Name: Philly Steak Cheese Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 450 g steak, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 8 to 10 slices White American cheese; 567 g frozen waffle cut fries; 1 tablespoon olive oil

These Philly Steak Cheese Fries combine the best of two worlds: the beloved Philly cheesesteak sandwich and loaded fries. This hearty dish features crispy waffle fries topped with tender steak strips, sautéed peppers and onions, all smothered in melty American cheese for a truly indulgent experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms ordinary fries into an extraordinary meal that’s perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or when you’re craving some serious comfort food. The combination of textures and flavors—crispy fries, savory steak, sweet vegetables, and gooey cheese—creates an irresistible dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it practical for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak is the star of this dish, providing rich flavor and hearty protein. Look for cuts like ribeye or sirloin that can be sliced thinly. For easier slicing, place the steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting.

Garlic salt adds savory depth to the steak with just one ingredient. It seasons the meat perfectly while adding a hint of garlic flavor without needing to mince fresh cloves.

Black pepper contributes a mild heat and classic seasoning that complements the beef. Freshly ground will give you the best flavor, but pre-ground works just fine.

Green bell pepper brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that’s characteristic of a traditional Philly cheesesteak. The slight bitterness balances the richness of the cheese and meat.

Onion adds sweetness and aromatic flavor when caramelized. Yellow or white onions work well here, becoming tender and flavorful when sautéed with the peppers.

White American cheese creates that creamy, melty texture that binds everything together. It has the perfect melt and mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. You can find this at most deli counters.

Frozen waffle cut fries form the substantial base of this dish. Their grid pattern creates more surface area for crispiness while providing sturdy support for the toppings. The waffle shape also helps catch bits of steak and vegetables.

Olive oil is used for sautéing the steak and vegetables, adding a subtle fruity flavor while preventing sticking to the pan.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced steak, seasoning with garlic salt and black pepper. Sauté until browned on all sides, then remove the steak and set aside.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid in the skillet and discard the rest. Add the sliced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, but the bell pepper remains slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the frozen waffle fries evenly in the skillet. Top with 4 slices of White American cheese, followed by the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables. Repeat the layering process, finishing with the remaining cheese slices on top.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.

Variations

Chicken Cheese Fries: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for the steak for a lighter alternative.

Mushroom Philly Fries: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the pepper and onion mix for an earthier flavor profile.

Spicy Philly Fries: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Garlic Parmesan Version: Mix minced garlic with the vegetables and sprinkle Parmesan cheese along with the American cheese for an Italian twist.

Barbecue Philly Fries: Toss the cooked steak in your favorite barbecue sauce before layering on the fries.

Sweet Potato Fries Base: Use sweet potato waffle fries instead of regular for a different flavor combination.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fries will soften over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing as the fries will become soggy when thawed.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will make the fries soggy, but if you must, use the microwave at 50% power and check every 30 seconds.

Component Preparation: If you want to prepare components ahead of time, you can cook the steak and vegetables up to a day in advance and refrigerate them separately. Then assemble and bake with fresh fries when ready to serve.

FAQs

What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Ribeye or sirloin steak work exceptionally well for this recipe because they offer good marbling and tenderness. Flank steak is also a good option if sliced thinly against the grain. For budget-friendly options, you can use thinly sliced chuck steak.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While White American cheese provides that classic cheesesteak melt, provolone, mozzarella, or even a cheese sauce would work well. For a sharper flavor, consider adding some cheddar to the mix.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare the components separately. Cook the steak and vegetables in any pan, bake the fries on a baking sheet according to package directions, then assemble everything on the baked fries and top with cheese. Place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh homemade fries. Make sure they’re cooked until crispy before adding the toppings, as they’ll need to support the weight of the steak, vegetables, and cheese without becoming soggy.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To reduce calories, consider using lean steak cuts, reduced-fat cheese, and baked fries instead of fried. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding mushrooms, more peppers, or even some diced tomatoes.

What can I serve with Philly Steak Cheese Fries?

This dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side to balance the richness. Pickles or pickled vegetables also provide a nice acidic contrast.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can slice and cook the steak and vegetables up to a day ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat slightly before assembling the dish with freshly baked fries.

Why are my fries soggy instead of crispy?

If your fries are turning out soggy, make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the fries. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet—the fries need space for hot air to circulate. For extra crispiness, you can pre-bake the fries for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

What’s the best way to thinly slice steak?

For the thinnest slices, place the steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until it’s firm but not frozen solid. Then use a sharp knife to slice against the grain. Some butchers will also slice steak thinly for you if requested.

Can I make this recipe in a larger batch for a party?

Absolutely! For larger gatherings, prepare the components as directed but assemble on a large baking sheet instead of a skillet. You may need to increase the final baking time by a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the cheese is properly melted.

Conclusion

Philly Steak Cheese Fries offer a delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods. With their crispy base, savory steak, sweet vegetables, and gooey cheese, they deliver satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself to a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—feel free to adjust the ingredients to your preferences or what you have on hand. While indulgent, these loaded fries bring the restaurant experience home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.