Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries

These Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries combine the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, wrapped in warm tortillas and paired with crispy buffalo-style waffle fries. This recipe is perfect for taco night, game day, or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cheese Steak Tacos:

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  Adds a sweet, savory flavor to the taco filling.
• 1 large tomato, seeds removed and diced
  Fresh tomatoes bring a burst of freshness to the tacos.
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  Scallions add a mild onion flavor and brightness to the dish.
• 1/2 lb ground beef
  The base of the tacos, providing a rich, savory flavor. You can use ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if desired.
• 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  Monterey Jack melts beautifully, adding a creamy, mild flavor to the tacos.
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
  Creamy avocado balances the richness of the beef and cheese, adding freshness.
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
  Pre-made taco seasoning gives the beef a flavorful, spicy kick. You can also make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Optional: sour cream for topping
  Adds a cool, creamy finish to the tacos.

For the Buffalo Fries:

• 22 oz bag of waffle fries
  Crispy, golden waffle fries provide the perfect base for buffalo seasoning.
• 2 tbsp oil
  Use to coat the waffle fries before baking for extra crispiness.
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  Cheddar adds a rich, sharp flavor to the fries.

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Fries

• Preheat the Oven: Follow the package instructions for the waffle fries and bake them in the oven. Typically, waffle fries are baked at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once the fries are golden and crispy, toss them in your favorite buffalo sauce to coat them evenly. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
• Add the Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions, adding water if needed. Let the beef simmer for a few more minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare the Taco Fillings

• Prep the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, dice the tomato, scallions, and avocado. Set them aside as toppings for your tacos.
• Shred the Cheese: Mix the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese in a bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

• Warm the Tortillas: You can warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for a few minutes.
• Fill the Tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef into each tortilla, then top with the shredded cheese mixture. Add the tomatoes, scallions, and avocado on top. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream.

Step 5: Serve with Buffalo Fries

• Serve the Cheese Steak Tacos alongside the crispy Buffalo Fries for a complete meal. Enjoy your tacos and fries with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serving: Serve these tacos and fries hot, with toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce on the side. Pair with a cold beverage for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Storage: Store any leftover taco fillings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the ground beef and fries before serving.

Helpful Notes:

• Buffalo Sauce: If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can easily make your own by combining hot sauce (such as Frank’s) with melted butter in a 2:1 ratio.
• Cheese Options: You can use other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack if you want to switch up the flavors.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

• Chef Bobby Flay: “Toss your fries in buffalo sauce right after they come out of the oven to ensure they absorb all the flavors while still crispy.”
• Chef Guy Fieri: “For an extra kick, add pickled jalapeños or sriracha mayo to your tacos to take them to Flavortown!”

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use another type of meat for the tacos?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even steak strips for a different twist.

Q2: How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?
A2: Combine 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with 1/4 cup melted butter and whisk together. Add more butter for a milder sauce.

Q3: Can I air-fry the waffle fries?
A3: Yes! You can air-fry the waffle fries at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy.

Q4: Can I make this meal vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Q5: How do I prevent the tacos from becoming soggy?
A5: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef and avoid overfilling the tacos. You can also warm the tortillas in the oven to crisp them up slightly.

Q6: Can I add other toppings to the tacos?
A6: Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, pickled onions, or shredded lettuce.

Q7: Can I grill the tortillas?
A7: Yes! Grilling the tortillas for a few seconds on each side will give them a nice char and add extra flavor.

Q8: How do I keep the fries crispy after adding buffalo sauce?
A8: Toss the fries in buffalo sauce just before serving to ensure they stay crispy as long as possible. You can also serve the buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

These Cheese Steak Tacos with Buffalo Fries are a mouthwatering combination of hearty, cheesy tacos and crispy fries coated in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for dinner or game day, they’re a fun and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit!