If you have ever wished to bring the mouthwatering experience of McDonald’s signature flavors to your own kitchen, then this McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an irresistible combination of crispy golden fries topped with juicy, seasoned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and melted cheddar cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a crowd-pleaser for game night or a cozy snack to satisfy your cravings, this recipe captures the essence of that iconic indulgence in a homemade version you will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to pulling off this McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe with flavor and texture that impress. Each component plays a role in building the layers of savory goodness, from crispy fries to the rich, cheesy finish.
- 1 lb frozen French fries or homemade fries: The crispy, golden base that brings that perfect crunch.
- 1/2 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup diced onions: Gives aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness when caramelized.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes with a subtle pungency.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a smoky, warm flavor that elevates the beef mixture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty topping that pulls everything together.
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who love a little spicy kick to brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Helps sauté the veggies and adds richness to the beef.
How to Make McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crispy fries
Start by cooking your fries according to the package instructions if using frozen, or bake your homemade fries until they are crispy and golden brown. This crispy foundation is crucial – it needs to hold up under all those delicious toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a skillet, warm up the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers and sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 3: Cook and season the ground beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together, breaking the beef apart as it browns evenly. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the topping from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Assemble the stack
Place the hot, crispy fries onto an oven-safe dish. Evenly layer the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture over the fries, making sure every bite will have a balance of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Add cheese and melt
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally over the top of the beef and fries. Pop the dish into the oven or under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and starts to bubble, locking in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Optional spicy finish
Before serving, garnish with sliced jalapeños if you enjoy a bit of heat. It adds a fresh brightness that contrasts nicely with the rich layers below.
How to Serve McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a drizzle of sour cream can elevate your McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe by adding pops of color and refreshing flavors to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty loaded on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or some light pickles helps balance the meal while allowing the fries to remain the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe family-style in a large skillet or on a rustic wooden board for a casual feel. Alternatively, individual ramekins make for a fun, personalized presentation perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep in mind the fries will lose their initial crispness but can still be delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it is not recommended for this loaded fries recipe as the texture of the fries and vegetables can be compromised once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
For the best reheated results, place the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is once again melted. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the fries soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely! Homemade fries tend to be even better, giving you full control over crispiness and seasoning, which can enhance the overall flavor of your McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to keep the hearty texture while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy are the jalapeños in this recipe?
The jalapeños add a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to suit your spice tolerance without losing the essence of the dish.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is the traditional choice for this recipe because of its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or a blend for a different cheesy twist.
Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?
Definitely! Making the beef and veggie topping ahead of time can save you prep work when assembling the dish, just reheat gently before layering over the fries.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe feels like passing along a delicious secret that will quickly become a household favorite. With its perfect balance of crispy fries, savory beef, tender veggies, and gooey cheese, it brings a touch of fast-food magic straight into your kitchen. Don’t wait to try it out; trust me, every bite is pure joy!
Print
McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries, a deliciously hearty dish featuring crispy fries topped with savory ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheddar cheese, and optional spicy jalapeños. Perfect for a comforting snack or casual meal, this recipe combines classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with loaded fries for an irresistible treat ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 lb frozen French fries or homemade fries
Beef Mixture
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Cook the fries: Prepare the French fries by either baking or frying them according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers, cooking until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
- Assemble the loaded fries: Spread the cooked fries evenly on an oven-safe dish. Top with the beef and pepper mixture spread uniformly over the fries.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the beef mixture.
- Melt the cheese: Place the dish under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake or broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, add sliced jalapeños on top for a spicy kick before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your loaded fries!
Notes
- You can use either frozen fries or homemade fries depending on your preference.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Leftover loaded fries can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Loaded Fries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
