Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! Get ready for a flavor explosion, because today we’re combining three absolute legends into one epic snack: Cheesesteak Taco Fries. Imagine crispy seasoned fries piled high with savory cheesesteak-style meat, melty cheese, and all the zesty, fresh toppings of a taco. This is a bold fusion that’s guaranteed to be the star of your next party, game day, or any time you’re craving something truly extraordinary!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about taking classic comfort foods and smashing them together into something even better? I’m completely obsessed with Cheesesteak Taco Fries because they bring together the best of all worlds. You get the satisfying crunch of seasoned fries, the rich, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak, and the vibrant, fresh kick of your favorite taco toppings. It’s a riot of textures and flavors in every single bite! This dish is perfect for sharing, incredibly fun to eat, and surprisingly easy to customize. It’s the kind of creative appetizer that gets everyone talking and reaching for more, proving that sometimes, “crazy” combinations are simply genius.

The Fusion Phenomenon: Fries as a Canvas

The concept of “loaded fries” has become a culinary phenomenon, transforming simple French fries into a decadent canvas for a myriad of toppings. Cheesesteak fries are a beloved regional specialty, bringing the iconic flavors of thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese sauce to a crispy potato base. Taco fries similarly blend the zest of Tex-Mex flavors—seasoned meat, salsa, sour cream, and fresh vegetables—with the beloved fry.

This recipe for Cheesesteak Taco Fries takes that fusion even further, explicitly marrying the savory, often onions-and-peppers infused steak of a cheesesteak with the fresh, zesty, and often spicy toppings of a taco. It represents a modern culinary trend of breaking down traditional dish boundaries to create exciting, multi-layered flavor experiences. By using fries as the base, it offers a fun, shareable, and utterly irresistible way to enjoy a medley of beloved comfort food profiles in one bold snack.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredibly flavorful fusion fries:

• 1 (28-32 ounce) bag frozen crinkle-cut or shoestring French fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb shaved beef steak (like steak-ums, or thinly sliced sirloin/ribeye)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced (optional, for classic cheesesteak flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Provolone)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• For Taco Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled, optional)
  • Optional: A few crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch

Swaps and Notes

• Fries: Crinkle-cut or shoestring fries work best for maximum surface area to hold toppings. Waffle fries or even tater tots (check out my Totchos for the Win!) can also be a fun base.
• Shaved Beef: Look for “shaved steak” at your butcher or in the frozen section. If unavailable, thinly slice steak (like sirloin or ribeye) against the grain and chop it roughly. Ground beef can be a substitute, but the texture will be different.
• Bell Pepper: While traditional in cheesesteaks, it’s optional here if you prefer a more purely meaty flavor.
• Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar provides great melt and flavor. Provolone is classic for cheesesteak, and a cheese sauce (like my This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers) could also be drizzled on top for extra decadence.
• Taco Toppings: This is where you can truly customize! Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole, or a squeeze of lime juice would all be fantastic additions.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the jalapeños, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the beef seasoning.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s assemble this bold fusion snack!

1. Bake the Fries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to package directions (usually 20-25 minutes), flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
2. Cook Cheesesteak Filling: While the fries bake, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add Beef & Seasonings: Add the shaved beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 3-5 minutes). Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer & Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the broth has evaporated, leaving a flavorful, slightly saucy meat mixture. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble & Melt Cheese: Once the fries are crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Pile the cooked cheesesteak mixture evenly over the hot fries. Generously sprinkle both the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the meat and fries.
6. Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
7. Load with Taco Toppings: Remove the fries from the oven. Immediately spoon dollops of salsa and sour cream (or crema) over the melted cheese and meat. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños (if using).
8. Serve Hot: Transfer the loaded Cheesesteak Taco Fries to a large platter or individual plates. Serve immediately as a fantastic appetizer or a fun meal!

Tips for Success

• Crispy Fry Base: Ensure your fries are cooked until very crispy before loading them. A soggy base is a no-go for loaded fries.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Whether it’s the fries on the baking sheet or the beef in the skillet, give everything space to cook evenly and get a nice sear.
• Thinly Slice Veggies & Beef: This allows them to cook quickly and integrate seamlessly into the “cheesesteak” texture.
• Generous Toppings: Don’t be shy with the cheese or the taco toppings! The more, the merrier for this fusion snack.
• Serve Immediately: Loaded fries are best devoured right after they’re assembled, while everything is hot and gooey.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cheesesteak Taco Fries are designed to be a show-stopping appetizer or a fun, informal meal:

• Game Day MVP: The perfect centerpiece for any sports viewing party.
• Casual Gathering: Ideal for barbecues, backyard parties, or movie nights.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer extra salsa, sour cream, or even a side of guacamole or a chipotle aioli for dipping.
• Main Dish: For a hearty meal, serve a larger portion with a simple side salad to cut through the richness.
• Beverage Pairings: Cold beer (lager or IPA), margaritas, or refreshing sodas would be perfect companions.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Cheesesteak Taco Fries are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven, as the fries will lose their crispness and the toppings will cool.

• Storage: If you have any rare leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. The fries won’t be as crispy as fresh, but it will still be tasty. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
• Prep Ahead (Partial): You can cook the cheesesteak mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shred your cheeses and prepare your taco toppings. Then, bake the fries fresh and assemble everything just before serving.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this bold and flavorful fusion snack, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite party foods and easy meals:

• For another fantastic cheesy dip, try How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
• If you’re looking for another fun way to feed a crowd fast, my These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a game-changer.
• For a super easy, customizable party meal, check out This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
• And for another fun loaded potato creation, my These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win! are a hit.

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Final Thoughts

Cheesesteak Taco Fries are a testament to bold flavors and creative combinations, proving that sometimes, breaking the rules leads to culinary genius. This dish is savory, cheesy, fresh, and incredibly fun to eat—a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

I hope you give this epic fusion snack a try and experience its incredible flavor for yourself! Let me know in the comments below if these become your new favorite loaded fries, or what other creative food fusions you love. I always love hearing from you! Happy snacking!