Southern Shrimp and Beef Nacho Fries (Print version)

Crispy fries piled with Cajun shrimp, seasoned beef, cheese sauce, peppers, tomatoes, and a cool sour cream drizzle.

# Ingredients:

For the fries

01 - 28 oz (795 g) frozen thick-cut fries or waffle fries
02 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil, if needed for baking
03 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the beef

05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
07 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
09 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

For the shrimp

14 - 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
16 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
20 - 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the cheese sauce

21 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) evaporated milk
22 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
23 - 1 cup (115 g) freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
24 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
25 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

For topping

26 - 1 Roma tomato, diced
27 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
28 - 1/3 cup pickled jalapeño slices
29 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
30 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
31 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
32 - Hot sauce, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 425°F. Spread the fries on a large sheet pan in a single layer. Toss with oil if the package suggests it, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Bake until deeply golden and crisp, about 25-30 minutes, turning once.
02 - While the fries bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir Cajun seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water into the beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid mostly cooks off and the beef looks glossy. Keep warm.
04 - Pat the shrimp dry. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne if using, and lime juice. Sear in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and 145°F. Remove from the heat.
05 - Warm the evaporated milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack by handfuls, stirring until melted before adding more. Stir in smoked paprika and keep warm over low heat.
06 - Stir sour cream with lime juice and a small pinch of salt. Add a teaspoon of water if needed to make it thin enough to drizzle.
07 - Transfer hot fries to a wide platter or keep them on the sheet pan. Spoon the beef over the fries, scatter the shrimp on top, and pour over the warm cheese sauce. Finish with tomato, scallions, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream drizzle, and hot sauce if using. Serve immediately.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served immediately while the fries are hot and crisp.
02 - Cook the beef ahead if needed, but bake the fries and sear the shrimp right before serving.
03 - Nutrition is an estimate per serving and will vary by fries, cheese, and toppings used.

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