Description
Loaded Cheesesteak Fries
Take your fries to the next level with this loaded cheesesteak-inspired dish! Crispy fries topped with seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese make for the ultimate comfort food or party snack.
Ingredients:
4 cups frozen or fresh French fries
1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Fries:
Bake or fry the French fries according to package instructions until crispy. Set them aside on a serving plate.
Prepare the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the ground beef or steak slices until browned and cooked through. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and stir well.
Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized. Mix them into the cooked beef.
Assemble the Fries:
Spread the cooked fries on a large plate or baking dish. Evenly distribute the beef and veggie mixture over the top.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the loaded fries. Place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the broiler and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately as a fun appetizer or hearty snack!
Pro Tip: Drizzle with ranch or sriracha for an extra flavor boost!
Enjoy these Loaded Cheesesteak Fries – the perfect indulgence for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect loaded fries every time. First, preheat your oven to cook the fries and set your broiler to high. While the fries cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then transfer the seasoned beef to a bowl. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until tender. Recombine the veggies with the beef. Spread the hot, crispy fries in a single layer on an oven-safe platter or sheet pan. Top evenly with the beef mixture, then cover with both cheeses. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is perfectly melted. Garnish and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These loaded fries are a versatile crowd-pleaser. Serve them straight from the oven as the centerpiece for game day, movie night, or a casual gathering. For a complete meal, pair them with a simple green salad or coleslaw to cut through the richness. Offer small bowls of extra toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or crispy bacon bits so guests can customize their portions. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—ranch, sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or a creamy cheese sauce all make excellent accompaniments.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook fries until crispy. Brown and season ground beef. Sauté onions and peppers. Combine beef and veggies. Layer everything over the fries. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Broil briefly to melt the cheese. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak is traditional for a cheesesteak. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well—just adjust seasoning to taste.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can cook the beef and veggie mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before assembling. Always cook the fries fresh for the best texture.
My cheese isn’t melting nicely under the broiler. What went wrong? Ensure your fries and meat topping are very hot when you add the cheese. This provides enough residual heat to melt it quickly. Also, use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting.
Can I make this in an air fryer? Yes. Cook the fries in the air fryer first. Prepare the topping on the stove. Combine everything in an air fryer-safe dish, add cheese, and air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
How do I keep the fries from getting soggy? The key is to ensure the fries are fully cooked and extra crispy before topping. Assemble just before serving and avoid covering the dish, as steam will make the fries soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the beef, avoid adding too much to the skillet at once. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
- Skipping the Broiler Step: Simply sprinkling cheese on top may not melt it thoroughly. A quick broil ensures a perfectly bubbly, restaurant-quality finish.
- Using Cold Toppings: Adding room-temperature or cold beef mixture to the fries will cool everything down. Keep the topping hot until assembly.
- Neglecting to Season in Layers: Season the beef while cooking, but also taste the final veggie-beef mix and adjust seasoning before adding it to the fries.
Conclusion
Loaded Cheesesteak Fries are the ultimate fusion of comfort food classics, transforming simple ingredients into a shareable, decadent treat. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfect result with crispy fries, flavorful filling, and gloriously melted cheese. Whether for a party snack or a satisfying meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy the delicious, crowd-pleasing results.