Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Craving a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying? Philly Steak Cheese Fries combine all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with crispy waffle fries to create the ultimate comfort food. This dish features tender, thinly sliced steak, perfectly cooked onions and green bell peppers, and layers of gooey white American cheese, all piled onto crispy fries. It’s perfect for a game day snack, weekend treat, or a casual dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: You get the rich, savory taste of a Philly cheesesteak, with tender steak, sweet peppers, and onions, all wrapped in melty cheese.
• Easy to make: With only a few simple ingredients and quick prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just treating yourself, this dish is perfect for sharing. Or not!

Ingredient Breakdown

1. Steak (1 lb, thinly sliced)

The star of the dish, thinly sliced steak, provides rich and savory flavor. Choose a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin to make sure the steak remains juicy and flavorful when cooked.

• Tip: If slicing your own steak, freezing it for about 15-20 minutes first can make it easier to get thin, even slices.

2. Garlic Salt (1 tsp) & Ground Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)

These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the steak, giving it a well-rounded, savory taste without overpowering the other ingredients.

3. Green Bell Pepper (1, sliced)

Green bell peppers add a slightly sweet, crisp flavor and a touch of color. They provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the steak and cheese.

• Tip: If you prefer a milder or sweeter flavor, you can substitute red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.

4. Onion (1, sliced)

Onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish as they cook down and caramelize. They pair beautifully with the steak and bell peppers, enhancing the overall flavor.

5. White American Cheese (8-10 slices)

White American cheese is essential for that classic Philly cheesesteak experience. It melts smoothly and has a creamy, mild flavor that complements the seasoned steak and veggies.

• Tip: If you’re a fan of more robust flavors, you can substitute provolone or even a mix of both cheeses.

6. McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (20 oz bag)

These crispy, crinkle-cut fries act as the perfect base for all the delicious toppings. The ridges in the fries hold onto the melted cheese, steak, and veggies, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Tip: While this recipe uses waffle fries, feel free to use your favorite style of fries like crinkle-cut or steak fries. You can also make homemade fries if you prefer.

7. Olive Oil (1 tbsp)

Olive oil helps cook the steak and veggies, adding a touch of richness and ensuring they don’t stick to the skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the fries and melting the cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season the steak with garlic salt and ground black pepper, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Cook the steak for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

• Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the steak so it sears properly. If necessary, cook it in batches.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

In the same skillet, reserve 1 tablespoon of the liquid from the cooked steak (for added flavor), and discard the rest. Return the skillet to the heat and add the sliced green bell pepper and onion. Sauté the vegetables in the reserved liquid until they are tender but still slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the steak.

• Tip: You want the bell peppers to retain some crunch for texture, so don’t overcook them. For a deeper flavor, you can cook the onions until caramelized.

Step 4: Layer the Fries and Toppings

Remove the skillet from the heat and spread a layer of McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries directly in the skillet. Place 4 slices of White American cheese over the fries, then add a layer of the cooked steak and vegetables on top of the cheese. Repeat these layers—adding another layer of fries, cheese, steak, and veggies—until all the ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining cheese slices on top.

• Tip: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can transfer everything to a baking dish before layering.

Step 5: Bake

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the fries are golden and crispy.

• Tip: If you want a golden-brown top, you can broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool slightly, then dig in and enjoy your Philly Steak Cheese Fries hot and melty!

• Tip: For a fun, interactive meal, serve this dish family-style in the skillet and let everyone help themselves.

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Serving Suggestions

1. Add Dipping Sauces

Pair your Philly Steak Cheese Fries with a variety of dipping sauces for extra flavor. Some great options include:

• Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy contrast to the hot fries.
• Spicy Aioli: For a kick of heat and tang.
• BBQ Sauce: A smoky, sweet option that pairs well with the steak.

2. Customize with Additional Toppings

Make your Philly Steak Cheese Fries even more exciting by adding some of your favorite toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles add extra savory goodness.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness.

3. Serve with a Side Salad

Balance out the indulgence of the cheesy fries with a light, crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw works perfectly.

Customizing Your Philly Steak Cheese Fries

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and combinations.

1. Swap the Meat

If you don’t have steak on hand, or if you’re looking for something different, here are some alternatives:

• Chicken: Use thinly sliced grilled or sautéed chicken breast for a lighter option.
• Ground Beef: Brown ground beef with garlic salt and pepper for a more budget-friendly version.
• Vegetarian: Skip the steak and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-friendly option.

2. Change the Cheese

While White American cheese is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, you can switch it up based on your preferences:

• Provolone: Adds a sharper, tangier flavor that pairs beautifully with the steak and veggies.
• Cheddar: For a richer, more robust flavor.
• Mozzarella: For an ultra-melty, stretchy texture.

3. Try Different Fries

This recipe uses waffle fries, but you can easily swap them for another type of fry or potato:

• Curly Fries: Add some fun and spice with seasoned curly fries.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier and sweeter twist.
• Tater Tots: For a bite-sized, crunchy alternative.

Conclusion

These Philly Steak Cheese Fries take everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak and combine it with crispy waffle fries for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main course or serving them as a shared appetizer, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With layers of tender steak, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked vegetables, all atop golden waffle fries, every bite is bursting with flavor.

Ready in just 25 minutes, these Philly Steak Cheese Fries are perfect for a quick weeknight meal, game-day snack, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Enjoy!