Homemade Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Recipe

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There’s something absolutely irresistible about the combination of crispy golden fries, tender steak, and that luscious trio of nacho cheese, garlic ranch sauce, and fresh pico de gallo. What if you could recreate this Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries in your kitchen? Imagine whipping up a batch of these savory treats for a game night or serving them up at a family gathering—guaranteed to impress and satiate all your guests.

How to make Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries

Taco Bell’s Steak Garlic Nacho Fries feature golden, crisp Nacho Fries topped with grilled, marinated steak, pico de gallo, nacho cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy garlic ranch sauce.

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 2 large potatoes, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Steak:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (to mix with sour cream and ranch for the garlic ranch sauce)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Fries:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer if you prefer a crisper finish.
2. Toss the potato strips in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the potato strips on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. For air frying, follow the device’s instructions for fries.

Cooking the Steak:

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pan until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Set aside.

Preparing the Garlic Ranch Sauce:

1. Combine the sour cream, ranch dressing, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust the garlic powder according to taste.

Assembling the Nacho Fries:

1. Layer the crispy fries on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the nacho cheese sauce generously over the fries.
3. Add the cooked steak pieces on top.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese while the fries are still hot so the cheese melts slightly.
5. Dollop or drizzle the garlic ranch sauce over the top.
6. Garnish with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños if desired.

Tips for Perfect Steak Nacho Fries:

• Fry Alternatives: While baking offers a healthier option, frying the potato strips can add an extra crunch typical of Taco Bell’s version. Consider using an air fryer to create a middle ground between health and flavor.
• Steak Seasoning: For an added flavor boost, marinate the steak beforehand in lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese Sauce: Homemade nacho cheese sauce can elevate the dish. A simple roux mixed with milk and melted cheese (such as cheddar or American cheese) with a touch of hot sauce or chili powder can work wonders.
• Customization: The beauty of homemade Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries is the ability to customize toppings based on your preferences. Feel free to add more of what you love or tone down what you don’t.

What to serve with

When rounding out your meal with Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries, you have various delicious options that complement their rich and zesty flavor profile.

1. Guacamole and Chips: Fresh, homemade guacamole serves as a cool, creamy counterbalance to the spicy and savory flavors of the Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries. Serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a classic side that combines sweet, charred corn on the cob with a creamy sauce made from mayo, cotija cheese, and cilantro sprinkled with chili powder. Its vibrant flavor and texture make it a perfect companion to Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice: For a lighter side that can help balance out the heaviness of the nacho fries, cilantro lime rice is excellent. It’s fragrant, refreshing, and the citrus notes will add a bright touch to your meal.

4. Refried Beans or Black Beans: A side of refried beans or simply seasoned black beans provides a hearty, protein-rich component that complements the meaty steak on the nacho fries. Beans are also a staple in Mexican cuisine, making them a fitting choice.

5. Jalapeño Poppers: If you want to keep the heat going, jalapeño poppers are a spicy, cheesy option that amps up the flavor—the crispy exterior and melty, spicy interior pair excellently with the textures of the nacho fries.

6. Fresh Pico de Gallo or Salsa: Offering a bowl of fresh pico de gallo or a vibrant salsa allows guests to tweak the flavor of their nacho fries. The fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in these condiments can cut through the richness of the nacho cheese and steak.

7. Chilled Beverages: Don’t forget the drinks! Chilled beverages like margaritas (classic, mango, or strawberry), chilled beer, or even a refreshing agua fresca (such as tamarind, hibiscus, or lime) can cleanse the palate and refresh your guests between bites.

8. Dessert: After a hearty meal of steak nacho fries, a lighter dessert can be a welcome finish. Consider churros with chocolate dipping sauce, flan, or sorbet to provide a sweet end to your meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries at home can be a delightful cooking project. If you’re missing some ingredients or wish to tailor the recipe according to dietary preferences or allergies, there are several substitutes you can consider.

Steak

Original Ingredient: A marinated flank steak is usually used for its flavor and tenderness.

Substitutes:

• For Vegetarians/Vegans: Portobello mushrooms can mimic the texture of meat and soak up flavors well. Seitan or textured vegetable protein (TVP) are also great alternatives for a protein-packed option.
• Other Meats: Chicken or pork can be used as alternatives; make sure they are thinly sliced and marinated similarly to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Nacho Fries

Original Ingredient: Taco Bell’s seasoned fries.

Substitutes:

• Homemade Seasoned Fries: Cut potatoes into thin strips and toss with olive oil and a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a sweeter variation, sweet potatoes can be a great substitute. They offer a robust flavor profile that complements the savory toppings.
• Frozen Fries: In a pinch, any brand of frozen fries can work; just choose a seasoning that matches the flavor profile of Taco Bell’s seasoning as closely as possible.

Nacho Cheese

Original Ingredient: Processed nacho cheese sauce.

Substitutes:

• Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce: Melt together cheddar cheese with a bit of milk, butter, and cornstarch (as a thickener). Add a small amount of diced jalapeños or green chilies for added flavor.
• Cashew Cheese (Vegan): Soaked cashews blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and turmeric can create a creamy, savory sauce that’s plant-based.

Sour Cream

Original Ingredient: Regular sour cream.

Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: Non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar tang and creaminess.
• Vegan Sour Cream: There are several commercially available vegan sour creams, or you can make one from soaked cashews, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

Pico de Gallo

Original Ingredient: Fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño.

Substitutes:

• Salsa: If you’re short on time, a good-quality jar of salsa can substitute for homemade pico de gallo.
• Mango Salsa: For a fruity twist, mango salsa with similar ingredients can add a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory nacho fries.

Guacamole

Original Ingredient: Avocado mixed with lime juice, salt, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes.

Substitutes:

• Prepared Guacamole: There are numerous ready-to-eat guacamoles available that can save time.
• Avocado Crema: Blend avocado with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier, more sauce-like version of guacamole.

Seasonings for Steak and Fries

Original Ingredients: A combination of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Substitutes:

• Taco Seasoning: A pre-mixed taco seasoning can simplify the marinating process for the steak and seasoning the fries.
• Adjusting Heat: Depending on your tolerance for spice, you can increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper or consider using a milder chili powder.

Final Thoughts

Each substitute offers a way to customize the dish to your liking, dietary restrictions, or based on what ingredients you have on hand. Experimenting with these alternatives not only personalizes your Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries but can also introduce new flavors and textures to your homemade version.

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Dirty Baja Blast Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Stacker Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Seasoning Recipe
• Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Sauce Recipe