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Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These Philly steak cheese fries bring together golden waffle fries, thin-sliced seared steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese in one skillet. Easy to assemble and perfect for game day or indulgent nights in, every layer delivers rich, savory satisfaction. With crispy edges and melty cheese throughout, this dish hits all the right notes for serious comfort food fans. Serve hot straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:56:24 GMT
A plate of french fries with cheese and peppers. Save
A plate of french fries with cheese and peppers. | sarahmeal.com

This dish combines crispy waffle fries with tender steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying comfort food experience. It brings together bold flavors and textures that make every bite irresistible.

I first made this on a casual weekend and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared at the table. It has since become a favorite whenever I want something indulgent yet straightforward.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak: chosen for tenderness and rich flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt: to season the steak evenly and enhance savoriness
  • Freshly ground black pepper: added to taste for a subtle kick
  • 1 green bell pepper: sliced for a fresh, slightly sweet crunch
  • 1 white or yellow onion: thinly sliced for sweetness and depth
  • 6 slices White American cheese or any good melting cheese: to create that creamy, gooey topping
  • 1 pound frozen waffle fries: chosen for their crisp texture and easy preparation
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil: to sauté the steak and vegetables with a light fruity aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius to ensure the fries become perfectly crisp and the cheese melts beautifully during baking.
Sear the Steak:
Heat an oven-safe skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Arrange the steak slices in a single layer, season with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear for about three minutes, stirring once to cook evenly. Remove the steak when still slightly pink to keep it tender.
Sauté Peppers and Onions:
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Cook them for about five minutes until they soften but maintain a little crispness, building a great texture contrast. Set aside.
Assemble the Skillet:
Spread the frozen waffle fries evenly across the skillet. Layer with three to four slices of cheese, then add half of the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables. Repeat the layering and top with the remaining cheese to create a cheesy, meaty stack.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbling:
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for eight to ten minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt fully, become bubbly, and develop golden edges for that irresistible look and flavor.

My favorite ingredient is the White American cheese because it melts flawlessly and adds a nostalgic creamy flavor. This recipe reminds me of game nights with friends where this platter was always the star.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ribeye or sirloin with flank or skirt steak but adjust cooking time to avoid toughness. Use cheddar or mozzarella cheese if you prefer different melting characteristics or flavors. Regular fries work too but waffle fries provide more surface area for crispness and sauce retention.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of fresh green salad or pickles to balance the richness. Offer a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for extra flavor variety.

Cultural Context

Philly steak sandwiches are a classic American comfort food originating from Philadelphia. This recipe adapts those iconic flavors into a shareable loaded fries dish, blending casual snacking with hearty satisfaction.

A plate of french fries with cheese and peppers. Save
A plate of french fries with cheese and peppers. | sarahmeal.com
A plate of food with cheese and peppers. Save
A plate of food with cheese and peppers. | sarahmeal.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of steak works best for this dish?

Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin works best due to their tenderness and rich flavor when quickly seared.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while White American cheese melts smoothly, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar also work well.

→ How do I keep the fries crispy?

Pre-baking the fries for a few minutes before layering helps maintain crispiness even after baking with cheese.

→ Is a cast iron skillet necessary?

It’s recommended for even heat and crisp edges, but any oven-safe skillet can be used.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but components like sautéed veggies and cooked steak can be prepared in advance.

Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Fries loaded with steak, cheese, and peppers—simple and satisfying.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (1 skillet)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
Ingredient 02 1 tsp garlic salt
Ingredient 03 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 04 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Ingredient 05 1 white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient 06 6 slices White American cheese or preferred melting cheese
Ingredient 07 1 lb frozen waffle fries
Ingredient 08 1–2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure fries crisp and cheese melts evenly.

Instruction 02

Heat an oven-safe skillet over high heat with olive oil. Add steak in a single layer, season with garlic salt and black pepper, and sear for 3 minutes, stirring once. Remove while still slightly pink.

Instruction 03

In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion and bell pepper over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened yet slightly crisp. Set aside.

Instruction 04

Spread frozen waffle fries evenly in the skillet. Top with 3–4 cheese slices, followed by half the steak and vegetables. Repeat layers and finish with remaining cheese.

Instruction 05

Place skillet in oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and edges are golden brown.

Additional Tips

  1. Partially freeze steak before slicing for easier thin cuts.
  2. Use a cast iron skillet for optimal heat retention and crispier results.
  3. Pre-bake fries for 5 minutes before layering for added crispness.

Essential Tools

  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Fat Content: 38 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 45 grams
  • Protein Content: 34 grams