This Philly Cheesesteak is all about juicy steak, melted cheese, and soft bread. It’s a sandwich that warms your heart and your belly in every bite!
Sometimes I pretend I’m in Philadelphia while I eat it, even if I’m just in my kitchen! 🥪 It’s so easy to make, and perfect for a quick dinner or snack anytime you crave something tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ribeye Steak: Ribeye is the classic choice for its rich flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, sirloin works well, too. It has a leaner profile but still holds up nicely in the sandwich.
Onions & Bell Peppers: Sweet onions are ideal for caramelizing, while green bell peppers add a nice crunch. You can swap green peppers for red or yellow ones for a slightly sweeter taste, or skip them altogether if you prefer just onions!
Mushrooms: They’re optional but add depth to the flavor. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can leave them out or use sliced zucchini for a different twist.
Provolone Cheese: This cheese is creamy and melts beautifully. For a traditional experience, use Cheez Whiz instead. If you want to change it up, try mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
Hoagie Rolls: Look for fresh sub rolls; they should be soft yet sturdy. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free rolls or even lettuce wraps for a lighter version of this dish.
How Do I Make Sure the Steak is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the steak just right can be tricky! Here’s the key: use high heat and keep it moving in the pan to ensure even cooking without burning. Here’s how you do it:
- Use thinly sliced steak; it’s quicker to cook.
- Start with a hot skillet to get that nice caramelization.
- Season with salt and pepper right away to enhance flavor.
- Cook for just 3-5 minutes, stirring often until browned. You want it tender but cooked through.
Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the meat instead of searing it! If you have a lot of steak, cook in batches for the best results.
How to Make a Delicious Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheesesteak:
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or sirloin for a lighter option)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for a more traditional option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Jalapeño slices (for garnish, optional)
- Pickles (for serving, optional)
- French fries (for serving, optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll have a tasty Philly cheesesteak ready in no time, with all the delicious flavors coming together in a short period!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and get a nice caramelized color. If you decided to add mushrooms, toss them in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook. Once done, remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Cook the Steak:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and turn the heat up to high. Now, throw in the thinly sliced ribeye steak and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the steak, stirring it frequently, for about 3-5 minutes until it’s browned and nicely cooked through.
3. Combine and Melt the Cheese:
Return the sautéed onions, bell pepper, and optional mushrooms to the skillet with the cooked steak. Mix everything together. Now, divide the mixture into four portions in the skillet, forming small piles. Place two slices of provolone cheese (or a scoop of Cheez Whiz) over each pile and cover the skillet with a lid, letting the cheese melt for a couple of minutes.
4. Toast the Rolls:
While the cheese is melting, toast your hoagie rolls in a separate oven or toaster until they are lightly golden. This will give them a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the warm filling!
5. Assemble and Serve:
Once the cheese has melted, grab a spatula and transfer each cheesy portion onto a toasted hoagie roll. Serve your Philly cheesesteaks hot, garnished with jalapeño slices if you like a little heat, and consider adding pickles and a side of French fries for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While ribeye is traditional for its flavor and tenderness, sirloin is a great lighter option. You can also try flank steak or even chicken for a variation. Just remember to slice the meat as thinly as possible for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Like Bell Peppers?
No problem! You can omit the green bell peppers or substitute them with other vegetables like roasted red peppers, or even zucchini. Just sauté them with the onions as directed for a tasty alternative.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture ahead of time! Simply cook everything and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet and then proceed with adding the cheese and serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Philly cheesesteaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat, or use a microwave, adding a damp paper towel to keep the rolls from drying out.
