Southern Shrimp Beef Fries (Printer-Friendly Version)

Crispy fries layered with spicy beef, juicy shrimp, cheese, and fresh toppings for bold flavor and texture.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Fries

01 - Frozen French fries, 800 grams
02 - Olive oil or cooking spray, as needed

→ Proteins

03 - Lean ground beef, 450 grams
04 - Peeled and deveined shrimp, 300 to 400 grams

→ Seasonings

05 - Taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon
06 - Paprika, 0.5 teaspoon
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese & Toppings

09 - Shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend), 1.5 to 2 cups
10 - Nacho cheese sauce or salsa, optional
11 - Medium tomato, diced
12 - Red onion, finely chopped, 60 ml (1/4 cup)
13 - Jalapeños, sliced, optional
14 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
15 - Sour cream, for serving
16 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven or air fryer according to frozen fries instructions. Arrange fries in a single layer and cook until crispy and golden brown. Toss fresh fries with olive oil if using before cooking to enhance crispness.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break apart and cook until browned. Season with taco seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat before removing from heat.
03 - In the same skillet, add a small amount of olive oil if needed. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
04 - Spread the crispy fries evenly on an oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Layer the cooked ground beef and shrimp evenly over the fries.
05 - Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the topped fries. Place under a broiler or bake at 200°C for 5 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 - Remove the fries from the oven and top with diced tomato, chopped red onion, jalapeños if desired, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Serve loaded fries immediately to maintain crispiness. Adjust spice level with jalapeños or hot sauce to preference. Store components separately for up to 2 days; reheat proteins and fries in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
02 - Use a blend of melty cheeses for optimal flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp sautéed in butter with garlic enhances taste for an elevated version.