Loaded Skillet Fries with Beef and Bacon
Who doesn’t love a big ole skillet of loaded cheese fries?? Nobody, that’s who. These Loaded Skillet Fries with Beef and Bacon are topped with gooey cheese, tender shredded beef, and crispy bacon to make the perfect party appetizer recipe, all layered up and baked in my favorite Lodge cast iron skillet. #beef #bacon #castiron #Lodge #skilletmeal #appetizers
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To me, there’s just nothing better than a cast iron skillet full-to-the brim with good food, and this Loaded Skillet Fries with Beef and Bacon dish is the perfect example. I love how versatile cast iron is – my cast iron skillet can go right from the stove-top to the oven and back, and it really holds in the heat for serving. Plus, it’s casual and I think that always makes my guests feel comfortable!
You’ll find this recipe easy to make and easy to serve…..everybody always goes crazy for cheese fries, right? I don’t know about you, but I never mind cooking as long as my crowd shows enthusiasm for what I make and afterwards, I find an EMPTY skillet….the true sign that it was a good dish and well received. That makes it all worth it for me!
How to Make Loaded Skillet Fries with Shredded Beef and Crispy Bacon – Easy Recipe Tips To Make Cooking Easy!
- What if I don’t own a cast iron skillet? Can I make these fries on a baking sheet? Yes, and I hope you will. Any heavy-duty baking sheet with a rimmed edge works great. However, DO make plans to purchase a cast iron skillet – you will find yourself using it ALL the time!
- Can I make this recipe even if I don’t have shredded beef on hand? You can make this a meatless dish and it will be completely fabulous. However, just know for future that ANY cooked meat can be substituted for the beef….shredded chicken, chopped salmon, even cooked ground beef could be used.
- What if my kids won’t eat the veggies in this recipe? Not to worry. My sons went through that phase, too. That’s where this skillet comes in kind of like a pizza….you can make it to order! I used to make one side veggie-free for my sons and the other side veggie-full for me and the Hubs. Works fantastic.
- What kind of French fries should I use? For some reason, I love crinkle-cut French fries, but sometimes I think that STEAK fries are the best option because they actually hold more toppings since they have a broader surface. Regardless of what you choose, both kinds are found right in your grocer’s freezer section.
Printable Loaded Skillet Fries with Beef and Bacon Recipe
Loaded Skillet Fries with Beef and Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 lb. bag crinkle cut French fries
- 1-2 Tbs. olive oil
- 4 oz. button or baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed, diced
- 1-2 cups cooked, shredded beef, well-drained of any juices, warm
- 8 oz. of your favorite shredded cheese, I used sharp cheddar and Colby-Jack
- kosher salt and freshly ground black beef pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped, cooked bacon
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling and dipping
- Toppings, such as additional shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, sliced olives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange the French fries in a single layer over a rimmed baking sheet; bake, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes, tossing fries half way through the baking time, and rotating the baking sheet.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet (I used a 12” and it worked just perfectly) over medium high heat; when the oil is hot, add the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook vegetables for 3-4 minutes or until softened; season with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally. Remove the veggies to a bowl and reserve.
- Remove the fries from the oven, lowering the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Place half of the baked fries into the cast iron skillet. Top the fries with half of the shredded beef, vegetables, and shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining fries, shredded beef, veggies, and cheese. (Use as much of the shredded beef as your family prefers.)
- Place the loaded skillet into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and all ingredients are hot throughout. Top with bacon and bake 5 minutes longer.
- Serve drizzled with Ranch dressing and your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for Other Tasty Recipes? Here you go!
Crispy Make-Ahead Potato Skins
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One-Skillet Cheesy Enchilada Orzo Pasta
Open-Face Italian Beef Sandwiches
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