Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—a lesson I picked up early on, standing beside my mum in our cozy kitchen. Quality fries and fresh steak make all the difference here, but don’t stress if you need substitutions. It’s all about layering flavors and textures that bring warmth and joy.
- 4 cups frozen shoe-string or crinkle-cut fries (or homemade fries if you have time)
- 12 oz sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick
If you want to lighten things up, swap regular fries for sweet potato fries, or use chicken breast for a milder protein. I’ve also found that a good-quality pre-shredded cheese works well when time is tight, but nothing beats freshly shredded cheese melting evenly over everything.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions until golden and crispy, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- While the fries cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned but still tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions and green bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance their sweetness.
- Once the fries are done, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or keep them on the baking sheet. Layer the cooked steak over the fries, followed by the sautéed onions and peppers.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately, optionally topped with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a bit of heat.
One of my favorite kitchen tricks is to slice the steak very thinly—it cooks quickly and melts right into the fries, creating a perfect bite every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
