Craving a delicious combination of cheesy, savory goodness and a spicy kick? Look no further than Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries! This dish takes inspiration from the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and adds a taco twist, pairing it with crispy, buffalo-seasoned fries for a flavor-packed meal. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or anytime you want a fun, satisfying meal, these tacos are sure to be a hit. With tender strips of steak, sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheese, and a tangy buffalo sauce, all wrapped in a soft taco shell, this recipe is both indulgent and easy to prepare. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Steak Tacos:
- 1 pound ribeye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese or melted Cheez Whiz (for a classic taste)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Buffalo Fries:
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese or ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Fries
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut the Potatoes: Cut the russet potatoes into thin, uniform strips for fries. Try to keep them around 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
- Add Buffalo Sauce: Remove the fries from the oven and toss them in buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Once done, remove from the oven and drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Steak Filling
- Slice the Steak: Make sure the steak is sliced very thinly against the grain. If the steak is slightly frozen, it will be easier to slice.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the sliced steak. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Combine and Flavor: Mix the cooked vegetables and steak together. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Fill the Tacos: Divide the steak and vegetable mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top each with shredded provolone cheese or a generous drizzle of melted Cheez Whiz.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Tacos and Fries: Arrange the cheese steak tacos on a serving platter and serve alongside the buffalo fries. Enjoy them hot with extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese, or ranch dressing on the side for dipping!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These tacos are perfect for a fun dinner or as a game-day dish.
- Storage: Store leftover taco filling and fries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the steak filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The fries can be reheated in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Helpful Notes:
- Meat Options: Ribeye is the preferred choice for its tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or sirloin also works well. For a leaner option, use chicken or turkey strips.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese work well, but Cheez Whiz provides the most authentic cheesesteak experience.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Bobby Flay: Recommends grilling the steak for extra smoky flavor and using high-quality cheese to elevate the dish.
- Guy Fieri: Suggests adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the tacos before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Rachael Ray: Advises using a cast-iron skillet for cooking the steak to get a perfect sear and caramelization.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even shrimp as an alternative to steak. - Can I make the fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the fries in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a hearty veggie option. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives. - Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work well for a gluten-free option, but they may be less pliable than flour tortillas. - What’s the best way to get crispy fries?
Make sure to cut the fries evenly and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat them dry before seasoning and baking. - Can I make these tacos spicy?
Yes, add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the steak filling for extra heat. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
The steak filling can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop before serving. Fries are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen and reheated in an oven. - How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?
Mix 1/2 cup hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter. Adjust the ratios based on your desired level of heat and flavor. - Can I add extra toppings to the tacos?
Absolutely! Consider adding avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. - What drinks pair well with this dish?
A cold beer, margarita, or iced tea pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of these tacos and fries.
Conclusion:
Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries offer a fun and creative twist on traditional comfort food. The combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and crisp, spicy fries brings together a blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether it’s for a casual dinner, a party, or game day. Enjoy the bold flavors and have fun customizing this recipe to make it your own!
