These Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a rich, comforting dish that turns crispy waffle fries into a full, shareable meal. Tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted white American cheese come together in every bite for an indulgent appetizer or satisfying main.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers classic Philly steak flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing format. It’s quick to prepare, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and cheesy. The layered method ensures every fry is coated with flavor and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb beef steak, thinly sliced
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 to 10 slices white American cheese
20 oz waffle-cut fries
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season with garlic salt and black pepper, then cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid in the skillet and discard the rest.
Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened but still slightly crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
Spread an even layer of waffle fries in the skillet or a baking dish.
Place half of the cheese slices over the fries, followed by half of the cooked steak and half of the sautéed vegetables.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese slices on top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let rest for 2 minutes, and serve hot.
You can swap waffle fries for straight-cut or crinkle fries based on preference. For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mixture or sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chili flakes over the steak. A drizzle of cheese sauce on top after baking can make the dish even more indulgent.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fries soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye works best, but any tender beef cut sliced thinly can be used.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the steak and vegetables ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
White American cheese melts smoothly, but provolone or mozzarella also work well.
Can I cook this without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, simply use a regular skillet for cooking and transfer everything to a baking dish before baking.
Are frozen fries required?
Frozen fries are convenient, but homemade fries can be used if baked until crispy first.
How do I keep the fries crispy?
Bake the fries first if needed and avoid overcrowding the skillet when layering.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms or sliced jalapeños are great additions.
Is this recipe suitable as a main dish?
Absolutely, it’s filling enough to serve as a main course with a simple side salad.
Can I make it less salty?
Reduce the garlic salt or use plain salt and adjust to taste.
How do I prevent the cheese from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the oven and remove the dish as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
Philly Steak Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy fries, savory steak, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Philly Steak Cheese Fries combine crispy waffle fries with tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and layers of melted white American cheese. It’s an indulgent, shareable dish perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
1 lb beef steak, thinly sliced
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 to 10 slices white American cheese
20 oz waffle-cut fries
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Add sliced steak, season with garlic salt and black pepper, and cook for 4–6 minutes until browned. Remove steak and set aside.
Reserve 1 tbsp of steak juices in the skillet, discard excess.
Add bell pepper and onion, sauté for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Set aside.
Spread waffle fries in the skillet or a baking dish.
Layer with half the cheese slices, followed by half the steak and half the vegetables.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven, rest 2 minutes, and serve hot.
Notes
Swap waffle fries with crinkle or straight-cut fries if preferred.
Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Use provolone or mozzarella if white American cheese isn’t available.
Cook steak and veggies ahead, but bake fresh for best texture.
Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep fries crispy—use the oven instead.
