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 any time you are in the mood for a fun, satisfying meal, these tacos are sure to be a hit. With steak strips, soft-enough-to-chew but mildly crispy peppers and onions, melty cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and of course a soft taco shell—to wrap the goodness in—this meal is nothing but indulgent and indulgently easy to boot. So let’s raise the flag, shall we?
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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: These tacos are perfect for a fun dinner or as a game-day dish; have them immediately; their texture is at its best when still hot.
Storage: One can keep the leftover taco filling and fries either separately in airtight containers for 3 more days when they are put in the fridge for later.
Reheating: Re-heat the steak filling in a skillet at a medium flame until the steak is hot while fries will need about 5-7 minutes in a 375°F (190°C) oven to be crisp.
Helpful Notes:
Meat Options: Ribeye is the top pick because it is flavorsome and melts in the mouth, but also good are sirloin, or flank steak. Use chicken or turkey strips for fewer calories.
Cheese Choices: Provolone, fresh mozzarella, or American cheese are all great, but Cheez Whiz gives the cheesesteak the real feel.
Buffalo Sauce: Pick out hot buffalo sauce from shops or make your own by melting butter with hot hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
Bobby Flay: Suggests grilling his steak for a smokier flavor and be sure to top it up with the best quality cheese.
Guy Fieri: A quick squeeze of lime juice applied to the tacos before serving really refreshes everything.
Rachael Ray: If you are cooking steak in a cast-iron skillet, you will surely get the best sear and caramelization.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use some kind of protein other than steak?
Yes, you can certainly substitute with chicken or pork or even shrimp.
Can I make my fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the fries in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to shake halfway through to get an equal crisp on all sides.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Trade-out the steak with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini as a sturdy vegetable option. Plant-based meat alternatives can also be used.
Would corn tortillas work instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas are a good choice for an option that is gluten-free, but they may not be as pliable as flour tortillas.
What is the secret to making some pretty crispy fries?
Ensure all the fries are cut to the same size and set in cold water for 30 minutes to remove the excess starch; dry the fries with a towel before seasoning and baking.
May I enhance the heat of the tacos?
The steak filling can simmer with sliced jalapeños, little cayenne pepper, or simply some hot sauce for more heat.
Would it help to freeze them?
The steak filling remains intact in the freezer, no longer than two months, in an airtight container. Before enjoying, reheat on the stove top. The optimum preference is definitely the fries fresh out of the oven, but alternately, they can be frozen and then reheated in the oven.
How do you make buffalo sauce from scratch?
Take 1/2 cup of hot sauce with 1/4 cup of butter. You will need to play with the ratios depending on taste and heat.
Does it make sense to load the tacos with extra toppings?
Yes! Think about adding sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes.
What beverages do you recommend that can go beautifully with this delicacy?
Any cold beer, margarita or iced tea compliments the rich flavors of these taco and fries.
Conclusion:
These Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries are a fresh and very different twist to traditional comfort food. Each bite of the juicy steak, oozing cheese, crispy, spicy fries, bark and melt together in taste and happiness on your tongue. This easy-as-pie dish is equally good for enjoying with family and friends on an evening, at a party, or on Game Day. Taste the flavors and enjoy the all-modifying activities on the recipe to make them really yours!
