, spice level, toppings, and more. Make any variation that you want!

Ingredients for Nacho Fries

• Frozen straight-cut fries – Just grab a bag of your favorite frozen french fries! Any straight-cut fries will work. Crinkle cut fries work as well — really any crispy fries will work.
• Cooked taco meat – Follow this recipe for really easy-to-make taco meat. Make sure you use lean ground beef to keep these fries from being greasy.
• Taco Seasoning – You can use your favorite packet of taco seasoning or follow this really simple recipe to make your own homemade taco seasoning. You’ll need seasonings like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Cornstarch – Using a little bit of corn starch in your nacho sauce will help it thicken.
• Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter, either will work.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – I prefer the bold flavor of sharp cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce, but you could use mild cheddar if you prefer.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Heavy cream will make your cheese sauce perfectly creamy.
• Toppings:
  • Guacamole – Guacamole is a great topping for these! Make homemade guacamole for best results.
  • Jalapeño – Slice up a fresh jalapeño, or use pickled jalapeño slice.
  • Sour Cream – Feel free to omit this topping if you’re not a fan of sour cream.
  • Salsa – This homemade salsa pairs perfectly with this recipe.
  • Cilantro – A little fresh cilantro totally elevates this recipe.

How to make Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Pour frozen french fries onto a clean sheet pan in a single layer and evenly coat them in taco seasoning. Then, bake them in the oven following the instructions on the package.

While the fries cook, prepare the cheese sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the cornstarch, stirring continuously.

Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan and stir to incorporate. Once bubbles begin to form, reduce the heat and add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and taco seasoning.

It is important to keep the heat low after adding the cheese so that the cheese doesn’t curdle.

Stir until combined and keep it warm until the fries are golden brown and crispy.

Prep any toppings for the nacho fries and once they’re are done, assemble everything on a serving plate and eat up!

Serving Tips for Nacho Fries

They are best served hot, right out of the oven! Assemble everything and then serve them immediately.

You can add any toppings you want. The ones listed above are great, but you could also add refried beans, charro beans, lettuce, avocado slices, and so much more. Black beans, diced tomatoes, diced onions, green onions, and jalapeños would all be tasty toppings too.

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If you’re letting people build their own, make this crock pot taco meat to keep the beef mixture perfectly warm!

How long do leftover nacho fries last?

Though I recommend eating these fresh, you can store leftovers. Keep the french fries, cheese sauce, and toppings separately.

Store leftover in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

I do not recommend freezing leftovers.

Reheat the leftover french fries in the oven and pop the cheese sauce in the microwave at 30 second increments.

Do I have to use cheddar cheese for my cheese sauce?

Cheddar cheese will make the best nacho cheese sauce, but you can use any cheese! No matter what cheese you use, I recommend shredding your own from a block of cheese. It will melt better and be extra creamy!

Can I cook my french fries in the air fryer?

Yes! If you want fries that feel like that “fast food” experience, pop them in the air fryer. Be sure you still add the taco seasoning before cooking them. We have an entire post on how to air fry frozen French Fries if you want to check it out!

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook the fries in batches.

This nacho fries recipe is so deliciously easy. Make it for your next gathering and listen to your guest rave!

More Copycat Recipes You’ll Love

• Want to make Asian food at home? Try this Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat.
• If you need some more copycat Taco Bell recipes, check out this Crunchwrap Supreme recipe.
• Nothing quite hits the spot when you’re sick like a Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, and now you can make it at home!