Take everything you love about a BBQ bacon cheeseburger and pile it on top of golden waffle fries. That’s the magic of Crunchy BBQ Cheeseburger Waffle Fries—a snack-meets-meal that delivers major flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a twist.
With crispy fries, saucy beef, melty cheddar, and classic burger toppings, this is not your average sheet pan snack—it’s your new favorite way to do loaded fries.
Why I Love This Recipe
These loaded waffle fries are:
- Easy to prep and baked on one sheet
- A fun twist on burgers and fries
- Great for crowd feeding or solo snacking
- A fully customizable canvas for your favorite toppings
- The kind of food that’s meant to be shared and devoured fast
Think of it as nachos… but cheeseburger-style, with waffle fries.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 bag frozen waffle fries (about 20 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins & Swaps
- Add bacon bits or jalapeños for extra heat and crunch
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a smoky gouda
- Drizzle with ranch or chipotle mayo for a saucy twist
Instructions
- Preheat oven
Follow the baking instructions on the bag of waffle fries—typically 425°F. - Cook the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease. - Add BBQ sauce
Stir BBQ sauce into the cooked beef and simmer for a few minutes until thick and flavorful. Set aside. - Bake the fries
Spread waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crispy and golden, about 20–25 minutes. - Assemble the loaded fries
Remove fries from the oven. Top evenly with BBQ beef mixture, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. - Melt the cheese
Return the tray to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Top it off
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with diced onions and pickles. - Mix your drizzle
In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and mustard. Drizzle over the loaded fries. - Serve hot
Season with salt and pepper, slice into portions (or not), and dig in!
Tips for Success
- Use convection bake or air fry setting for the crispiest fries
- Don’t overcrowd the tray—spread fries evenly for max crunch
- Want crispier cheese edges? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes
- For party prep: Keep beef warm in a small slow cooker, then assemble to serve
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make it a full comfort-food spread with:
- Crockpot Nacho Dip for cheesy dipping fun
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas to serve with or stack on the side
- Blueberry Lemonade to cool down the rich, cheesy flavor
- Cheesy Hot Dip Inspired by a Classic Sandwich to double the cheeseburger inspiration
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites to finish on a sweet note
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Best reheated in a 400°F oven or air fryer for crispiness
- Freeze: Not recommended once assembled—fries lose texture
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more loaded, cheesy party food? Try:
Final Thoughts
Crunchy BBQ Cheeseburger Waffle Fries are loud, messy, and totally irresistible—in the best way possible. Perfect for sharing (or not), this dish turns a bag of frozen fries into something unforgettable.
Try them tonight, tag @chefmaniac, and show off your loaded fry game—I can’t wait to see how golden, melty, and stacked yours turn out!
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