Indulge in the ultimate surf-and-turf comfort food with these Southern Shrimp & Beef Nacho Fries. Crispy golden fries are generously topped with seasoned ground beef and succulent shrimp, creating a bold and flavorful twist that satisfies both meat and seafood lovers alike.
This dish is perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or sharing with friends, offering a delicious combination of textures and tastes—from the melty, gooey cheese to fresh, zesty toppings—a true crowd-pleaser every time.
- A hearty fusion of land and sea flavors with seasoned beef and shrimp.
- Crispy fries layered with rich cheese and vibrant fresh toppings.
- Simple to prepare, perfect for entertaining or casual family meals.
Ingredients
- Frozen French Fries: About 800 grams or 28 ounces of fries, chosen for their crispiness after baking or air-frying.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Used for tossing fresh fries to achieve a golden, crispy texture if preferred over frozen.
- Ground Beef: Approximately 450 grams (1 pound) of lean ground beef that forms the rich, meaty base flavor of the dish.
- Shrimp: 300 to 400 grams (10 to 14 ounces) of peeled, deveined shrimp adding a succulent seafood element.
- Taco Seasoning: One tablespoon of a zesty mix with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to bring southwestern flavors.
- Paprika: Half a teaspoon provides mild smoky depth that enhances the meat and shrimp.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, for seasoning all components with essential flavor balance.
- Shredded Cheese: Between 1.5 to 2 cups of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend for melting over the fries.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce or Salsa (Optional): For added creaminess or tangy flavor boost as desired.
- Tomato: One medium tomato, diced for freshness and a juicy bite on top.
- Red Onion: A quarter cup, finely chopped, adding crisp texture and mild pungency.
- Jalapeños (Optional): Sliced, to spice up the fries with a kick of heat.
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Chopped, to garnish with bright herbal notes.
- Sour Cream: Served on the side to provide cool creaminess that balances the spices.
- Lime Wedges: For squeezing over and bringing a tangy freshness at serving.
Instructions
- Cook the Fries
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Preheat your oven or air fryer per the instructions on the fries package. Arrange the fries in a single layer to ensure even crisping and bake or air-fry until golden and crunchy. Crisp fries provide the perfect sturdy base to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Cook the Ground Beef
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with taco seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cooking until fully browned ensures a flavorful, well-seasoned protein base. Drain excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy finish.
- Cook the Shrimp
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Using the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed and place the peeled shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps shrimp juicy and tender.
- Assemble the Nacho Fries
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Lay the crispy fries on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet to allow space for even topping. Distribute the seasoned ground beef and cooked shrimp evenly over the fries, ensuring each bite gets both proteins. This layering maximizes flavor and texture in every piece.
- Melt the Cheese
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the beef and shrimp coated fries. Place the platter under a hot broiler or back in the oven at around 200°C (400°F) for 5 to 8 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly, creating a rich, gooey topping that ties all the flavors together.
- Add Fresh Toppings & Serve
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Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the fries from the oven and add diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño slices if using, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream and lime wedges on the side to add creaminess and bright acidity that cut through the richness.
- For the best texture, always serve loaded fries immediately to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Adjust spice levels with jalapeños or hot sauce based on your preference for heat.
- Cook proteins ahead to save time, then assemble and melt cheese just before serving for freshness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fries may lose crispiness when reheated, so reheat proteins and freshen fries in an oven or air fryer for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these nacho fries with a cold beer or a tangy margarita to complement the bold flavors. A fresh green salad on the side can balance the richness and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
- Use a mix of cheese blends to enhance meltability and flavor complexity.
- Freshly sauté shrimp in butter with garlic for an elevated taste.
- For extra texture, add chopped scallions or crushed tortilla chips as a final garnish.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh-cut fries instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh-cut fries work wonderfully. Toss them in olive oil and season before baking to achieve crispy fries with a fresh homemade taste.
- What substitutions exist for the proteins?
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You can substitute or add sausage, pulled pork, or shredded chicken to tailor protein variety and flavor.
- How spicy is this recipe?
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The spice level is mild by default but can be increased with jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne powder to taste.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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Prepare and cook the proteins ahead and keep fries separate. Assemble and melt cheese right before serving for best results.
- What cheese melts best on loaded fries?
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Mexican cheese blends, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack all melt well and offer delicious flavor.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
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It’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free fries and taco seasoning; always check labels to confirm.
- Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
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Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip sour cream or replace with coconut-based or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Southern Shrimp Beef Nacho Fries
Equipment
- 1 oven or air fryer to cook fries and melt cheese
- 1 skillet to cook beef and shrimp
- 1 baking sheet to spread fries
Ingredients
- 1 large bag 28 oz frozen French fries or fresh cut fries
- Olive oil or cooking spray if using fresh fries
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10 to 14 oz peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or chili powder cumin, garlic powder blend
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
- Optional nacho cheese sauce or salsa
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- Sliced jalapeños optional
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
- Sour cream and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer according to fry package instructions.
- Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake or air fry fries until crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Season beef with taco seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook shrimp about 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Spread cooked fries on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
- Scatter seasoned beef and cooked shrimp evenly over the fries.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over all the toppings.
- Place under a hot broiler or back in the oven at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomato, red onion, jalapeños if using, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Use cooked sausage, pulled pork, or shredded chicken to vary proteins.
- Pepper Jack cheese adds heat; blends melt well.
- Adjust spice with hot sauce or more jalapeños.
- Best served immediately to keep fries crisp.
- Cook proteins ahead; assemble and melt cheese just before serving.
