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This skillet dish delivers big diner-style flavor with minimal cleanup. Crispy fries form the base while tender steak slices and golden sautéed vegetables get wrapped in gooey cheese and baked until bubbling. It is bold it is comforting and it disappears fast at any gathering.
I served this on game day once and now it is requested at every single get together without fail
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak: gives the dish juicy texture and deep flavor
- Garlic salt: enhances seasoning quickly with no fuss
- Fresh ground black pepper: adds subtle heat
- Sliced green bell pepper: brings sweetness and crunch
- White or yellow onion: offers savory depth
- White American cheese: melts smoothly and gives that diner style stretch
- Frozen waffle fries: hold toppings well and bake to a crisp
- Olive oil: ensures golden sear on meat and vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius. A properly heated oven ensures fries turn golden and cheese melts evenly.
- Sear the Steak:
- Heat an oven safe skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and lay steak in a single layer. Season with garlic salt and black pepper. Sear for 45 seconds then stir. Cook just 3 minutes in total. Remove steak while it is still a little pink so it stays tender after baking.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet without washing add more oil if needed. Sauté sliced onions and green peppers for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until vegetables soften but retain some bite.
- Layer Ingredients in Skillet:
- Spread frozen waffle fries in a flat layer inside the skillet. Top with three or four cheese slices. Add half the cooked steak and vegetables. Repeat the layers finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake to Finish:
- Place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and starts to brown around the edges.
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The cheese is what won my family over they could not stop talking about it after the first bite and now it is tradition at birthdays
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly again. Microwaving works but will not keep the fries crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use provolone or mozzarella if you cannot find white American cheese. For a spicier twist pepper jack adds heat without overpowering. You can swap ribeye for flank steak or even thin cut chicken if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve directly from the skillet while hot. Add chopped parsley for freshness or a few jalapenos if you want kick. A light green salad pairs perfectly to balance the richness.
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Cultural Context
Inspired by the iconic Philly cheesesteak this version brings the beloved sandwich into comfort food territory. Instead of a hoagie roll the base is fries with all the familiar flavors baked into one hearty skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use a different steak cut?
Yes. Flank, sirloin, or even thin-sliced chicken or mushrooms work well for variations.
- → What cheese works best?
White American cheese melts beautifully, but provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack are also great choices.
- → Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Use sautéed mushrooms, plant-based strips, or roasted jackfruit instead of steak.
- → How do I make the fries extra crispy?
Pre-bake the waffle fries for about 5 minutes before layering on the toppings to enhance crispiness.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the steak and veggies ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake before serving.