Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, wash your russet potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1/2-inch matchsticks or fries. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and add the cut fries. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to evenly coat. Spread the fries out on the baking sheets, making sure to leave some room in between them for even airflow. Bake at 450 degrees F (230°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- While your fries bake, let's whip up that essential burger sauce! You can absolutely use store-bought, but a homemade version adds a special touch. To make about 1/2 cup of sauce, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of garlic powder, and a dash of onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Next, it's time to get all your delicious toppings ready for these amazing Cheeseburger Fries. Chop your lettuce, dice your tomatoes, and finely dice your dill pickles. Shred your cheddar cheese if it's not pre-shredded. Set all these vibrant ingredients aside.
- When your fries have about 8 minutes left in the oven, start on the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the remaining 1/3 tablespoon of olive oil and let it get hot for about 30 seconds. Add the diced yellow onions, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. Add the ground beef and break it up with the back of a large spoon. Cook for about 7 minutes, adding the dijon mustard halfway through and stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the meat is perfectly seasoned for your ultimate fry feast.
- Once your fries are done baking, carefully transfer them to one large baking sheet, arranging them in a somewhat even layer. Turn down your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Top the fries with the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it out evenly, then sprinkle generously with the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the baking sheet back in the preheated oven and let the cheese melt for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s bubbly and gooey.
- When the cheese is beautifully melted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now for the fun part: loading up those amazing cheeseburger loaded fries! Evenly distribute the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped dill pickles over the cheesy beef and fries. Finish by generously drizzling over the prepared burger sauce dressing. Serve your delicious creation right away and enjoy every savory bite!
Notes
To prevent soggy fries, ensure potatoes are bone-dry before cooking, avoid overcrowding, and preheat your oven or air fryer properly. For flavorful ground beef, season well, break it up evenly, and drain excess grease. Achieve smooth, melty cheese by using freshly shredded cheddar and ensuring your base is hot while the oven is not too hot. These fries are highly customizable; consider a topping bar with items like chopped red onion, crispy bacon, pickled jalapeños, or avocado slices. For themed variations, try Bacon Cheeseburger Fries with BBQ drizzle, Spicy Chipotle Fries with chipotle mayo, or Mushroom Swiss Fries with horseradish sauce. Vegetarian/vegan options are also available using plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese.
For advanced prep, the burger sauce can be made 3-4 days ahead. Chopped veggies (onion, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles) can be prepped 1-2 days in advance. Cooked ground beef and sautéed onions can be stored for up to 2 days; reheat and add mustard when ready to assemble. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or 5-8 minutes, respectively, to restore crispiness; avoid the microwave.