Prepare for an explosion of flavor and comfort with these Ultimate Philly Steak Cheese Fries! This dish is a glorious fusion, taking the iconic savory richness of a classic Philly cheesesteak and piling it high over a mountain of perfectly crispy, golden French fries. Imagine tender, thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed with sweet onions and vibrant bell peppers, all smothered in a luxurious blanket of melted provolone and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, irresistible, and deeply satisfying creation that elevates humble fries into a main event. Perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or any time you crave a truly epic comfort food experience, these Philly Steak Cheese Fries are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a treat for your taste buds!
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Fries:
- 4 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut into ¼-inch thick fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for potatoes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Philly Steak & Veggies:
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (shaved steak works best for quick cooking)
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for steak & veggies)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness with steak)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or American cheese for classic gooeyness)
For Serving & Garnish (Optional):
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or spicy mayo, aioli)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare and Bake the Fries:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the freshly cut potato fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. For extra crispiness, you can soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them thoroughly dry before baking.
- Drizzle the fries evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Toss the fries directly on the baking sheet to ensure they are well coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end as ovens vary.
- Cook the Steak and Veggies:
- While the fries are baking, prepare the steak and vegetables. Heat a large skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and lightly caramelized. Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet (add a bit more olive oil or 1 tablespoon of butter if needed), increase the heat slightly. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak in a single layer if possible.
- Cook the steak quickly, stirring and breaking it apart, for 3-5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
- Season the cooked steak with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the sautéed onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the steak, and toss to combine briefly. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries:
- Once the fries are done, carefully transfer them from the baking sheet to an oven-safe serving platter, or arrange them back on the clean baking sheet if you plan to serve them directly from there. Spread them in an even layer.
- Evenly top the hot fries with the cooked steak, sautéed onions, and bell peppers mixture.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese and shredded cheddar cheese over the steak and fries.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Carefully place the loaded fries under the broiler in your oven.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching constantly, until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden in spots. This happens very quickly, so do not walk away!
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the Philly Steak Cheese Fries from the broiler.
- If using, drizzle with a bit of mayonnaise (or spicy mayo for a kick).
- Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy, and prepare for pure deliciousness!
Tips, Variations, and Storage:
- For Crispier Fries: For extra crispy homemade fries, after cutting, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) to remove excess starch. Pat them extremely dry before tossing with oil and baking.
- Frozen Fries Shortcut: You can absolutely use good quality frozen French fries (shoestring or steak fries) to save time. Cook them according to package directions, then proceed with the assembly steps.
- Cheese Sauce Option: Instead of shredded cheese, you can make a quick homemade cheese sauce (like a provolone or white American cheese sauce) and pour it over the steak and fries for an even gooier experience.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the veggies while sautéing, or offer a side of Sriracha mayo.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed sliced mushrooms would be a fantastic addition to the steak and veggie mix.
- Bread: If you want a bit of bread, serve with toasted garlic bread on the side.
- Storage: This dish is best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers will lose their crispiness. If you must store, keep the steak/veg mix separate from the fries if possible, and combine and reheat just before serving.
Pairings:
- Beverages: A cold beer (lager or IPA), root beer, or a classic soda (like Coca-Cola) are perfect with these indulgent fries.
- Sauces: Beyond mayo, consider a drizzle of hot sauce, a side of ranch, or even a spicy ketchup.
- Side: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Quick Info:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (for fresh fries)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American / Fusion (Philly Cheesesteak inspired)
- Effort Level: Medium
