Experience the indulgence of loaded steak fries with cheese sauce, a dish that marries crispy waffle fries with tender, seasoned steak slices and sautéed vegetables. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of textures and rich flavors, reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak in a shareable skillet.
This meal is perfect for casual gatherings or satisfying your craving for comfort food that feels both hearty and deeply flavorful. Smothered in creamy melted cheese, these fries transform simple ingredients into an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
- Crispy waffle fries provide a satisfying crunch that holds up well under layers of toppings.
- Thinly sliced steak strips are seasoned and seared to perfection for tender, flavorful bites.
- The melty cheese sauce binds all the elements together, creating a gooey, irresistible finish.
Ingredients
- Steak (450 g): Thinly sliced to ensure quick cooking and tender texture in every bite.
- Garlic salt (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and a gentle hint of garlic flavor to the steak.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle spice that complements the meaty flavor perfectly.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers a crisp, slightly sweet bite that balances the richness.
- Onion (1, sliced): Caramelizes when sautéed, adding natural sweetness and aroma.
- White American cheese slices (8–10): Melts smoothly for a creamy, rich cheese sauce; mozzarella is a mild alternative.
- Frozen waffle-cut fries (567 g): Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside; ideal base for layering flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for searing steak and sautéing vegetables, adding subtle fruity notes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 220°C (425°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your assembled skillet. This step is crucial to melt the cheese perfectly and crisp the fries underneath.
- Cook the steak
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the thin steak slices evenly with garlic salt and black pepper. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through to lock in juices and flavor. Remove steak and set aside to keep warm.
- Sâuté the vegetables
Reserve about a tablespoon of the steak’s cooking juices in the same skillet. Add the sliced green bell pepper and onion, sautéing them for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. This brings out their sweetness and enhances the overall dish.
- Assemble the layers
Remove the skillet from heat. Lay the waffle fries evenly on the bottom, forming a crispy base. Place four slices of cheese over the fries, followed by an even layer of cooked steak and sautéed vegetables. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top to ensure a gooey crown of cheese.
- Bake until bubbly
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. This melts the cheese fully, allowing it to bubble and brown slightly, creating a luscious sauce that envelops the fries and toppings.
- Serve and enjoy
Carefully remove from oven and let the skillet cool slightly before serving. For extra color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the full textures and flavors.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer your assembled dish without losing layers or heat.
- Frozen waffle fries are preferable because of their sturdy shape that holds toppings well.
- Adjust cheese types based on your preference; American cheese melts smoothly, mozzarella offers mild creaminess.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness and preserve the cheesy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these loaded steak fries with a crisp green salad or pickles to balance the richness. A cold beer or your favorite soda can also make a refreshing companion.
- Slice your steak thinly and against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Sauté vegetables until just softened; overcooking can make them lose texture and color.
- Layer the cheese between fries and toppings for optimal melt and flavor distribution.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar or provolone can be great alternatives that melt well and add unique flavors.
- What cut of steak is best for this dish?
Skirt or flank steak works well because they cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thin.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free waffle fries and ensure seasonings are gluten-free for a safe option.
- Is it possible to prepare this ahead?
You can prep the steak and veggies in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- How can I make this healthier?
Oven-bake your own fries from scratch, use lean cuts of steak, and reduce cheese quantity slightly.
- Can I substitute waffle fries with regular fries?
Regular fries can be used, but waffle fries hold toppings better due to their shape.
- What can I garnish this dish with?
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add color and a fresh burst of flavor.
Loaded Steak Fries Cheese Sauce
Equipment
- 1 oven-safe skillet for cooking and baking
- 1 oven preheated to 425°F (220°C)
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 8 –10 slices White American cheese or mozzarella
- 1.25 lb frozen waffle-cut fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; add the steak slices, season with garlic salt and black pepper, and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of the steak juices in the skillet, then add the sliced bell pepper and onion; sauté until soft and caramelized, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Remove the skillet from heat and evenly spread the waffle fries across the bottom.
- Layer half the cheese slices over the fries, then add the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables.
- Repeat with remaining cheese slices on top, finishing the layering.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve hot; garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Use mozzarella instead of American cheese for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- Add fresh herbs before serving for brightness.
