These “Loaded Philly Steak Cheese Fries” are a deliciously indulgent and satisfying dish, perfect for a hearty snack, a casual meal, or an impressive appetizer. As prominently displayed in the image, this dish features a generous bed of golden, crispy French fries piled high with succulent, thinly sliced steak, all generously smothered in a rich, creamy white cheese sauce. The steak, visibly browned and tender, is interspersed with what appears to be sautéed green bell peppers and possibly onions, adding essential aromatic depth and a touch of freshness. The cheese sauce, which cascades over the steak and fries, is thick and molten, suggesting a velvety texture and a delightful savory flavor that perfectly complements the other components. A sprinkling of black pepper on top of the cheese sauce adds a final touch of seasoning and visual appeal. This recipe aims to replicate the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, reimagined as a loaded fries dish, offering a harmonious blend of crispy, tender, savory, and cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game nights, movie marathons, or any occasion where comfort food is king.
The golden, crispy appearance of the fries forms the base of this indulgent dish. The thinly sliced steak, browned and mixed with what looks like green bell peppers, provides the core savory flavor. The generous, melted white cheese sauce is a key visual element, signifying richness and creaminess. The sprinkling of black pepper on top adds a final touch of seasoning. The overall presentation suggests a hearty and satisfying meal. The included text confirms key ingredients: “1 lb steak, thinly sliced,” “1 tsp garlic salt,” “1/2 tsp ground black pepper,” and “1 green bell pepper, sliced.”
Ingredients:
- For the Steak & Veggies:
- 1 pound (approx. 450g) beef steak, thinly sliced (e.g., ribeye, sirloin, flank steak, or top round)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 1 ½ – 2 cups)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (as mentioned in image)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (as mentioned in image)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (as mentioned in image)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- Optional: 4 ounces (about 113g) sliced mushrooms
- For the French Fries:
- 2 pounds frozen French fries (shoestring or crinkle-cut work best)
- Salt for seasoning (to taste, after frying)
- For the Classic Cheese Sauce (Cheez Whiz style or homemade):
- Option 1: Quick & Easy (Cheez Whiz style)
- 1 (15-ounce) can Cheez Whiz or similar processed cheese sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
- Option 2: Homemade White Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) white American cheese, shredded or finely chopped (or provolone/Monterey Jack for a milder flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- Option 1: Quick & Easy (Cheez Whiz style)
- For Garnish:
- Extra ground black pepper, for sprinkling (as seen in image)
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Equipment:
- Large baking sheet (for fries)
- Large skillet or griddle (for steak)
- Small saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Whisk (for cheese sauce)
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving platter or individual plates
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the French Fries
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400∘F (200∘C), or according to the package directions for your specific brand of frozen French fries.
- Arrange Fries: Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can make the fries steam instead of crisp. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Bake Fries: Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through. The image shows fries that are beautifully golden and appear crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and lightly season with salt. Keep warm while you prepare the steak and cheese sauce.
Part 2: Cook the Steak & Veggies
- Prepare Steak: If your steak is not already thinly sliced, slice it against the grain as thinly as possible. Partially freezing the steak for 30 minutes can make this easier.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and green bell pepper (and mushrooms, if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Increase the heat to high. Add the thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which would steam the meat instead of searing it. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. The steak should be thin enough to cook quickly.
- Season and Combine: Once all the steak is cooked, return it all to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the sautéed onions and bell peppers back into the skillet with the steak. Stir everything together to combine. Keep warm over very low heat.
Part 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Option 1: Quick & Easy (Cheez Whiz style)
- Pour the can of Cheez Whiz into a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
- Option 2: Homemade White Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will prevent a raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded white American cheese (or other cheese). Stir constantly with a whisk or rubber spatula until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to taste. Keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. The image shows a smooth, melted white cheese sauce.
Part 4: Assemble and Serve
- Arrange Fries: On a large serving platter or individual plates, spread out the hot, crispy French fries evenly.
- Add Steak Mixture: Spoon the warm steak and vegetable mixture generously over the bed of French fries.
- Drizzle with Cheese Sauce: Ladle or spoon the hot, creamy cheese sauce over the steak and fries, ensuring a good, even coating that cascades down through the layers, as shown in the image.
- Garnish: Finish by sprinkling extra ground black pepper over the cheese sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the “Loaded Philly Steak Cheese Fries” immediately while they are hot and the cheese is still wonderfully melted and gooey.
Tips for Success:
- Thinly Sliced Steak: This is crucial for authentic Philly steak texture and quick cooking. If you can’t get it thinly sliced at the butcher, partially freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing it yourself against the grain with a sharp knife.
- Hot Oil/Griddle: Ensure your skillet or griddle is very hot when you add the steak. This helps achieve a good sear rather than just steaming the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the steak and fries in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which leads to soggy results.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: Adjust the milk in the homemade cheese sauce (or the quick sauce) to achieve your desired pourable, yet thick, consistency.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component—the fries, the steak, and the cheese sauce—for maximum flavor. The garlic salt and black pepper are specifically mentioned for the steak.
- Serve Promptly: Loaded fries are best enjoyed immediately after assembly to ensure the fries remain crispy and the cheese is molten.
Enjoy this indulgent and satisfying “Loaded Philly Steak Cheese Fries” experience!