Name: Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: Hearty and Savory
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ribeye steak (thinly sliced); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided); 1 large yellow onion (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced (optional)); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 slices of provolone cheese; 4 hoagie rolls (split); Optional: Extra cheese (mushrooms); Suggested Pairings: Fries (craft beer)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic, hearty sandwich, perfect for game days, casual dinners, or a satisfying meal to share. Its tender, thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and gooey melted provolone deliver bold, savory flavors that capture the essence of Philadelphia’s street food. Served on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with sautéed peppers and extra cheese, this Philly Cheesesteak offers a rustic, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Philly Cheesesteak, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a crowd-pleasing experience.

Ingredients

For the Philly Cheesesteak:

1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced (partially frozen for easier slicing)
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for “wit” style)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 slices provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for classic style)
4 hoagie rolls (6-8 inches), split lengthwise

For Serving:

Optional: Extra cheese, sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers
Suggested Accompaniments: Fries, coleslaw, pickles
Suggested Pairings: Craft beer, soda
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Large skillet or griddle, sharp knife, spatula

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Steak: Place ribeye in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up, then slice as thinly as possible with a sharp knife. Set aside.
Cook Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper (if using); cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Cook Steak: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the skillet. Add sliced steak, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and just cooked through. Divide the steak into 4 portions in the skillet.
Add Cheese: Place 2 slices of provolone (or a generous scoop of Cheez Whiz) over each steak portion. Add onions (and peppers) on top. Cover skillet briefly, for 1-2 minutes, until cheese melts.
Assemble Sandwiches: Toast hoagie rolls lightly if desired. Place each steak-cheese-vegetable portion into a roll using a spatula. Ensure cheese and juices soak into the bread.
Serve: Arrange sandwiches on a white ceramic platter. Garnish with extra cheese, mushrooms, or hot peppers if desired. Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, pickles, craft beer, or soda.

Tips for Better Philly Cheesesteak

Freeze steak briefly for easier slicing; use a sharp knife for thin cuts.
Cook onions slowly to caramelize for sweetness; don’t rush the process.
Use provolone for a classic Philly taste; Cheez Whiz is traditional for some.
Keep skillet hot to sear steak quickly, preserving juiciness.
Toast rolls lightly for extra texture; avoid over-toasting to keep them soft.
Work in batches if the skillet is small to avoid overcrowding.
Taste and adjust the seasoning on the steak before adding cheese.
Enhance aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter, let cheese ooze visibly, and add colorful peppers for a bold look.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak: Replace steak with portobello mushrooms or seitan; use vegetable broth for flavor.
Gluten-Free Philly Cheesesteak: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls; ensure cheese is gluten-free.
Vegan Philly Cheesesteak: Use plant-based steak strips, vegan cheese, and vegan rolls.
Low-Sodium Philly Cheesesteak: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp; use low-sodium cheese.
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or sliced jalapeños with onions.
Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with onions.
Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: Replace steak with 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast; cook for 4-5 minutes.
Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella with provolone.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store cooked steak and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat; avoid the microwave to preserve texture.
Assemble sandwiches fresh; don’t store fully assembled to avoid soggy rolls.
Freeze cooked steak (without cheese or rolls) for 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serve hot for the best flavor; avoid room temperature for over 2 hours.
Use leftovers in wraps, salads, or quesadillas.
Pair with crispy sides like fries to complement the richness.
Presented on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1 sandwich each, with provolone and peppers):

Calories: 620 kcal
Total Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 980mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 36g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in fat and sodium; try vegetarian or low-sodium versions. Serve with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak recipe offers a hearty, savory sandwich perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a Philadelphia classic. Its quick preparation and bold presentation make it a favorite. The juicy steak and melted cheese, with inviting garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its satisfying appeal.