PHILLY STEAK CHEESE FRIES

Ingredients:

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded

For the Meat, Pepper & Onion Mixture:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (ribeye or sirloin recommended)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• 4 cups cooked French fries
• Additional toppings (optional): chopped parsley, sliced jalapeños, or extra cheese

Instructions:

Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Wait until the bubbling subsides, indicating the butter is fully melted.
2. Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the melted butter, stirring constantly. Cook for about one minute until the mixture turns slightly golden and gives off a nutty aroma.
3. Incorporate Milk: Slowly add the warm milk to the butter and flour mixture while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken Sauce: Continue to cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually stir in the cheese until completely melted and smooth. If the cheese does not melt fully, return the pan to low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Keep Warm: Cover the sauce and keep it on the lowest possible heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

Meat, Pepper & Onion Mixture:

1. Preheat Skillet: Heat a large sauté skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil.
2. Cook Meat: Add the meat slices to the hot skillet. Cook on high heat until the meat is no longer red, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
3. Remove Meat: Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, and then add the onions and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine: Return the meat to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through. Remove from heat.

Assembling the Fries:

1. Arrange Fries: Spread the cooked French fries on a large plate or a serving platter.
2. Add Meat Mixture: Evenly distribute the meat and vegetable mixture over the fries.
3. Drizzle Cheese Sauce: Spoon half of the warm cheese sauce over the meat and fries.
4. Serve: Serve immediately, with the remaining cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of extra cheese.

Enjoy your Philly Steak Cheese Fries with the rich, homemade cheese sauce and the flavorful meat and vegetable topping!