7 Layer Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Nacho fries are loaded and layered with taco seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and scoops of fresh guacamole. Inspired by Taco Bell Nacho Fries, this homemade version is tastier, healthier, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Craving fast food at home? Try my Better Than Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, another delicious copycat recipe.

Jump to:

• Why We Love This Nacho Fries Recipe:
• Ingredients You Need:
• How to Make Nacho Fries:
• Alternatives and Variations:
• Pro-Tips:
• Storing and Reheating:
• FAQ:
• More Mexican Inspired Recipes to Try
• 📖 Recipe
• Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!

Homemade nacho fries are a delicious combination of nachos and fries so it is the ultimate snack platter! Crispy seasoned fries are made exponentially better when you layer them with your favorite nacho toppings. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or dinner, you will be so happy you did!

Why We Love This Nacho Fries Recipe:

Better Than Taco Bell! This popular dish comes and goes from their menu and right now it is not available. But we can always make it ourselves with fresh ingredients and our own customizations.

Affordable! Do you have Taco Bell money? When you have a family to feed, you are always looking for ways to do more for less. This is a quick, easy, cheap way to feed a group (and the kids will still feel like they got something special).

Perfect for Gatherings! This is shareable! Whether it is family game night or you are hosting a Superbowl event, serve this because it is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You Need:

Seasoning for the Nacho Fries:

This homemade blend coats the french fries.

• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Nacho Fries:

• Ground beef: The preferred protein for this recipe.
• Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries: If you can not get this specific brand, you can use any crispy frozen fries you prefer.
• Vegetable oil: For frying.
• Taco seasoning: To season the ground beef.
• Refried beans: Is it nachos without this ingredient? They add protein and make this a substantial meal.
• Cheese Sauce: I prefer Ricos Gourmet Nacho Cheese but you can use your preferred cheese sauce brand or queso dip. You can always whip up your own with cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and milk. Another alternative is covering the fries in shredded cheese and broiling them for one minute before adding the other toppings.
• Guacamole: Prepare this before cooking the nacho fries. Try my guacamole recipe!
• Sour cream: Serve this on the side so the fries do not get soggy too quickly.
• Pico de Gallo: This Pico de Gallo adds a fresh pop of flavor
• Chipotle sauce: Try this Creamy Chipotle Sauce. It is like a copycat version of Taco Bell chipotle sauce! If you want a sauce full of smoky chipotle pepper flavors, try my Super Simple Chipotle Salsa. This has a medium heat level.

How to Make Nacho Fries:

Make French Fry Seasoning

Add the French fry seasonings into a small bowl. Including the paprika, chili powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (which is optional if you like spice). Stir this up until it is fully incorporated, then set it aside.

Cook Ground Beef

Add the ground beef into a skillet and cook it over medium heat until all of the pink is cooked out. Drain any excess grease. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and stir in ¼ cup of water. Stir it until everything is combined, and remove the taco meat from the heat.

Fry the Potatoes

In a separate pan, heat up the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Gently place the French fries into the hot oil and cook until they are golden brown (about 7 minutes or so). Be sure to turn them every minute or so so that they cook evenly.

Heat Up Beans & Cheese

While the fries are cooking, heat up the nacho cheese sauce in a microwave safe dish, and set it to the side. Next, heat up the pinto beans in a microwave safe dish and set them aside. 

Once the fries are golden brown to your liking, remove them from the hot oil and let them drain on a bed of paper towels. Continue cooking the remaining fries in batches until they are all done. 

Add Taco Seasoning to the Fries

Add the cooked fries to a large bowl, sprinkle in the nacho fry seasoning and toss them around until the fries are coated evenly with the seasonings. 

Layer Nacho Fries

Assemble your 7 layer nacho fries by adding the french fries to a plate, and layer with all of your toppings including: the nacho cheese, refried beans, ground beef taco meat, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and chipotle sauce.

Alternatives and Variations:

• Fries: Swap out waffle fries, or thick-cut potato wedges in place of the fast food fries.
• Spicy: Top with sliced jalapenos for some added heat.
• Baked Nacho Fries: Instead of frying the fries, you can bake them as a healthier alternative.
• Meat: Loaded nacho fries can be made with steak or grilled chicken instead of ground beef.

Pro-Tips:

• Fry the French fries on the crispier side to ensure that they are sturdy enough to hold up with all of the toppings.
• Do not substitute these fries with crinkle or curly fries because they will not be crispy enough to handle the toppings. We do not want soggy fries.
• If you want the fries to stay crisp for longer, you can serve them on a warming tray.

Storing and Reheating:

Nacho fries should be eaten immediately or you risk them becoming soggy. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for one day. When you reheat them, bake them at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, air fry them at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

FAQ:

What are Taco Bell Nacho Fries?

The nacho fries at Taco Bell are crispy fries served with cheese sauce on the side.

Did Taco Bell discontinue Nacho Fries?

No. Nacho fries are a seasonal product that is periodically on the menu. That is why I made this super-loaded version that you can make whenever the craving strikes!

More Mexican Inspired Recipes to Try

• Beef Birria QuesaTacos con Consomé
• Chicken Birria Quesatacos
• Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
• Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
• Chicken Lime and Avocado Soup
• Churro Dessert Tacos

Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!