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Mini Frittata Muffins

Mini Frittata Muffins

Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust is a bold and indulgent dish featuring tender marinated carne asada piled atop crispy fries, smothered in gooey melted cheese, and finished with zesty homemade nacho seasoning. This mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh elements—ideal for parties, game days, or a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Marinade

  • 1 lb flank or skirt steak (carne asada beef)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Base and Seasoning

  • 4 cups French fries (fresh, frozen, or homemade)
  • 12 tbsp nacho dust seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper)

Cheese

  • 12 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Fresh Toppings

  • ½ cup diced onions
  • 2 jalapeños, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • ½ cup sour cream or crema

Optional Extras

  • Guacamole, salsa, or diced tomatoes (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Carne Asada: In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Thoroughly coat the flank or skirt steak in this mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to fully infuse.
  2. Prepare the Fries: While the steak marinates, cook your French fries by baking, frying, or air frying until golden and crispy. Once cooked, toss the fries lightly with the nacho dust seasoning to evenly coat them with zesty flavor.
  3. Cook the Carne Asada: Grill or sear the marinated steak over high heat until it develops a charred exterior while remaining tender inside. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices, then thinly slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  4. Layer and Melt the Cheese: Arrange the seasoned fries in a baking tray or oven-safe dish. Generously top with the sliced carne asada, then cover with shredded cheese. Place under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  5. Add Fresh Toppings: Scatter diced onions, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro over the melted cheese. Add dollops of sour cream or crema, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Marinate the steak overnight for even deeper, more intense flavor.
  • Use freshly cooked fries to ensure they stay crispy under the toppings.
  • Choose high-quality, melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for best results.
  • Always let the carne asada rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Adjust the nacho dust seasoning to your preferred heat level by varying the chili powder and cayenne.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada fries, loaded fries, nacho dust, Mexican appetizer, party snack, carne asada recipe, cheesy fries