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High-Protein Big Mac-Inspired Loaded Fries Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

These High-Protein Big Mac-Inspired Loaded Fries combine crispy baked russet potato fries topped with seasoned lean ground beef and a creamy, tangy Big Mac-style sauce made with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. This healthier, protein-packed twist on a fast-food classic is perfect for a flavorful snack or meal and can be prepared entirely in the oven and on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Fries

  • 3 russet potatoes, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided

Beef

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ¾ teaspoon pepper, divided
  • ½ cup beef bone broth

Big Mac Sauce

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup cottage cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons pickle brine
  • 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Toppings

  • ½ cup sliced pickles

Instructions

  1. Soak Fries: Slice the peeled russet potatoes into batons, then submerge them in cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up when baked.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare for baking the fries.
  3. Dry Fries: Drain the soaked fries and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they bake crisp rather than steam.
  4. Toss and Arrange Fries: Toss the dried fries with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  5. Bake Fries: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to cook evenly on all sides. Sprinkle with an additional ¼ teaspoon salt while they are still hot for seasoning.
  6. Cook Beef: While fries bake, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and crumble it as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
  7. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the ½ cup beef bone broth and let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid reduces, about 5 more minutes, intensifying the beef flavor.
  8. Prepare Big Mac Sauce: In a compact blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, sugar-free ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle brine, nutritional yeast, sweet paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  9. Assemble Fries: Arrange the baked fries on a large plate or platter as the base for the dish.
  10. Add Beef Topping: Spoon the cooked, seasoned ground beef evenly over the fries.
  11. Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle the blended Big Mac sauce over the beef-topped fries for a creamy, tangy flavor boost.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced pickles to finish the dish, adding the classic Big Mac crunch and zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch and helps achieve crispy fries.
  • Make sure to dry the fries completely before baking to avoid sogginess.
  • The beef bone broth adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with low-sodium beef broth or stock if unavailable.
  • Greek yogurt and cottage cheese in the sauce provide creaminess and extra protein without the fat of traditional mayonnaise.
  • Adjust seasoning of the sauce and beef to taste, especially salt and pepper levels.
  • For extra crispy fries, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Store any leftovers separately in airtight containers and reheat in an oven for best texture.