Philly Steak Cheese Fries combines crispy fries with tender ribeye steak, caramelized onions, peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce. Begin by cooking the fries until golden. In a skillet, sauté onions and peppers, then brown the steak with spices. Prepare the cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and provolone. Layer the fries, steak, veggies, and cheese sauce on a platter for a rich and flavorful treat. Optional toppings like jalapeños or bacon add extra flair. Serve as a sharable appetizer or indulgent main dish.
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Ranah
By Ranah
Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 11:49:30 GMT
A plate of food with cheese and onions.
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A plate of food with cheese and onions. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com
This loaded Philly steak cheese fries recipe transforms ordinary fries into an indulgent meal that combines the best elements of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with crispy, golden fries. Whenever I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or satisfying dinner, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Perfect for game day gatherings or weekend indulgences
I first created this recipe when hosting friends for a football game, and it disappeared before halftime. The combination of savory steak, sweet caramelized onions, and that velvety cheese sauce creates pure comfort food magic.
Ingredients
1 bag frozen French fries: These provide the perfect crispy base without the hassle of cutting potatoes. Look for thicker cut fries for the best structure.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point ideal for sautéing at medium-high heat.
1 medium onion: Slice it thin for proper caramelization. Sweet onions like Vidalia work beautifully here.
1 green bell pepper: Adds classic Philly flavor and a pop of color. Choose firm peppers with glossy skin.
1/2 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak: The marbling in ribeye creates tender, flavorful results. Ask your butcher to slice it paper-thin.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness that complements the beef wonderfully.
For the Cheese Sauce
2 tablespoons butter: The fat base for your roux. Use unsalted to control sodium levels.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect thickening agent when combined with butter.
1 cup milk: Whole milk creates the richest sauce but 2% works well too.
1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Traditional Philly cheese that melts beautifully. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the cheese flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Fries:
Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions, usually around 20-25 minutes at 425°F. For extra crispiness, flip them halfway through cooking. The fries should be golden brown with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Prepare the Steak and Veggies:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Add sliced onions and peppers, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until they soften and develop caramelized edges. Push vegetables to one side and add the thinly sliced steak to the empty space. Season everything with salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains but being careful not to overcook. The meat should remain tender.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely. Whisk in flour to create a smooth paste and cook for exactly one minute to remove raw flour taste. Very slowly pour in milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and velvety smooth. Season with a pinch of salt.
Assemble:
Arrange hot crispy fries on a large serving platter. Spoon the steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the fries. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over everything, ensuring good coverage. Serve immediately while everything is hot.
A plate of food with cheese and onions.
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A plate of food with cheese and onions. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com
You Must Know
Can be made with leftover steak for an even quicker meal
Perfect for transforming boring fries into a complete dinner
Contains approximately 650 calories per serving
My favorite part of this recipe is watching the cheese sauce come together. The first time I made it, my daughter declared it “liquid gold” and now she asks to be my official cheese sauce taste-tester whenever we make this dish.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet while your fries are cooking. The cheese sauce is best made fresh, but if needed, you can make it ahead and gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Healthier Variations
For a lighter version, use sweet potato fries which offer more nutrients and fiber than regular fries. You can also substitute the ribeye with leaner sirloin or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version. The cheese sauce can be made with low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese, though it won’t be quite as luxurious in texture.
Serving Suggestions
These loaded fries work beautifully as an appetizer for 6-8 people or as a main dish for 4. Serve them with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an interactive meal, set up a toppings bar with sliced jalapeños, chopped scallions, sour cream, and different hot sauces so everyone can customize their portion.
Regional Adaptations
While traditional Philly cheesesteaks use provolone or Cheez Whiz, different regions have their own spin. In parts of New Jersey, white American cheese is preferred, while some Pittsburgh versions include french fries right in the sandwich. Feel free to adapt this recipe based on your regional preferences or family traditions.
Pro Tips
Slice your steak while it’s partially frozen for paper-thin pieces that cook quickly and remain tender
Let your cheese come to room temperature before making the sauce for smoother melting
Keep everything hot before assembling as the components cool quickly once plated
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade fries made from fresh potatoes work perfectly for this dish. Season them to your preference before baking or frying.
→ What type of steak works best?
Thinly sliced ribeye is ideal, but shaved beef or sirloin can also be used as a substitute for tender and flavorful results.
→ Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead and reheat it gently on low heat while stirring. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
→ What can I use instead of provolone cheese?
If you don’t have provolone, you can use a cheddar and mozzarella mix or any melty cheese of your choice for the sauce.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sprinkle crushed red chili flakes on top for an extra kick of heat.
Philly Steak Cheese Fries
Crispy fries topped with steak, peppers, onions, and cheese sauce for a comforting dish.
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Ranah
Category: Hearty Main Dishes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 Servings
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Main Ingredients
1 bag (about 1 lb) frozen French fries
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
225g thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved beef)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Cheese Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or Cheddar/Mozzarella mix)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Cook the French fries according to package directions (oven or air fryer) until crispy and golden. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized (about 5–7 minutes). Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir until the mixture thickens (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt.
On a large platter or baking dish, layer the crispy fries. Top with the cooked steak, peppers, and onions. Drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce.
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, crumbled bacon, or extra melted cheese as desired.
Notes
If you want to save time, melt provolone slices directly over the steak and veggies in the pan, then layer that over the fries instead of making the cheese sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Small saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish or platter
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.