Loaded Taco Fries with Fresh Pico de Gallo on the LoCo Griddle

Loaded Taco Fries with Fresh Pico de Gallo on the LoCo Griddle

A Crispy, Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser

By Miguel Raya with Cooking With Fire

Craving something bold and comforting? These Loaded Taco Fries with Fresh Pico de Gallo are a game day favorite, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection on the LoCo 36" Classic Griddle.

Golden fries, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and zesty homemade pico—all made easy with the space and heat control of your LoCo griddle. Whether you're hosting a party or feeding the family, this is a fun, shareable recipe that delivers.

Why Use the LoCo 36" Griddle?

  • Cook everything at once: Fries, beef, and even warm toppings—all on one surface

  • Even heat distribution: Perfect for getting fries crispy and meat juicy

  • Spacious surface: Great for feeding a crowd without juggling pans

Ingredients

Fries & Beef:

  • 2–3 lbs frozen thick-cut or steak fries

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • ¼ cup water

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Fresh Pico de Gallo:

  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

  • 2 jalapeños, minced (seeded for less heat)

  • ¼ cup sweet onion, diced

  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 2 limes

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

Optional Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Fries

Preheat your LoCo 36" Griddle to medium-high. Add oil and spread fries in a single layer. Flip regularly until golden and crispy (about 20 minutes). Move to a warm zone.

Step 2: Make the Pico

While fries cook, mix tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to let flavors meld and moisture drain.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

On another griddle zone, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and flavorful.

Step 4: Build the Fries

Pile fries in the center of the griddle. Top with hot taco meat and sprinkle cheese over everything. Let it melt from the residual heat.

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings

Spoon fresh pico on top. Add your favorites—sour cream, guac, jalapeños—then serve hot right from the griddle.

Pro Tips for Perfect Griddle Fries

  • Use thicker fries: Steak fries or wedges hold up best under toppings

  • Don’t crowd the griddle: Single-layer cooking = crispier results

  • Mix up the protein: Try turkey, chicken, or black beans for a twist

  • Shred your own cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded

  • Garnish generously: Fresh lime juice and cilantro bring it all to life

Make It Your Own

Customize with:

  • Spicy hot sauce

  • Creamy avocado slices

  • Pickled red onions

  • Extra cheese layers

  • Or even a drizzle of chipotle ranch

Bring the Heat with LoCo

Loaded taco fries are always a hit—but when you cook them on the LoCo 36" Classic Griddle, they hit different. Crispy. Cheesy. Fresh. And made to share.

 

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