Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries

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)

DIRECTIONS:

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!