Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: Savory, Melty, and Perfectly Seasoned

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, combining tender, thinly sliced beef with melted cheese and sautéed vegetables, all nestled inside a soft hoagie roll. Whether you’ve enjoyed one at a local deli or seen it in movies, this hearty sandwich has earned its place as one of the most beloved American comfort foods.

Making an authentic Philly Cheesesteak at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some quick cooking steps, you can recreate the savory, melty perfection of this classic sandwich in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a Philly native or a newcomer to this delicious dish, this recipe is sure to impress!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Philly Cheesesteaks:

• A large skillet or griddle for cooking the beef and vegetables
• A sharp knife for slicing the beef
• A spatula for stirring and flipping
• Tongs for handling the sandwich components
• A cutting board for slicing vegetables and bread
• A spoon for adding the cheese

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Philly Cheesesteaks:

For the cheesesteak:

• 1 lb (450g) ribeye steak (or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sandwich:

• 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls (soft and fresh)
• 8 slices provolone cheese or American cheese (traditional, or you can also use Cheez Whiz for a more authentic version)

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak?

Step 1: Prepare the beef

If your ribeye steak is not already thinly sliced, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This makes it easier to slice. Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice the beef against the grain into thin strips (about 1/4-inch wide).

Step 2: Cook the vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions (and bell peppers if using) and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the beef

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Increase the heat to high. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add it to the beef while it cooks for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the beef and vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, return the sautéed onions and peppers to the skillet and mix them together with the beef. Stir well to combine and heat everything through.

Step 5: Assemble the cheesesteaks

Slice the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them if desired. Evenly divide the beef and vegetable mixture onto the rolls. Top each sandwich with two slices of provolone or American cheese (or drizzle with Cheez Whiz if you prefer).

Step 6: Melt the cheese

To melt the cheese, you can either cover the skillet with a lid and let it melt over the filling for 2-3 minutes or place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks immediately while they’re hot and melty. Enjoy them with your favorite sides, like crispy fries, chips, or a side salad.

Variations

• Use different cheese: While provolone and American cheese are the most common, you can also use mozzarella, Swiss, or Cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Add mushrooms: For a classic variation, sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers to add extra flavor and texture to your cheesesteak.
• Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for the beef to make a lighter version of the Philly Cheesesteak.
• Cheez Whiz version: For a truly authentic experience, use Cheez Whiz as the cheese topping, as it’s traditionally used in Philadelphia.

Cooking Note

Philly Cheesesteaks are best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the warm, gooey cheese and tender beef. If you have leftovers, store the filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the filling in a skillet and toast the rolls when you’re ready to serve again.

Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheesesteaks are perfect on their own, but they pair well with:

• Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries
• A fresh green salad with a light dressing
• Coleslaw for added crunch
• Pickles or chips on the side for an extra tangy bite

Helpful Tips

• Thinly slice the beef: To ensure tender bites, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. You can freeze the steak for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice.
• Don’t overcook the beef: Beef for cheesesteaks cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. A few minutes in the pan is all you need to get it browned and flavorful.
• Use a griddle for more sandwiches: If you’re making multiple cheesesteaks, a large griddle works well for cooking everything in one batch.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak

• Use fresh rolls: Fresh, soft hoagie rolls are essential to the perfect Philly Cheesesteak. Make sure the rolls are sturdy enough to hold all the filling but still soft and tender inside.
• Customize the fillings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, banana peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

FAQs

1. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak with a different type of beef?
Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak if you prefer. Just be sure to slice it thinly for the best texture.

2. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve Philly Cheesesteaks fresh, you can prepare the beef and vegetable filling ahead of time and reheat it when ready to assemble the sandwiches.

3. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss cheese.

Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic sandwich that’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you prefer provolone, American cheese, or Cheez Whiz, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings for a savory, hearty meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a game day treat, Philly Cheesesteaks are a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your liking. Try this simple recipe today, and enjoy the flavors of Philadelphia right in your own kitchen!