PHILLY STEAK CHEESE FRIES

Ingredients:

• For the Fries:
  • 4 large russet potatoes (for homemade fries) or 1 bag frozen crinkle-cut or steak fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (if making homemade fries)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: garlic powder or paprika (for extra flavor)
• For the Philly Steak Topping:
  • 1 lb ribeye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced (you can also use pre-sliced frozen beef steak for convenience)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking beef)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (green or red), thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for extra flavor)
• For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a combination of provolone and mozzarella)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fries:

• Homemade Fries (optional):
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and peel (if desired) the russet potatoes, then cut them into thin wedges or fries.
  3. Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
  4. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can cook them in an air fryer or deep fry them for an even crispier result.
• Frozen Fries: If you’re using frozen fries, simply bake or fry them according to the package instructions until crispy and golden brown.

2. Cook the Philly Steak Topping:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
   • Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes, until softened and caramelized.
   • If desired, add 1/2 cup of beef broth to the skillet to deglaze and add extra flavor. Stir and cook for another minute.
   • Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables, toss to combine, and cook for another minute to heat everything through. Set the Philly steak mixture aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. Cook the Roux:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.
2. Add Milk:
   • Gradually pour in the milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
3. Add Cheese:
   • Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded provolone cheese (or provolone and mozzarella blend). Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional), then remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Philly Steak Cheese Fries:

1. Layer the Fries:
   • Once the fries are cooked and crispy, arrange them on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Top with Philly Steak:
   • Spoon the Philly steak and vegetable mixture generously over the fries.
3. Pour the Cheese Sauce:
   • Drizzle the creamy cheese sauce over the steak and fries, covering them evenly.
4. Optional Garnishes:
   • Top with chopped parsley or more cheese (optional) for extra flavor and color.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your Philly Steak Cheese Fries immediately, while everything is hot and gooey! Enjoy as a main dish, snack, or appetizer.