Copycat Del Taco Crinkle Fry Taco Bowl (Print version)

Crispy crinkle fries loaded with seasoned taco beef, beans, queso, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.

# Ingredients:

For the fries

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) frozen crinkle-cut fries
02 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil or cooking spray, if baking
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

For the taco beef

04 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean
05 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

For the bowl toppings

14 - 1 cup (240 g) refried beans
15 - 1 cup (240 ml) queso or nacho cheese sauce
16 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 2 cups (95 g) shredded iceberg lettuce
18 - 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
19 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
20 - 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced green onions
21 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) mild taco sauce
22 - Pickled jalapenos, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Cook the crinkle fries according to the package directions in an oven or air fryer, adding oil or spray if needed. Cook until deeply golden and crisp, then season with salt.
02 - Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked to 160°F. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the beef is glossy and lightly saucy.
04 - Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave with a spoonful of water until creamy. Warm the queso separately until smooth and pourable.
05 - Divide hot fries among 4 bowls. Spoon taco beef over the center, then add refried beans, queso, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, taco sauce, and jalapenos if using.
06 - Serve immediately while the fries are crisp and the toppings are still warm and cool in the right places.

# Good to know:

01 - Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.
02 - Best assembled right before serving so the fries stay crisp.
03 - Use certified gluten-free fries and taco ingredients if needed.

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