Healthy Loaded Fries with Taco Beef & Nacho Cheese Sauce: A High-Protein, Budget-Friendly Meal Prep
5-Day Meal Prep
One of the key elements that helped me on my 100-pound weight loss journey was meal prepping on a budget. With a bit of creativity, I was able to enjoy foods I loved, like nachos, tacos, and comfort food, but in a healthier way. This recipe for Healthy Loaded Fries with Taco Beef & Nacho Cheese Sauce is a great example of how you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without derailing your progress. It's high in protein, satisfying, and perfect for meal prepping!
This dish brings together crispy air-fried fries, seasoned lean ground beef, fresh pico de gallo, and a creamy, low-fat nacho cheese sauce—all packed into one delicious meal. Whether you're cooking for the week ahead or making something fun for dinner, this meal works for both!
Macros (Per Serving)
Calories: 547
Protein: 53g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 17g
Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings)
For the Fries:
2 lb frozen fries (or fresh fries cut into wedges)
2 taco seasoning packs (can use low-sodium if preferred)
For the Taco Beef:
2 lb lean ground beef
2 taco seasoning packs (adjust to your flavor preference)
For the Pico de Gallo:
4 plum tomatoes, diced
½ white onion, chopped
Small bunch of cilantro (about 1 cup), chopped
2 limes, juiced
Salt and garlic powder to taste
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
6 slices fat-free cheese (such as American or cheddar)
½ cup water
Step 1: Prep the Fries
Start by seasoning your 2 lbs of fries with one packet of taco seasoning. Toss the fries in a bowl and coat them evenly with the seasoning.
Air fry the fries at 400°F for about 20 minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them at 425°F for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The goal is to get them crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the fries are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
Season the beef with the second packet of taco seasoning, and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Pico de Gallo
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced plum tomatoes, chopped white onion, and chopped cilantro.
Squeeze the juice of 2 limes into the bowl and season with salt and garlic powder to taste.
Mix everything well and set aside to let the flavors marinate.
Step 4: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
In a small skillet over medium heat, add the 6 slices of fat-free cheese and ½ cup of water.
Stir constantly until the cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken up.
Once the cheese sauce has reached a creamy consistency, remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Fries
Once the fries are crispy and cooked, divide them evenly into 4 meal prep containers.
Top each portion of fries with a generous amount of cooked taco beef, followed by the pico de gallo and a good drizzle of the nacho cheese sauce.
Step 6: Store and Enjoy
Cover the containers and store them in the fridge. These loaded fries will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the portions for longer storage (just be sure to store the pico de gallo and cheese sauce separately).
When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave and enjoy your high-protein, healthy comfort food!
Meal Prep Tips
Let Everything Cool Before Storing: Allow the beef, fries, and cheese sauce to cool slightly before storing them in your meal prep containers. This helps maintain the texture and prevents sogginess.
Separate the Toppings: If you plan to store the loaded fries for more than a day, it’s a good idea to store the pico de gallo and cheese sauce in separate containers. This will keep the fries crispy until you're ready to assemble.
Reheating: To keep the fries as crispy as possible, consider reheating them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This will help them maintain their texture. For the cheese sauce, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave and stir in a little water or milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Additional Notes
Choosing the Right Fries: If you want to make this meal even healthier, you can swap out regular frozen fries for sweet potato fries or air fry some fresh potatoes at home. They’ll still be delicious but with more nutrients.
Lean Ground Beef Alternatives: If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken breast. These alternatives will still provide the protein you need but with a lower fat content.
Customization: Feel free to add some sautéed veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrients and flavor. You could even add some jalapeños or hot sauce to spice things up!
Budget-Friendly: This meal is great for sticking to a budget. The ground beef, frozen fries, and cheese slices are all affordable ingredients that pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition.
Why This Recipe Works for Meal Prep
High Protein: With 53g of protein per serving, this meal will help you stay full and satisfied throughout the day.
Affordable: You don’t have to break the bank to eat healthily. Using ingredients like ground beef, frozen fries, and low-fat cheese makes this meal prep cost-effective without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Versatile: You can enjoy this as a meal for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack! Plus, you can customize it with whatever you have on hand to suit your tastes.
Final Thoughts:
These Healthy Loaded Fries with Taco Beef & Nacho Cheese Sauce are a total win for meal prep. They give you the comfort food vibes you crave, but with a healthier twist that fits perfectly into your meal plan. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, lose weight, or simply need a satisfying meal that’s high in protein and low on effort, this recipe has you covered.
Give it a try, and let me know what you think!