Last Friday night, after I picked up my daughter from her ballet recital in the pouring rain, I decided we deserved something fun and comforting for dinner. I opened my freezer and spotted a bag of frozen waffle fries—instant inspiration. Around that time, my neighbor Dave, a former Philly transplant, mentioned how much he missed the local cheesesteak fries they serve at street fairs. I thought: why not bring Philly to us, but easier?

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I heated my biggest oven-safe skillet, tossed in steak seasoned with garlic salt and black pepper, and let it sizzle. My daughter helped slice green peppers and onions while I stirred the steak. The air filled with that savory steak-and-veg aroma, pulling my son away from his video game and onto the kitchen carpet to watch.

We layered fries, cheese, steak, and veggies, then baked until the cheese melted into gooey rivers. As we dug in around the kitchen table, laughter burst through with every forkful, and my family’s eyes lit up at that first cheesy, sizzling bite.

These Philly Steak And Cheese Fries became our new rainy-night tradition. They cost less than takeout, take only about 30 minutes, and turn a simple bag of frozen fries into a dish that feels like a fun night out, without leaving home.

Short Description

Philly Steak And Cheese Fries are crispy waffle-cut fries topped with seasoned steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted White American cheese—oven-baked in one skillet for a fun and comforting meal.

Key Ingredients

450 g thinly sliced steak
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
8–10 slices White American cheese
567 g frozen waffle-cut fries
1 Tbsp olive oil

Tools Needed

12-inch oven-safe skillet
Knife and cutting board
Spatula
Oven mitts

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 220 °C. While heating, slice peppers and onions, and measure out cheese and fries.

Step 2: Sauté Steak
Place skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add steak, season with garlic salt and pepper. Stir until browned all over (3–4 minutes). Remove steak and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Veggies
Leave about 1 Tbsp oil and liquid in the skillet. Add peppers and onions. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender but still a bit crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Layer Fries & Cheese
Remove skillet from heat. Spread waffle fries in a single layer. Lay 4–5 cheese slices over fries.

Step 5: Add Steak & Veggies
Top cheese layer with steak and sautéed vegetables evenly across skillet.

Step 6: Add More Cheese & Bake
Place remaining cheese slices over the top. Slide skillet into oven. Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let skillet sit 2–3 minutes before serving. Scoop cheese-topped fries onto plates or serve family-style.

Tip: For crispier fries, let the skillet sit on the counter 1 minute before baking to prevent steam softening them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-skillet comfort: Minimal dishes, maximum indulgence

Kid-approved: Cheesy, savory, crunchy—total hit with kids

Customizable: Swap steak for chicken or plant-based strips

Cost-effective travel: Feels like street food without the price tag

Quick turn-around: About 30 minutes from start to family dinner

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Soggy fries: Don’t add steak or veggies before fries bake. Spread fries evenly and bake until golden.

Overcooked steak: Thin steak browns fast—remove promptly to avoid dryness.

Uneven cheese: Lay cheese slices flat and cover the whole skillet to melt well.

Burnt veggies: Cook peppers and onions until softened but not charred—about 4–5 minutes.

Safety risk: Always use oven mitts when handling hot skillet.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top for color and brightness

Serve with simple sides: coleslaw, pickles, or a crisp green salad

Add dipping sauces: chipotle mayo, ketchup, or ranch

For game night, let everyone scoop from the skillet family-style

Pair with cold drinks—lemonade, beer, or cola

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftover: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days

Reheat in oven: 180 °C for 8–10 minutes—cheese gets melty again

Skillet refresh: Warm in skillet on stove for 5 minutes until heated through

Avoid microwave: Fries lose crispness quickly in microwave—use oven or stovetop

FAQs

1. Can I use different fries?
Yes, regular or seasoned fries work too, but crisping may vary.

2. What about cheese swaps?
Provolone or cheddar are great alternatives.

3. Can I prep ahead?
Yes, cook steak and veggies ahead. Assemble just before baking.

4. Is this okay for vegetarians?
Use plant-based steak strips and vegan cheese.

5. How spicy can this be?
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for kick.

Tips & Tricks

Use leftover steak from grills or takeout to skip cooking step

Pat steak dry before cooking for a better sear

For extra crispiness, let fries cook solo for 3 minutes before adding toppings

Try adding sliced mushrooms or jalapeño for extra flavor

Let skillet rest after baking, cheese firms up slightly for cleaner serving

Recipe Variations

Chicken Philly Fries
Use thin-sliced sautéed chicken instead of steak. Add sautéed bell peppers and onions as usual.

Loaded Philly Fries
Sprinkle cooked bacon bits and sliced jalapeños on top before baking.

Tex-Mex Style
Add a layer of black beans and corn under the cheese, and season veggies with taco seasoning.

Healthier Version
Use oven-baked sweet potato fries and reduced-fat cheese; serve with yogurt-based dip.