Philly Steak Cheese Fries: The Ultimate Indulgence

Philly Steak Cheese Fries: The Ultimate Indulgence

Philly Steak Cheese Fries: The Ultimate Indulgence

Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a mouthwatering combination of crispy fries, succulent steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and creamy cheese sauce. This indulgent dish is perfect for game day, a family gathering, or any time you're craving something hearty and delicious. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make this ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 1/2 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fries

  • 1 bag of frozen fries (or homemade if preferred)

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup cubed cheese (cheddar or your preferred type)

For the Peppers and Onions

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Preparing the Steak

  1. Freeze the Steak: Place the steak in the freezer for about 45 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
  2. Slice the Steak: Once firm, slice into thin 1/8-inch strips. Coat in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.

Cooking the Fries

  1. Cook the Fries: Prepare the fries according to the package instructions. Keep them warm in the oven while you prepare the other components.

Making the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the Flour: Once the bubbling subsides, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light brown.
  3. Add the Milk: Slowly add the warm milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and slowly mix in the cubed cheese until melted. Keep the sauce warm on the lowest heat possible, stirring periodically.

Preparing the Meat, Pepper, and Onion Mixture

  1. Preheat the Pan: Preheat a large sauté pan over high heat.
  2. Cook the Steak: Add the steak to the pan and cook over high heat until no longer red. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: Return the pan to the heat, add additional oil if necessary, and add the peppers and onions. Cook, stirring often, until the peppers are softened and the onions are browned.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the meat to the pan, stirring it into the pepper and onion mixture. Cook until everything is caramelized. Remove from heat.

Assembling the Fries

  1. Arrange the Fries: Place the cooked fries on a platter or sheet pan.
  2. Add the Meat Mixture: Scoop the meat, pepper, and onion mixture over the fries.
  3. Pour the Cheese Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the fries and meat.
  4. Serve: Serve the remaining cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

Preparing Ahead

Since the meat and vegetables are cooked over high heat, it's important to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help you avoid overcooking any components.

Steak Substitutes

While ribeye steak is the preferred choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with sirloin, top round, or even ground beef if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend cooking the fries on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and serving them directly from the pan. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also keeps the fries warm and crispy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 650 kcal
Servings 4 servings

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What type of cheese is best for the sauce? Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other types like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
  • Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries? Absolutely! Homemade fries will add an extra touch of freshness. Simply cut the potatoes into fries, toss with oil, and bake until crispy.
  • How can I make the dish spicier? Add some sliced jalapeños to the pepper and onion mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the steak, pepper, and onion mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. However, it's best to make the fries and cheese sauce fresh to ensure they stay crispy and creamy, respectively.

Conclusion

Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a delightful and indulgent dish that's sure to please any crowd. With crispy fries, flavorful steak, and a rich cheese sauce, this recipe is a surefire hit. Try it out for your next gathering or a cozy night in, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Dive into this recipe and savor the perfect blend of flavors and textures!