Name: Philly Steak Cheese Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Steak, thinly sliced (ribeye or sirloin recommended); 1 tsp Garlic salt; 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper; 1 each Green bell pepper, sliced; 1 each Onion, sliced; 8-10 slices White American cheese; 20 oz McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (or your favorite fries); 1 tbsp Olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a bold, comforting dish that’s quick to whip up and guaranteed to please a hungry crowd? Philly Steak Cheese Fries are an irresistible fusion of crispy fries, juicy steak, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions. Imagine the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak on top of golden, hot waffle fries—a combination that’s both familiar and exciting! Did you know that this over-the-top snack was inspired by creative cooks looking to turn two favorites into one legendary meal?

Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or lazy weekends, this dish goes from kitchen to table in about 30 minutes. Unlike my One-Pan Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice, which offers southwest comfort, these cheese fries are pure indulgent Philadelphia flair. If you’re ready to try something that’ll be asked for again and again, this recipe is a must. Let’s dig in and transform your fries into a show-stopping Philly masterpiece!

What is Philly Steak Cheese Fries?

What exactly are Philly Steak Cheese Fries? Is it a loaded fry, a meal, a snack, or all of the above? The answer: it’s a little bit of everything! This playful dish takes the all-American love for crispy fries and tops it with classic Philly cheesesteak fixings—thinly sliced steak, melty white American cheese, and a colorful mix of peppers and onions. Why the name? Because it brings the heart (and stomach) of Philadelphia right to your plate! And as they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—so why not win everyone over tonight? Go ahead, give these fries a try and let me know if they steal your heart, too!

Why You’ll Love This

The biggest highlight of Philly Steak Cheese Fries? It’s like having the best parts of a cheesesteak sandwich and crispy loaded fries in one epic bite. Making this at home means you save your wallet from those costly takeout nights, with results that taste even better and fresher. It’s also endlessly customizable—you can pile on the gooey white American cheese, add extra peppers if you like more crunch, or spice it up with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Compared to my Chili Cheese Fries, which are rich and savory, these Philly-inspired fries bring a unique blend of steakhouse flavor and sandwich-shop comfort. Whether you’re serving a crowd or satisfying a late-night craving, this is a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Don’t just take my word for it — try it tonight and see why it’s destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

How to Make Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Quick Overview

Philly Steak Cheese Fries are the definition of easy comfort food—crispy fries topped with tender, savory steak and plenty of gooey cheese. What makes this dish extra delicious is the way it blends two classic favorites in under 30 minutes. The recipe is simple, the steps are quick, and you don’t need any special equipment—just a sheet pan and skillet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these loaded fries will disappear fast!

Ingredients

1 lb steak, thinly sliced (ribeye or sirloin recommended)
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
8-10 slices white American cheese
20 oz bag McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (or your favorite fries)
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your fries’ packaging. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until crispy and golden—about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
While the fries are baking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced steak. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just browned and cooked through. Don’t overcook—thin steak cooks fast!
Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven but keep them on the baking sheet. Top evenly with the cooked steak, peppers, and onions.
Lay the slices of white American cheese generously over the top of everything. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove, let cool for a minute, then serve straight from the pan or transfer to a platter. Enjoy piping hot!

What to Serve Philly Steak Cheese Fries With

Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a show-stopping main event on their own, but you can pair them with fresh sides to round out your meal. Try a crisp garden salad to add freshness, or classic coleslaw for crunch. For drinks, cold root beer or an ice-cold lager pairs perfectly with the savory richness. If you’re in party mode, set out a salsa bar or some pickled jalapeños for guests to top their fries. Complete your meal with a simple dessert, like chocolate chip cookies or creamy rice pudding, for a family-friendly finish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Use ribeye steak for the most tender, flavorful results, but sirloin or flank works beautifully too. If you’re on a budget, shave the steak thinly for tenderness.
Slicing the steak thin is crucial—pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier.
Don’t overcook the steak! Since it’s sliced so thin, it only needs a few minutes in the skillet.
Use freshly sautéed onions and peppers for maximum sweetness and flavor, but you can substitute with red peppers for a splash of color.
White American cheese is gooey and melts beautifully, but provolone or mozzarella are great substitutes if you prefer.
For extra heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, or add pickled jalapeños on top just before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though these usually disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the fries and toppings in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes—this keeps the fries crispy and the cheese melty. While you can freeze leftovers, note that fries can lose some texture. Freeze in individual portions and reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the fries soggy. Add fresh cheese and enjoy!

FAQs

How thin should I slice the steak?

Aim for slices no thicker than 1/4 inch. The thinner, the better—they cook quickly and stay tender.

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! Provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar work well. White American cheese gives the most classic Philly flavor and melts smoothly.

Do I have to use waffle fries?

Not at all. Any type of fries you like will work—crinkle cut, steak fries, or even shoestring. Just cook them extra crispy!

Is this recipe spicy?

As written, it’s not spicy. For a kick, add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or pickled jalapeños before serving.

Can I prep any ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! You can slice the steak, peppers, and onions up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes assembly even quicker on busy nights.

Conclusion

Philly Steak Cheese Fries deliver all the satisfying flavors of a classic cheesesteak in an easy, finger-licking package. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. With crispy fries, savory steak, and melty cheese, every bite is pure comfort and joy. Whether you’re a Philly cheesesteak lover or just looking to try something new, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts and fill tummies. Don’t forget to check out other comforting recipes on the blog for even more tasty ideas. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!