Philly Steak Cheese Fries

If you’re craving the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something even more comforting (and maybe a little over-the-top delicious), these Philly Steak Cheese Fries are your new go-to. Crispy waffle fries get loaded with thin-sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted layers of gooey cheese—all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a Tuesday that needs saving, this skillet dish is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet meal = fewer dishes
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food with serious diner vibes
• Super customizable with your favorite toppings
• Easy to prep ahead and finish in the oven

The first time I made this was for a football night with friends, and let’s just say… nothing else stood a chance. Since then, it’s become a must-make at every gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin for the best flavor & texture)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion (white or yellow), thinly sliced
• 6 slices White American cheese (or try provolone, mozzarella, cheddar—your call!)
• 1 lb (500 g) frozen waffle fries
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing

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How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven means melted cheese and crispy fries—exactly what you want.

2. Cook the steak

Heat an oven-safe skillet over high heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the steak in a single layer if you can, and season with garlic salt and pepper. Sear for 45 seconds, then stir. It should only take about 3 minutes total. Remove from the skillet while it’s still slightly pink—it’ll finish cooking in the oven.

3. Sauté the veggies

In the same skillet (no need to wash—those browned bits add flavor), sauté the onions and peppers for about 5 minutes, until soft but still slightly crisp. Set aside.

4. Layer it up

Spread the frozen waffle fries evenly in the skillet. Top with 3–4 cheese slices, then half of the steak and veggies. Repeat with the rest of the steak, veggies, and finish with more cheese slices on top.

5. Bake until bubbly

Pop the skillet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, with some golden brown edges.

Tips & Tricks

• Partially freeze your steak before slicing—makes it way easier to cut super thin
• Use a cast iron skillet for even cooking and crispy results
• Pre-bake the fries for 5 minutes if you want them extra crisp

Make It Yours

Cheese Swaps

• Provolone: mild and melty
• Mozzarella + sharp cheddar: creamy with great stretch
• Pepper jack: spicy and bold

Always go for cheese slices over shredded—they melt better and give you that diner-style cheese pull.

Add-On Toppings

Let guests customize their servings with:

• Jalapeños
• Hot sauce or creamy horseradish
• Fresh parsley or chives
• Pickles or banana peppers for tang

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Serving Ideas

Serve these straight out of the oven while they’re hot and melty. Perfect as a main dish for four or an appetizer for six. Add a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness.

FAQ

→ Can I use a different steak cut?
Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, or even thin-sliced chicken or mushrooms work well.

→ What cheese is best for this recipe?
White American cheese is classic for cheesesteaks, but provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack are great alternatives.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use sautéed mushrooms, plant-based steak strips, or even roasted jackfruit.

→ How do I make the fries extra crispy?
Spread them out in a single layer and pre-bake them for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

→ Can I make it ahead?
Yes! You can prep the steak and veggies ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

These Philly Steak Cheese Fries are the kind of dish you make once—and then every time after that when you want comfort food that gets cheers from the crowd. Bold, cheesy, crave-worthy… you really can’t go wrong.

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