Southern Shrimp Beef Nacho Fries

This Southern Shrimp Beef Nacho Fries recipe combines crispy fries with savory ground beef, succulent shrimp, melty cheeses, and fresh tomato for a perfect comfort food experience. It brings together the bold flavors of Southern and MexicanAmerican cuisines in a way that always impresses whether you serve it for a snack or a casual meal.

I first made this for a game night, and it quickly became the crowd favorite. Everyone always asks me to make it again because it hits all the right notes between indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Seasoned fries: Large bag as the base for crispy texture and flavor. Choose fries with good seasoning for best results
• Nacho cheese tortilla chips: Large bag to add extra crunch and cheesy flavor. Opt for crunchy chips that won’t sog out quickly
• Ground beef: Brings hearty richness. Use fresh ground beef for juicier results
• Shrimp: Twelve to fifteen large shrimp offer a tender seafood contrast. Peel and devein for best texture
• Tomato: Medium, diced for a fresh burst of acidity to balance richness
• Butter: Adds smoothness and helps with sautéing. Unsalted preferred for better control over seasoning
• Paprika: Adds smoky warmth. Opt for good quality paprika for more flavor
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide depth and a savory backbone. Use fresh spices if possible
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning, adjust to taste
• Parsley: For garnish to add a fresh, colorful finish
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses: Shredded for a creamy cheese sauce. Use freshly shredded cheeses
• Heavy cream: Creates a luxurious sauce texture

Instructions

Savor the Fries:

Cook the seasoned fries according to the package instructions until perfectly crispy and golden. Spread them evenly across a large serving plate. Arrange the nacho cheese tortilla chips neatly around the edges to add crunch

Brown the Beef:

In a frying pan set over medium heat add the ground beef along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and cook the beef thoroughly until it browns and releases its juices then transfer it to a bowl

Melt and Sauté Shrimp:

In the same pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them carefully stirring occasionally until they turn pink and opaque which usually takes a few minutes

Making the Cheese Sauce:

Over low heat melt butter in a saucepan. Add the heavy cream and warm it until it just starts to simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses along with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy

Assemble the Dish:

Layer the crispy fries on the large plate with the tortilla chips bordering the plate. Top the fries with the cooked ground beef then arrange the sautéed shrimp over the beef. Sprinkle the diced tomato evenly over the toppings. Pour the hot cheese sauce generously over everything and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the cheesy gooeyness at its best

My favorite ingredient has to be the shrimp. They bring a subtle sweetness and firm texture that contrasts wonderfully with the rich beef and cheese and I always remember the first time I served this at a family gathering and how the shrimp disappeared first.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within two days for best flavor and crispiness. Reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave to keep the fries from getting soggy and store the cheese sauce separately to reheat gently while stirring

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Replace shrimp with cooked crab meat or grilled chicken strips or use seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version. Cheddar and Monterey Jack can be switched for pepper jack or mozzarella and use dairy free cheese sauce to make it allergy friendly

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of guacamole or fresh salsa and pair with a cold beer or a tangy margarita. Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat and a simple green salad to balance the richness

Serve immediately so the fries and chips stay crisp and enjoy the contrast of shrimp, beef, and gooey cheese. It makes a great shareable dish for parties and casual meals.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How should the fries and chips be arranged?

Cooked fries are spread on a plate with tortilla chips arranged around the edges to create a base for toppings.

→ What spices are used to season the beef?

Ground beef is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a savory Southern flavor.

→ How are the shrimp prepared?

Shrimp are sautéed in butter until pink and cooked through, enhancing their natural sweetness and texture.

→ What cheeses are in the cheese sauce?

The sauce combines shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melted with heavy cream and butter for creaminess.

→ How is the cheese sauce flavored?

The cheese sauce is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to complement the toppings and fries.