Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of frozen French fries
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. While the fries are baking, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir until the flour is fully incorporated.
6. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
7. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and fully combined.
8. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. To assemble the horseshoe fries, place the cooked French fries on a large plate or platter.
10. Pour the cheese sauce over the fries, making sure to cover them completely.
11. Top the cheese sauce with the cooked ground beef.
12. Garnish with sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and chopped scallions, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 425°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Any type of cheese can be used in place of cheddar cheese.
- Sweet potato fries or tater tots can be used instead of French fries.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of cheese sauce, such as queso or nacho cheese.
- Top the horseshoe fries with sour cream or guacamole.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to spread the French fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a whisk to stir the milk into the beef mixture to prevent lumps from forming.
- To make the cheese sauce extra creamy, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover horseshoe fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the horseshoe fries, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the horseshoe fries on a large platter for a fun and festive presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Sliced jalapenos
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped scallions
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail, such as a margarita or a mojito.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add more shredded cheese until it thickens.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Store any leftover horseshoe fries in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
- Horseshoe fries originated in Springfield, Illinois in the 1920s and are a local specialty dish.
Flavor Profiles:
- The horseshoe fries are savory and cheesy, with a hint of tanginess from the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the horseshoe fries as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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