Classic Philly Cheesesteak

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a warm, melty, and flavorful Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich, hailing from Philadelphia, is a beloved comfort food that has gained fans all over the world. With its tender slices of beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly sautéed onions and peppers, all packed into a soft hoagie roll, the Philly cheesesteak is the ultimate indulgence.

Whether you’ve had the pleasure of tasting an authentic Philly cheesesteak from a local spot in Philadelphia or you’re trying it for the first time at home, this recipe will help you recreate that classic experience. It’s simple, quick, and packed with bold flavors, making it a fantastic option for a hearty lunch, a casual dinner, or even a game-day meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavor – This recipe stays true to the classic Philly cheesesteak, using the right techniques to achieve perfectly cooked beef and gooey melted cheese.
• Quick & easy – With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious sandwich ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable – You can easily tweak the recipe by adding mushrooms, using different cheeses, or adjusting the seasoning to match your preference.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a weeknight dinner, or treating yourself to a comforting sandwich, this recipe is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ pounds ribeye steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak

Making a Philly cheesesteak at home is surprisingly easy, and with a few simple techniques, you’ll get that perfect combination of tender meat, melted cheese, and toasty bread.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

For the best results, you’ll want to slice the ribeye as thinly as possible. A great trick is to place the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing—it firms up the meat, making it easier to cut into thin strips. If you have a sharp knife, slice against the grain for the most tender bites.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté them until they are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once they’re tender and slightly golden, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced steak. Season it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and cooked through—this should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Once the steak is cooked, lower the heat and place the slices of provolone cheese directly on top of the meat. Let it melt slightly before mixing it in. The cheese will blend beautifully with the beef, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.

Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls

For an extra delicious touch, spread softened butter on the insides of the hoagie rolls and toast them on a skillet or under the broiler for a couple of minutes until golden brown. This step enhances the texture of the sandwich and keeps the bread from getting soggy.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Divide the cheesy steak mixture among the toasted hoagie rolls. Add the sautéed onions and peppers on top. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use ribeye for the best flavor – Ribeye steak is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak because it’s marbled with fat, making it extra juicy and flavorful. If you need an alternative, you can use sirloin or flank steak.
• Slice the meat thinly – The thinner the slices, the more tender and flavorful the steak will be. Freezing the meat slightly before slicing helps achieve those paper-thin slices.
• Use the right cheese – Provolone is the go-to cheese for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, but if you want a gooier texture, you can use American cheese or cheese whiz.
• Toast the bread – A lightly toasted hoagie roll gives the sandwich the perfect crunch and helps hold up against the juicy filling.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Meat-Based

Notes

• If you love extra toppings, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or banana peppers.
• For an extra cheesy version, mix in some shredded mozzarella with the provolone.
• If you like a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving – approximate values)

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best meat for a Philly cheesesteak?

Ribeye is the best cut of meat for a Philly cheesesteak because of its tenderness and rich marbling. If you don’t have ribeye, sirloin or flank steak can be used as substitutes.

Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?

Yes! A chicken Philly cheesesteak is a delicious variation. Simply swap the ribeye for thinly sliced chicken breast and follow the same cooking method.

What’s the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak?

Provolone is the most common choice, but some people love using American cheese or cheese whiz for an ultra-creamy texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Philly cheesesteaks taste best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead by slicing the steak and veggies in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best bread for a Philly cheesesteak?

A classic hoagie roll is ideal because it’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy steak and melted cheese.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the steak mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the bread separate to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Reheating: Reheat the steak mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a little cheese on top to refresh the flavors.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked steak and veggies for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Philly cheesesteak recipe, here are a few more sandwich ideas you might enjoy:

• French Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread
• Ultimate Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
• The Perfect Homemade Philly Cheesesteak
• Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Baked Potatoes 

Conclusion

The Philly cheesesteak is an absolute classic, and once you make it at home, you’ll never want to go back to takeout. With its juicy steak, caramelized onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese, all packed into a toasted hoagie roll, it’s a sandwich that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

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