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Loaded steak and cheese fries make the perfect indulgent treat, mixing up crunchy french fries with juicy shredded beef and smooth cheese topping. They're super easy to whip up and work great for sports nights, casual get-togethers, or just when you're in the mood for something cheesy and satisfying. The mix of soft beef, gooey cheese, and crisp fries will have everyone asking for seconds!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- 2 tbsp butter: Creates the foundation for your cheese mixture, adding a nice rich taste.
- 2 tbsp flour: Works to make your cheese sauce thick and silky.
- 2 cups milk: Blends with other ingredients for that delicious sauce that'll cover your fries and meat.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Gives that stretchy, yummy cheesiness when drizzled over everything.
- 2 lbs fries: The crunchy base that holds all your tasty toppings.
- 1 lb shaved steak: Thin slices of beef that cook quickly and taste amazing with cheese.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds that must-have savory kick to your meat.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Brings out all the flavors in both your steak and sauce.
- Chopped green onions: Sprinkled on top for color and a pop of fresh flavor.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Step 1:
- Put a medium pot on medium heat and melt your butter. After it's completely melted, add the flour and whisk together. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes so the flour taste cooks out.
- Step 2:
- Slowly pour in your milk while whisking. Keep stirring for 3-5 minutes until it gets thicker. Turn down the heat and mix in all your mozzarella until it's completely smooth. Keep it warm while you finish the rest.
- Step 3:
- Grab a big frying pan and warm up 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Toss in your shaved steak and sprinkle with the garlic powder and salt. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, giving it a stir now and then, until the meat browns fully.
- Step 4:
- While your meat's cooking, get your fries ready. Either fry them up or bake them following what the package says until they're nice and crispy.
- Step 5:
- Now for the fun part - grab a big serving plate and spread out your hot fries. Put some of your cooked steak on top, then pour plenty of that gooey cheese sauce over everything. You can add more layers of steak and cheese if you want it extra loaded.
- Step 6:
- Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add some freshness and serve it right away while everything's still hot and the cheese is all melty.
How to Serve and Store
- These loaded fries taste best right away when the cheese is still gooey and the fries are super crispy. Try them with some ketchup on the side, a little ranch, or even more cheese sauce for dipping.
- Got some left? Just put them in a container with a tight lid and stick them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to eat them again, heat them up in your oven or air fryer to get some of that crispiness back.
- They're a total crowd-pleaser for any gathering - throw them out as a starter or even as the main dish at your next game watch, and they'll be gone in no time!
Expert Cooking Advice
- Chef Bobby Flay: "After you've loaded up your fries with meat and cheese, pop the whole thing back in the oven for a few minutes. It'll melt everything together and make the fries even crispier."
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Don't use the pre-packaged shredded cheese. Grab a block of mozzarella and grate it yourself - it'll melt way better and taste much richer in your sauce."
- Chef Ina Garten: "In a rush? You can grab store-bought cheese sauce to save time, but making your own really takes the flavor to another level!"