Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Creamy melted cheese, tender sautéed beef, sweet onions and bell peppers nestled in a soft hoagie roll—this Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is pure comfort on a plate.
I’ve been whipping up this classic Philadelphia-style sandwich for decades—especially on football Sundays or chilly autumn evenings. What makes it unique? It’s all about ultra-thin ribeye, quick-sautéed peppers and onions, and just enough cheese to stretch from one end of the roll to the other. I love tweaking it for health-minded friends (swap in lean sirloin, whole-grain hoagies or even a lettuce wrap) while still keeping that authentic “Philly soul.” You know what? According to USDA data, a 3-ounce portion of ribeye has roughly 210 calories and 18 g fat, so with our tweaks you’ll land around 600–650 calories per sandwich, plus about 35 g protein—perfect for fueling game-day fun or a hearty weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
• Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests
• No special gadgets—just a skillet (cast-iron preferred) and a sharp knife
• Customizable toppings—add mushrooms, hot peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce
• High in protein—about 35 g per sandwich keeps you full and satisfied
• Crowd-pleaser—everyone from kids to in-laws asks for seconds
• Easily scaled—double the batch for a tailgate or cut into sliders for appetizers
• Swap-friendly—gluten-free rolls, low-fat cheese or even vegan beef substitutes work beautifully
Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
• 1 lb ribeye steak, ultra-thinly sliced (ask your butcher or freeze 30 min and slice with a sharp knife)
• 4 hoagie rolls (6–7″ each; see my Ultimate Hoagie Roll Guide)
• 8 oz provolone cheese slices (or 6 oz Cheez Whiz for authenticity)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (sweet onion adds extra caramelized flavor)
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (red pepper is sweeter—try mixing both)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus extra to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• Optional: 4 oz sliced mushrooms (button or cremini), 2 tbsp beef broth (to deglaze), hot pepper flakes
Tips for picking and prepping:
- Choose well-marbled ribeye for maximum tenderness.
- Slice peppers and onions uniformly for even cooking.
- If you’re watching sodium, pick low-sodium broth or skip it altogether.
Directions for Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it shimmer—this signals it’s hot enough.
2. Add onions (and mushrooms if using) and sauté 3–4 minutes until they’re just turning golden, stirring often. Season with a pinch of salt.
3. Push veggies to one side, drizzle remaining oil, then drop in the steak. Spread it out so it cooks evenly—no crowded bits. Season with salt and pepper.
4. After about 2 minutes, flip steak slices and stir together with onions and peppers. If pan looks dry, splash in the beef broth to deglaze and boost flavor.
5. Lower heat to medium, layer cheese over the meat-veggie mix, and cover skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt thoroughly. You’re looking for gooey stretchiness.
6. While cheese melts, split hoagie rolls lengthwise (don’t slice all the way through) and toast cut sides in a separate dry skillet—1 minute per side—until lightly browned.
7. Use a spatula to scoop the cheesy steak and veggies into each roll, letting some meat juices soak into the bread. Top with hot pepper flakes if you like a kick.
8. Serve immediately—dig in while the cheese is still pull-apart melty.
Servings & Timing
Makes 4 hearty sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (you’ll be surprised how fast it comes together)
Variations
• Veggie Cheesesteak: Swap beef for chickpeas and use vegan cheese for a plant-based twist.
• Chicken Philly: Use thinly sliced chicken breast; reduce cook time by 2–3 minutes.
• Low-Carb Wrap: Toss rolls, wrap fillings in romaine or collard leaves—cuts carbs by ~30 g.
• Spicy Jalapeño: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for extra zing.
• Italian-Style: Stir in giardiniera and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan at the end.
• Slider Party: Cut rolls into 2″ pieces; serve mini sandwiches at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
• Fridge: Wrap cooled leftovers in foil or airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for bread—opt to freeze meat and veggies separately for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: On a skillet over low heat, cover and warm 3–4 minutes; or microwave on medium in 30-second bursts, covering with a damp paper towel.
• Make-Ahead: Sauté veggies and steak up to 1 day ahead; assemble and toast rolls just before serving.
Notes
• I learned that sweeping a bit of broth into the skillet really amps up juiciness—don’t skip it!
• A cast-iron pan gives you the best fond (those brown bits), but a heavy stainless skillet works too.
• If your steak isn’t as tender, it might be sliced too thick—freeze for 20 minutes next time and try again.
• Slightly under-toasting the roll helps it absorb juices without going soggy.
• For ultimate ensemble flavor, let the filled sandwich rest 1 minute before cutting—it settles the cheese.
FAQs
Q: What cut of beef should I use?
A: Ribeye is classic for its marbling, but sirloin or top round trimmed of excess fat also works if you prefer leaner.
Q: How thin is “thinly sliced”?
A: Aim for about 1/8″ thick—thin enough to cook in under 2 minutes per side.
Q: Can I grill this outside?
A: Absolutely—cook veggies in a grill basket and use foil for the steak, then melt cheese under a double-foil tent.
Q: What’s the best cheese?
A: Provolone gives mild creaminess; Cheez Whiz is traditional, and white American cheese melts beautifully.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy roll?
A: Toast cut sides lightly and avoid piling wet veggies directly on the bottom—layer cheese first.
Q: Can I make sliders ahead?
A: Yes—assemble mini sandwiches and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes just before serving.
Q: Any vegetarian option?
A: Try sliced portobello mushrooms or seasoned seitan strips with vegan cheese.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe brings together savory beef, sweet sautéed onions and peppers, and melty cheese in one irresistible sandwich. It’s quick, crowd-friendly and endlessly adaptable—perfect for tailgates, family dinners or a cozy solo feast. Give it a whirl, let me know how it turned out, and explore more of my sandwich recipes for your next culinary adventure!
