Craving the kind of indulgent comfort food that feels like a full meal yet satisfies like a snack? These Philly Steak & Cheese Fries deliver exactly that. Inspired by classic Philly flavors, this dish layers tender shaved steak, sautéed onions, peppers, and a rich cheese sauce over golden-crisp fries. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a late-night bite, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every cheesy forkful.
Table of Contents
Philly Steak & Cheese Fries Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~720 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or fresh-cut French fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz shaved ribeye steak
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella
- ½ cup Cheez Whiz (optional for classic Philly flavor)
- Pinch of salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the fries according to package instructions—air-fried or oven-baked until golden and crisp.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and peppers. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add shaved steak, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, simmering until thickened. Stir in shredded cheese and optional Cheez Whiz. Season lightly with salt.
- Assemble: Spread fries on a serving platter, top with steak and peppers, and drizzle generously with cheese sauce.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-free: Use GF flour in the roux and GF fries.
- Dairy-free: Swap butter for vegan butter and use a dairy-free cheese melt.
- Low-carb: Replace fries with roasted zucchini or turnip fries.
- Protein swaps: Substitute chicken, ground beef, or sliced mushrooms for ribeye.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Shave steak thinly while slightly frozen for cleaner slices.
- Use high heat for a proper steak sear without overcooking.
- Make cheese sauce last to keep it silky and pourable.
- Serve on a warmed tray to maintain fry crispiness longer.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make Ahead: Prep steak and veggies up to 2 days early.
- Storage: Store components separately for best texture. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Fries in an air fryer (5 minutes at 375°F); steak in skillet; cheese sauce on low heat.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Soggy fries? Spread fries in a single layer and bake extra crisp.
- Cheese sauce too thick? Whisk in warm milk 1 tbsp at a time.
- Steak turning tough? Don’t overcook—ribeye cooks fast.
- Watery veggies? Sauté until moisture evaporates before adding steak.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Pair these Philly Steak & Cheese Fries with sides like Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup (Creamy, Cheesy & Comforting)
Philly Steak & Cheese Fries
These loaded Philly Steak & Cheese Fries start with crispy golden fries piled high with tender shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich, melty cheese sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or an indulgent comfort food dinner at home!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the French fries according to the package directions (baked or air-fried) until golden and crispy. Set aside on a baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
- Add the shaved ribeye steak to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 4–5 minutes, just until the steak is browned and cooked through.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese and Cheez Whiz (if using) until smooth and melty. Season the cheese sauce lightly with salt to taste.
- Assemble the fries: Arrange the hot fries on a serving platter or baking sheet. Spoon the steak and pepper mixture evenly over the fries, then drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce. Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish your Philly Steak & Cheese Fries with sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh parsley, or crispy fried onions. You can also broil the assembled fries for 1–2 minutes to get lightly browned, bubbly cheese on top.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes—sirloin or flank steak works well when sliced thin.
- Can I make this without cheese sauce? Absolutely. Simply top with shredded provolone and broil 2 minutes.
- Are frozen fries okay? Yes, and they often crisp better due to pre-blanching.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes—cook steak in batches to prevent steaming.
- Does this work in an air fryer? The fries do! Steak should stay in a skillet.
- How spicy can I make it? Add crushed red pepper, chipotle powder, or sliced jalapeños.
Conclusion
These indulgent Philly Steak & Cheese Fries deliver everything you love about a classic Philly sandwich—tender beef, caramelized veggies, and molten cheese—piled onto crispy fries for the ultimate comfort dish. Try them for game nights, parties, or whenever you need a fast, satisfying meal.