Enchilada Steak Fries: A Zesty Twist on San Diego’s Favorite Loaded Fries
Experience a truly indulgent culinary delight with these Enchilada Steak Fries, a vibrant and flavorful adaptation inspired by the iconic San Diego treat – Carne Asada Fries. Imagine crispy golden French fries piled high with succulent, enchilada-marinated steak, creamy homemade guacamole, fresh and zesty pico de gallo, and a generous dollop of cool sour cream. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of Southern California’s vibrant culinary spirit, reimagined for your home kitchen with an irresistible twist that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Looking for more exciting enchilada-inspired recipes? Be sure to try these Beef Enchilada Sliders for a bite-sized fiesta, or whip up this One Pan Enchilada Pasta for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
This post has been sponsored by Old El Paso. I am proud to be in a working relationship with companies and organizations whose products I genuinely love and believe in. Your support for them is greatly appreciated!
A Journey Through Flavor: The Inspiration Behind Enchilada Steak Fries
For as long as I can remember, my greatest passions have revolved around two things: incredible food and unforgettable travel experiences. There’s an undeniable magic that happens when these two worlds collide – it’s where some of the most inspiring and delicious ideas are born. Exploring a new city through its culinary landscape is, for me, the ultimate adventure, creating memories and flavors that linger long after the trip is over.
Many of you who have followed my journey know about my deep affection for Mexican cuisine. Its vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and comforting flavors have a permanent place in my heart and on my dinner table. Last year, I embarked on an exciting partnership with Old El Paso, a brand that shares my enthusiasm for making delicious Mexican-inspired dishes accessible to everyone. Together, we brought you a collection of fantastic recipes, from Easy Breakfast Tostadas to savory Taco Stuffed Potatoes, and even innovative Jalapeño Stuffed Taco Soft Pretzel Sticks. It was a joy to collaborate with a company whose products fit so seamlessly into our family’s regular menu. And I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that our partnership with Old El Paso continues for another year of Mexican food bliss! Get ready for more mouth-watering recipes that make weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings truly special.
San Diego’s Culinary Gem: Discovering Carne Asada Fries
A little while back, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to San Diego and meet up with a fantastic team of fellow food bloggers. Our mission? To dive headfirst into San Diego’s renowned authentic Mexican food scene. It was reminiscent of our unforgettable “Taco Tour” in Austin last year, and once again, getting to know a city through its food proved to be one of the most enriching experiences. We spent an entire day feasting our way through some of the city’s finest establishments, each dish leaving a lasting impression. (Keep an eye out for more stories from that tour, coming soon!)
That day was a whirlwind of culinary inspiration. My notebook quickly filled with ideas – countless recipes I was eager to try and recreate. But among all the incredible dishes we sampled, one particular item stood out, capturing my attention and my palate completely. It was a dish so unexpectedly delicious, so utterly decadent, that I knew, without a doubt, I had to make it as soon as I returned home. This culinary revelation was none other than Carne Asada Fries.
The Allure of Carne Asada Fries: A San Diego Staple
As someone not originally from Southern California, these magnificent Carne Asada Fries were an entirely new and utterly delightful experience for me. Even though I was already quite full from our extensive food tour, I simply couldn’t stop myself from indulging in every bite. The concept itself is brilliantly simple yet incredibly satisfying: a bed of perfectly crisp French fries, generously blanketed with a melty layer of cheese, creamy, fresh guacamole, and topped with impeccably seasoned, tender carne asada. It was a symphony of textures and flavors that redefined my understanding of “loaded fries.”
Apparently, these decadent fries are more than just a dish in San Diego; they’re a true local staple, cherished by residents and visitors alike. After my first taste, I completely understood why. They offer a unique blend of familiar comfort food with the bold, authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine. Knowing that these culinary gems aren’t a common sight in my home state of Utah, I was immediately determined to recreate them in my own kitchen. The challenge was to capture that irresistible San Diego magic, but with a convenient, “no-fuss” approach that fits into a busy lifestyle.
Crafting the Enchilada Steak Fries: Our Easy Adaptation
My culinary philosophy often revolves around creating delicious recipes that don’t demand hours in the kitchen. With that in mind, I set out to make the steak portion of this dish incredibly simple, yet bursting with flavor. Instead of embarking on a traditional, more time-consuming carne asada marinade, I opted for a brilliant shortcut that would impart deep, savory notes with minimal effort. My secret? A can of Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce.
Here’s how this “no-fuss” steak comes to life: I simply placed my chosen cut of steak – flank steak works wonderfully here for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavor – into a large zip-top bag. Then, I poured in an entire can of rich, flavorful Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce, sealed the bag, and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marinating time allows the enchilada sauce to deeply infuse the steak with its savory, slightly spicy, and tangy notes, tenderizing the meat and building incredible flavor effortlessly. The next day, it’s as simple as grilling the steak to your desired doneness – typically 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. After a brief resting period to lock in those delicious juices, slice the steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces, and you have a truly phenomenal component for your loaded fries with minimal ingredients and even less fuss!
Assembling the Ultimate Loaded Fries: Layers of Flavor
While you could certainly elevate these Enchilada Steak Fries by making your French fries from scratch – and they would indeed be that much more amazing – I once again embraced the “no-fuss” philosophy for this recipe. My go-to is often a bag of high-quality frozen French fries, which bake up beautifully in the oven, delivering a perfectly crisp base without the extra time and effort. Once your fries are golden and crunchy, the real fun begins: layering on the vibrant, fresh toppings that make this dish truly spectacular.
The first layer over your hot fries is a generous scattering of shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into a gooey, savory blanket. Next comes your star – the tender, flavorful enchilada-marinated steak. For the fresh elements, a dollop of creamy, homemade guacamole is essential, bringing a rich and buttery counterpoint to the other flavors. To balance that richness, we add a swirl of “taco sour cream” – a simple yet ingenious blend of sour cream and Old El Paso taco seasoning that adds a tangy, seasoned kick. And no plate of loaded Mexican fries would be complete without a generous helping of fresh pico de gallo, its diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice providing a bright, zesty crunch. Finally, for an extra touch of authentic flavor and texture, I always like to crumble some Cotija cheese over the top. Its salty, firm texture is a perfect finish, and I often have either Cotija or Queso Fresco on hand anyway, making it a convenient and delicious addition.
This dish might seem unconventional as a main course, but it’s undeniably fun and incredibly tasty. The combination of crispy fries, savory steak, and an array of fresh, vibrant toppings makes it surprisingly filling. While a smaller portion could certainly be served as an exciting side dish, these Enchilada Steak Fries are hearty enough to stand alone as a fantastic main event for dinner, perfect for a casual family meal or a lively gathering with friends. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a festive flair to any table.
Until my next trip to San Diego where I can once again partake in their famous Carne Asada Fries, I’m absolutely thrilled that I can bring a taste of that delicious experience home with these incredible Enchilada Steak Fries!
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Enchilada Steak Fries
Deborah Harroun
20 minutes
30 minutes
8 hours
8 hours
50 minutes
4
servings
Main Dish
Mexican
Pin
Save
Ingredients
Steak
-
2 to 2 1/2
lb
flank steak -
1
10 oz can Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce
Guacamole
-
2
ripe avocados -
2
cloves
garlic
minced - juice of 1 lime
-
2
tablespoons
minced cilantro - salt and pepper
Taco Cream
-
1
cup
sour cream -
1
tablespoon
Old El Paso taco seasoning
Pico de Gallo
-
2
roma tomatoes
diced -
4-5
green onions
sliced -
1
tablespoon
minced cilantro - juice from 1/2 lime
- salt and pepper
Fries
-
1
bag (30-32 oz) frozen french fries -
2
cups
shredded cheddar cheese - crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- Place the steak in a large zip-top bag. Pour the can of enchilada sauce into the bag and seal. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated steak until it reaches medium-rare, approximately 5-7 minutes per side, adjusting time based on steak thickness and your desired doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips. This resting period is crucial for juicy, tender steak.
- While the steak is cooking and resting, prepare your fries. Cook the frozen French fries according to the package directions until golden brown and crispy.
- To make the guacamole, roughly mash the ripe avocados in a medium bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Season generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream and Old El Paso taco seasoning. Stir until well blended to create your flavorful taco cream.
- In a third bowl, gently stir together the diced Roma tomatoes, sliced green onions, minced cilantro, and the juice from half a lime. Season to taste with salt and pepper to create a fresh pico de gallo.
- To assemble the Enchilada Steak Fries, place approximately one-quarter of the cooked fries onto a plate. Top immediately with one-quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly. Layer some of the sliced enchilada steak over the cheese, followed by generous dollops of guacamole, taco cream, and pico de gallo. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
loaded fries, enchilada steak fries, carne asada fries, mexican food, quick dinner