After making this recipe for the first time, I was amazed at how simple it was to recreate a restaurant-quality sandwich right at home. This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is an absolute showstopper, featuring tender, juicy ribeye, sweet caramelized onions, and perfectly melted cheese, all packed into a toasted garlic butter roll.
I’ve made this for family cookouts and camping trips, and it’s always a huge hit. It’s the kind of satisfying meal that brings everyone together, and I’m excited to share how you can make it yourself, especially if you enjoy trying fun comfort-food ideas like pizza burgers recipe too.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak
Creating the perfect cheesesteak starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic sandwich to life in your own kitchen.
- 1 lb Ribeye steak: This cut is the top choice for its tenderness and rich marbling, which makes the sandwich incredibly flavorful.
- 1 large sweet onion: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully, providing a gentle sweetness that balances the savory beef and cheese.
- 8 slices mild provolone cheese: Mild provolone offers the best melt and a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the steak. Avoid aged varieties, as their taste can be too strong.
- 4 Hoagie rolls: A sturdy yet soft roll is essential to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Softened butter is used to create a delicious garlic spread for toasting the rolls.
- 1 garlic clove: Freshly pressed garlic adds an aromatic punch to the buttered rolls.
- 2-4 Tbsp mayonnaise: A thin layer of mayo adds a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Or adjust to your personal taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground pepper is always a good choice for the best flavor.
- 2 Tbsp oil: For sauteing the onions and steak.
Note: This recipe yields four generous servings.
Variations
While the classic recipe is a masterpiece on its own, you can easily customize it. These variations allow you to add your own twist or cater to different dietary preferences.
A popular addition, especially on the West Coast, is to include more vegetables. Sliced green bell peppers and mushrooms are fantastic options. You can sauté them along with the onions to add more flavor and texture to your sandwich. These veggies also pair well with snacks like easy homemade quick pickled jalapenos recipe if you enjoy a sharper, tangier kick.
For the cheese, feel free to experiment. While mild provolone is traditional, white American cheese is another popular choice for its supreme meltiness. Some establishments even use Cheez Whiz for a different kind of gooey experience. If you prefer a different flavor profile, mozzarella could also work well.
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can serve the steak and cheese mixture in several creative ways. Stuff it into bell peppers or portobello mushrooms and bake until the cheese is melted. You can also serve the filling over a bed of greens for a cheesesteak salad or wrap it in a low-carb tortilla.
Cooking Time
This recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much to make a great cheesesteak. Here are the essential tools for the job.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing the beef into paper-thin pieces.
- Large Skillet or Griddle: Provides a large, flat surface to cook the steak and onions evenly.
- Spatula: Helps you flip the steak and scrape the finished mixture into the buns.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the garlic butter.
- Serrated Knife: Ideal for slicing the hoagie rolls without squishing them.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak
This process is straightforward and quick, making it one of the easiest sandwich recipes you can tackle. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Step 1: Prepare the Buns and Ingredients
First, get your hoagie rolls ready. Slice them about three-quarters of the way through with a serrated knife, leaving a hinge so they open like a book. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the pressed garlic clove, then spread this mixture evenly on the cut sides of the rolls. Toast them on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat until they are golden brown, then set them aside. Next, dice your onion and thinly slice the beef.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Add one tablespoon of oil to your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and a light sprinkle of salt, which will help them release moisture and caramelize. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, sweet, and golden brown. Once they’re caramelized to your liking, transfer them from the pan to a separate bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Turn the heat up to high and add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Carefully spread the thinly sliced steak in a single, even layer. Let the steak sear for a couple of minutes without moving it to get a nice brown crust. Then, flip the steak, season it with salt and pepper, and continue to sauté until it’s fully cooked.
Step 4: Combine and Add Cheese
Once the steak is cooked, add the caramelized onions back into the skillet and stir to combine everything. Divide the steak and onion mixture into four equal portions on the skillet. Place two slices of provolone cheese over each portion and turn off the heat. The residual heat from the pan will gently melt the cheese over the meat.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
To finish, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the toasted interior of each hoagie roll. Working one at a time, place a toasted roll over a cheesy steak portion. Use a spatula to help you scoop the entire portion into the bun as you flip it over. Serve the sandwiches immediately while they are hot and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Having made this recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from great to absolutely perfect.
- I can’t stress enough how important thinly sliced beef is. The best trick I’ve learned is to freeze the steak for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat just enough to let you get those paper-thin slices with a sharp knife.
- Don’t be afraid to let the steak get a good sear. When you first add it to the hot pan, let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two. This browning is where so much of the deep, savory flavor comes from.
- When toasting the buns, I watch them carefully. You want them golden and slightly crisp, but not hard. A well-toasted bun adds a fantastic texture and prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- I always use a sweet onion. Its flavor becomes so much richer and sweeter when caramelized compared to a yellow or white onion, and it really complements the beef without being overpowering.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak
A classic Philly Cheesesteak is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better. For a truly authentic experience, serve it hot and fresh right off the griddle. Wrap the bottom half of the sandwich in parchment or foil to help hold it together and catch any drips.
These sandwiches are fantastic alongside classic American sides. Air fryer french fries, crispy baked potato wedges, or crunchy onion rings are all excellent choices. For a lighter pairing, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a fresh contrast to the rich, savory sandwich.
Nutritional Information
Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.
- Calories: 732 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 43g
- Fat: 44g
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prep some components ahead of time to make assembly even faster. Slice the beef and onions and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Restoring
To store leftovers, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. You can also store the filling separately from the buns to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
The cooked steak and onion mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to two months. The assembled sandwiches do not freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat a leftover sandwich, keep it wrapped in foil and warm it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating the filling from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first, then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this Philly Cheesesteak recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of tender ribeye, sweet caramelized onions, melted provolone, and garlic butter creates a sandwich that is packed with layers of flavor. It’s a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
- Quick and Easy: This is a genuine 30-minute meal. With simple prep and a fast cooking time, you can have a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table without much effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for a Crowd: The recipe can easily be scaled up to feed more people. You can cook a large batch on a griddle, which makes it a perfect meal for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
- Highly Customizable: You can stick to the classic or add your own twist. Whether you want to add more veggies, try a different cheese, or serve it in a low-carb way, this recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your tastes.
