Step 1

Preheat oven to bake the fries according to package directions.

Step 2

Shred cheddar cheese. Prep/chop the vegetables.

Step 3

Place the fries in the oven to bake.

Step 4

Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil, then ground beef. Break into large chunks with a spatula. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Break into small chunks and cook until meat is no longer pink. Cover. Keep warm.

Step 5

For the special sauce, add sauce ingredients into a bowl. Whisk to combine. Chill.

Step 6

For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add flour. Whisk for one minute on medium-low heat.

Step 7

Slowly add about 1/3 of the milk, whisking constantly until there are no lumps. Slowly whisk in the remaining milk. Add mustard. Whisk to blend well. Switch between a silicone spatula and whisk as needed. Try to get into all the corners of the pan to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.

Step 8

Add shredded cheese in increments, stirring after each addition until smooth before adding the next. If desired, add salt to taste.

Step 9

Top hot fries with cheese sauce, ground beef, and toppings. Drizzle with special sauce (as much or as little as you want). Serve immediately.

Step 10

Makes 6 appetizer servings or 2 to 3 main dishes.