If you’re craving a snack that packs layers of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors all piled high on crispy fries, you need to try the McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe. This indulgent dish takes your favorite French fries and transforms them with a mouthwatering topping of seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and perfectly melted cheddar cheese. Every bite bursts with the kind of comfort-food goodness that’s perfect for sharing with friends—or savoring solo on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor just right in this recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component adds something special, from the crispy fries providing a sturdy base to the smoky spices infusing the beef with boldness.
- 1 lb frozen French fries or homemade fries: Choose your favorite type for that crispy, golden foundation.
- 1/2 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that brings savoriness and substance.
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1/2 cup diced onions: Caramelizes to bring deep flavor and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile with subtle zing.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky depth to the beef mixture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for that irresistible cheese pull.
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who want a spicy kick to brighten every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Helps sauté the veggies to tender, flavorful goodness.
How to Make McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
Start by cooking your French fries either according to the package directions or bake until they’re crispy on the outside and golden throughout. This golden crispiness is critical because it holds up perfectly under all those delicious toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your diced onions and green bell peppers. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and just start to develop a caramelized edge. This adds a rich sweetness and wonderful aroma that balances the savory beef.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef into the skillet along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Break the beef apart as it cooks and stir occasionally until it’s fully browned and fragrant. The spices bring out an irresistibly smoky, savory flavor that’s the heart of this recipe.
Step 4: Drain Excess Fat
To keep things from getting greasy, drain any extra fat from your skillet before assembling the dish. This keeps the beef flavorful and rich but not overwhelming.
Step 5: Assemble Your Loaded Fries
Arrange your cooked fries in an oven-safe dish. Spread the savory beef and sautéed pepper mixture evenly over the fries. This layering ensures every bite gets a taste of that perfect meat and veggie combo.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Melt
Scatter shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the beef layer. Pop the dish into the oven or under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble into gooey, golden perfection.
Step 7: Optional Final Touches
If you love a little heat, finish with sliced jalapeños just before serving. These add brightness and spice that contrast beautifully with the rich, cheesy beef.
How to Serve McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a light sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten the plate and add color contrast. For an extra creamy touch, consider a drizzle of sour cream or a tangy ranch dressing drizzle that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad or some refreshing coleslaw cuts through the richness and provides a nice balance. For something heartier, crispy chicken tenders or a grilled burger keep the feast going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic look or pile it high on large sharing platters to let everyone dig in together. You can also customize toppings—add sautéed mushrooms, different cheese blends, or swap out jalapeños for pickled peppers for new flavor twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fries will soften over time but should stay delicious for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, store the beef mixture separately if possible and combine before reheating.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but you can freeze the beef topping in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the fully loaded fries as the texture will not hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
For leftovers, reheat the fries and beef mixture separately in the oven to keep them crispy. Arrange fries on a baking sheet at 375°F until warm and crisp, and warm the beef mixture in a skillet or microwave before stacking again with cheese and melting briefly under the broiler if desired.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely! Homemade fries made from fresh potatoes work beautifully and let you control crispiness and thickness. Just slice, season, and bake or fry them until golden and crispy before adding toppings.
Is there a vegetarian option for the McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for seasoned plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or even black beans for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian alternative.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely. Adding sliced jalapeños is a great start, but you can also mix hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the beef mixture to increase the heat level to your taste.
What type of cheese works best besides cheddar?
While cheddar melts wonderfully and provides sharpness, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different textures and flavors.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire process, from prepping to melting the cheese, usually takes about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a delicious weeknight treat or weekend indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved comfort food favorite. The blend of crispy fries, seasoned beef, sautéed veggies, and melty cheese is pure joy on a plate. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special, so don’t hesitate—get cooking and enjoy this deliciously satisfying dish!
Print
McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries recipe combines crispy fries with savory ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously indulgent snack or meal. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make at home, these loaded fries bring together classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in a fun and shareable way.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 lb frozen French fries or homemade fries
Beef and Vegetables
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Cooking Fat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Cook Fries: Prepare fries according to package instructions or bake homemade fries in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown, ensuring a perfect base for the toppings.
- Heat Fat: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until they are soft and slightly caramelized, which helps develop sweetness and flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart continuously to ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain any excess fat to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- Assemble Loaded Fries: Arrange the cooked fries on an oven-safe dish. Evenly distribute the beef and pepper mixture over the fries as the main topping layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef and vegetables, ensuring even coverage for perfect melting.
- Melt Cheese: Place the assembled fries under the oven broiler or bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble and brown slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick before serving immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- You can use fresh homemade fries or your favorite brand of frozen fries according to your preference.
- Adjust the jalapeños quantity or omit for milder flavor.
- To crisp fries further before topping, bake them slightly longer before adding beef and cheese.
- Use a broiler to melt cheese faster and achieve a nice bubbly top.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for different dietary needs.
