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Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust

Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust

Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust is a bold and flavorful comfort food dish featuring crispy homemade fries topped with tender, smoky marinated carne asada, melted cheddar cheese, and a zesty nacho dust seasoning. Finished with creamy sour cream, fresh cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime, this recipe is perfect for sharing or indulging solo, offering a delicious combination of crunchy, creamy, and savory elements.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fries

  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into thick fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon nacho dust seasoning (see below)

Carne Asada Marinade and Beef

  • 1 lb skirt or flank steak
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Nacho Dust Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 12 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime (for squeezing on top)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fries: Cut russet potatoes into thick, uniform fries. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of nacho dust seasoning. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, deep fry until crispy. Ensure seasoning is evenly coated for flavor.
  2. Marinate and Cook the Carne Asada: In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add skirt or flank steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor. Grill or pan-sear the steak on high heat for 3-5 minutes per side until charred on the outside and juicy inside. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  3. Layer Cheese and Fries: Arrange the crispy fries on an oven-safe tray or baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the fries. Place under the broiler or in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey without drying the fries.
  4. Add Carne Asada and Finish with Toppings: Top the cheesy fries with sliced carne asada. Sprinkle an additional pinch of nacho dust for extra zing. Add dollops of sour cream, scatter chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and jalapeños if desired. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice over the top to brighten all the flavors.

Notes

  • Marinate the carne asada overnight for best flavor.
  • Use high heat when cooking steak for a juicy interior and charred exterior.
  • Spread fries out while cooking to avoid sogginess.
  • Customize the nacho dust spice level to your preference.
  • Let meat rest before slicing to retain juices.
  • Frozen fries can be used but season them well with nacho dust.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute carne asada with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned black beans.
  • Store leftovers separately to avoid soggy fries, especially sour cream and fresh toppings.
  • Reheat fries and steak using an oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada fries, loaded fries, nacho dust, Mexican appetizer, carne asada, cheesy fries, game day snack, gluten free