Steak Cheese Dirty Fries

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

Flavors come together with thinly sliced steak, savory sautéed onions, and golden fries all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses blend throughout, offering a rich and indulgent bite. A drizzle of creamy salsa sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro finish off each portion. The hearty combination of textures—crisp, tender, and cheesy—is perfect for sharing or enjoying solo as a satisfying main. Use your favorite cut of steak, adjust the spiciness with jalapenos, and swap in homemade fries for a personal touch. This dish brings familiar comfort and bold flavors to every bite.

Clare Greco
Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 17:54:30 GMT
A plate of french fries and a sandwich. Pin it
A plate of french fries and a sandwich. | recipesim.com

Steak and Cheese Dirty Fries burritos are the ultimate solution for when you crave comfort food that is both indulgent and easy to pull together on busy nights. This recipe brings together juicy steak, gooey cheese, crisp fries, and bold toppings all wrapped into a golden tortilla for hearty handheld goodness.

The first time I made this recipe my family could not stop talking about it for days. It has now become our go-to request for movie night dinners and casual parties.

Ingredients

  • Steak thinly sliced: Choose a tender cut like flank or skirt for maximum tenderness and flavor. Look for bright red color and good marbling
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat Use extra virgin for best aroma
  • Onion diced: Adds natural sweetness and savory depth Fresh firm onions bring the best flavor
  • Garlic minced: Provides bold base notes Use plump cloves with smooth skin
  • Frozen French fries: An easy shortcut for perfect crispy potato bites Check for minimal additives when buying
  • Cheddar cheese shredded: Brings sharpness and tang Grate it fresh if possible for better melt
  • Mozzarella cheese shredded: Offers creamy melt and mild flavor Use part skim for a lighter option
  • Flour tortillas: Large size holds all the filling Choose soft and pliable tortillas to avoid cracking
  • Sour cream: For a cool creamy topping Choose full fat for richness or light for a healthier touch
  • Salsa: Adds zesty kick and moisture Use your favorite style store bought or homemade
  • Cilantro chopped: Brings fresh herbal notes Use bright green leaves with no wilting
  • Ground black pepper: Enhances the meat and layers in subtle spice Use freshly ground for liveliness
  • Salt: Brings all flavors to their peak Opt for fine sea salt for even seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Onion:
Cook diced onion in olive oil over medium high heat for about three minutes until soft and transparent This builds a savory flavor foundation for the dish
Bloom the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for half a minute until fragrant but not browned This deepens the aromatics
Brown the Steak:
Season steak strips with salt and pepper then toss them into the hot skillet Sear for four to five minutes until each piece gets golden edges and cooks through Stir occasionally for even cooking
Set Aside Filling:
Remove cooked steak and onions to a plate This keeps the texture of the fries crisp later on
Crisp the Fries:
In the same pan add frozen fries Cook as directed on the package until they are browned and crunchy This lets them soak up pan flavors as they cook
Combine Everything:
Return steak and onion mixture to the fries Stir together for a few minutes letting flavors blend and fries stay crisp
Warm Tortillas:
Heat flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for just enough time to make them soft and flexible This helps them fold without breaking
Fill and Top Each Tortilla:
Place a generous scoop of steak onion and fries onto the center of each tortilla Sprinkle both cheeses all over the hot mix so it melts a bit
Roll Burritos:
Fold in the sides then roll tightly from the bottom up Trap all the goodness inside with no gaps
Toast the Burritos:
Place each wrapped burrito seam side down on a skillet or grill pan over medium heat Sear them for two to three minutes per side until the outsides are golden and crisp
Mix Toppings:
Blend sour cream and salsa in a bowl until smooth This makes an irresistible creamy sauce for serving
Garnish and Serve:
Cut burritos in half then drizzle with salsa cream sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro Serve hot for best results
A sandwich with meat and cheese on top of a bun. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese on top of a bun. | recipesim.com

Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient in these burritos because it melts into those perfect stretchy strands that my kids pull out and giggle about at the dinner table. One of my favorite memories is piling these up on a platter for backyard movie night the smell made the neighbors jealous

Storage Tips

Leftover burritos keep well wrapped in foil in the fridge for two to three days. To reheat simply pop them into a dry skillet over low heat or use the oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving for long or the tortilla will turn soggy. If making ahead hold off on the sauce and cilantro until just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or ground beef instead of steak for a fun twist. If you want extra veggies try peppers or mushrooms added to the onion step. Sweet potato fries are a great option for color and a slight sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These make a filling meal on their own but can be cut in half for appetizers. Offer extra sour cream or guacamole for dipping. They pair well with a tangy slaw or crunchy pickled veggies on the side.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Dirty fries are a classic pub snack in the UK and US known for combining fries and toppings in playful ways. Wrapping them burrito style gives this dish a fun mashup of Tex Mex and classic steakhouse vibes all in one meal.

A sandwich with meat and cheese on top of a bun. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese on top of a bun. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, flank or skirt steak works well for tenderness, but sirloin or ribeye can also be used for added flavor.

→ What cheese combination works best?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella offers both robust flavor and a gooey texture, but feel free to use your favorites.

→ Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?

Homemade fries add an extra crispness and fresh flavor. You can also try tater tots for a twist.

→ How do I keep tortillas from tearing?

Warm the tortillas briefly to make them soft and pliable, which helps prevent splitting while wrapping.

→ How spicy can I make this dish?

Toss in sliced jalapenos or a spicy salsa to increase the heat level and cater to your personal preference.

Steak Cheese Dirty Fries

Golden fries, juicy steak, gooey cheese, and warm tortillas create a crowd-pleasing comfort food delight.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 large burritos)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 450 g steak, thinly sliced
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 small onion, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 cups (approx. 300 g) frozen French fries
06 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
07 60 g shredded mozzarella cheese
08 4 large flour tortillas

→ Accompaniments & Garnishes

09 120 g sour cream
10 120 g salsa
11 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
12 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3–4 minutes.

Step 02

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 03

Season steak slices with salt and ground black pepper. Add them to the skillet, stirring occasionally for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 04

Remove the steak and onion mixture from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 05

In the same skillet, add frozen French fries and cook according to the package instructions until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Return the steak and onion mixture to the skillet with the fries. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 07

While the filling finishes, warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds until soft and pliable.

Step 08

Place warm tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the steak, onion, and fries mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Step 09

Fold in the sides of the tortillas and roll tightly from the bottom, enclosing the filling securely.

Step 10

Heat a separate large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the rolled burritos seam side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and crisp.

Step 11

In a small bowl, mix sour cream and salsa until thoroughly combined.

Step 12

Slice each burrito in half. Drizzle generously with the sour cream and salsa mixture, then garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  1. For optimal tenderness, use a cut such as flank or skirt steak.
  2. Marinate steak before cooking to enhance flavor.
  3. Substitute with homemade fries or tater tots for variation.
  4. Add fresh jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
  5. Whole wheat tortillas and reduced-fat cheese can be used for a lighter option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl
  • Grill pan (optional for crisping)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (flour tortillas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 769
  • Total Fat: 37 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 66 g
  • Protein: 39 g