February 4, 2024
Craving that takeout vibe but committed to keeping things healthy? Say hello to Whole30 Loaded Beef Barbacoa Fries – a dish that’s about to revolutionize your meal game. Imagine the smoky, spicy flavors of your favorite beef barbacoa, piled high on crispy homemade fries, and topped with a rainbow of fresh, vibrant toppings. This is not your average “healthy” recipe; it’s a full-on flavor explosion that tastes so guilty, you won’t believe it’s actually good for you.
Why This Recipe Works
In a world where takeout often equals quick, comforting, and, let’s be honest, sometimes greasy indulgence, it can be hard to find a balance that satisfies the craving without the guilt. Enter our hero, the Whole30 Loaded Beef Barbacoa Fries. This recipe takes all the best parts of a naughty night in – think loaded fries, spicy, tender meat, and all the fixings – and turns it into something that’s not just guilt-free, but actually fuels your body with good stuff.
Ingredients Breakdown
This dish is a harmonious blend of simple, whole ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Seasoned Oven Fries:
- Russet potatoes for that perfect fry texture.
- Avocado oil for a heart-healthy fat option.
- A blend of garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder for that kick of spice.
For the Toppings:
- Beef barbacoa that’s been slow-cooked to perfection (Check out our beef barbacoa recipe link).
- Fresh pico de gallo, mashed avocado, and sliced jalapenos for a burst of freshness.
- A sprinkle of cilantro and shredded cabbage for crunch and color.
And the star of the show, Chipotle Aioli:
- A creamy, spicy sauce made with tahini, lime juice, hot sauce, and adobo sauce that ties the whole dish together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Indulgence
Making this dish is a breeze, and the best part? It’s customizable based on your preferences and dietary needs. Here’s how to bring it to life:
- Start with the fries: Cut, season, and bake until they’re just the right combination of crispy and fluffy.
- Prep your toppings: While the fries do their thing in the oven, get your toppings ready. This is where you can get creative – the more color, the better.
- Warm the barbacoa: Give it a quick sear in a skillet to bring out the flavors and add that irresistible crust.
- Assemble and serve: Layer those golden fries with barbacoa, drizzle with chipotle aioli, and scatter over your fresh toppings.
Why It Feels So Guilty (But Isn’t)
Every bite of these loaded fries delivers a punch of flavor that feels like it should be off-limits, but guess what? You’re actually nourishing your body with protein, healthy fats, and a whole lot of whole foods from all those fresh toppings. It’s the ultimate cheat meal without the cheat.
Closing Thoughts
Next time you’re about to dial up some takeout, remember that these Whole30 Loaded Beef Barbacoa Fries are waiting to satisfy your cravings in a way that feels indulgent but is entirely guilt-free. It’s the kind of meal that brings joy to the table, fuels your body, and keeps you on track with your health goals. So go ahead, indulge in your new favorite “guilty” pleasure – your body (and taste buds) will thank you.
Enjoy the journey to a healthier, happier you, one delicious bite at a time. And remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun. With recipes like this, you can have your fries and eat them too!
Loaded Barbacoa Fries
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Oven Fries:
- 1 ½ lb russet potatoes about 2 large
- 2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Whole30 Loaded Beef Barbacoa Fries:
- 2-3 cups beef barbacoa See my recipe in notes
- 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 3/4 cup pico de gallo or favorite salsa
- 1 avocado mashed
- 1 jalapeno sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro
Chipotle Aioli (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage sub iceberg lettuce if preferred
- For the Chipotle Aioli:
- 3 Tbsp lime juice about 2 limes, juiced
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- 2 Tbsp hot sauce Recommend Cholula or Yellowbird Sriracha
- 2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp adobo sauce from one can of chipotles in adobo sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp water adjust based on desired consistency
Instructions
Seasoned Oven Fries:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the washed potatoes into fries and place them on the parchment. Drizzle with oil and season with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Toss to ensure all fries are evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 30 minutes.
Chipotle Aioli:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, tahini, hot sauce, oil, cumin, salt, and adobo sauce. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. This aioli can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Whole30 Loaded Beef Barbacoa Fries:
- As the fries cook, prepare your toppings: chop cilantro, slice jalapenos, shred cabbage, and mash the avocado.
- With 10 minutes left on the oven timer, warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef barbacoa to the skillet, allowing it to cook for 3 minutes before flipping and cooking for an additional 3 minutes to warm through and create a slight crust.
- Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and top with the warm beef barbacoa, pico de gallo, mashed avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, and shredded cabbage.
- Generously drizzle with the chipotle aioli, place in the middle of the table, and let everyone dig in!
