Born in South Philly’s Little Italy, the Philly Cheesesteak is more than just a meal. True to Italian cooking, it combines simple ingredients to create a symphony of flavours and textures.

Sizzling slices of tender beefsteak and caramelised onions in a soft roll – simple as that. But what truly sets this creation apart is the blanket of melted, gooey cheese that wraps the ingredients, creating a luscious experience that's impossible to resist.

Philly Cheesesteak with succulent steak strips, caramelised onion bits, and oozing cheese on a soft bun. — Philly Cheesesteak

Despite its culinary acclaim, crafting an authentic Philly Cheesesteak in your own kitchen is easier than you might think. Making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With readily available ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can recreate the magic of this classic sandwich without the need for extensive culinary skills.

Convenient Kitchen tips for this Philly cheesesteak recipe:

The meat:

Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
Opt for thinly sliced ribeye steak or top round steak. This ensures the meat cooks quickly and remains tender.
Freeze the Meat Slightly:
Place the beef in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to achieve thin slices.
Use a Hot Surface:
A flat griddle or a cast-iron skillet works best. Make sure it's preheated to a high temperature before adding the meat. This helps with that signature sear.
Seasoning Matters:
Use a blend of salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic powder for seasoning. Be sure to season the meat as it cooks.
Keep it Moving:
While cooking the meat, use spatulas to chop and mix the slices, breaking up any clumps and ensuring even cooking.

Toppings for the Philly Cheesesteak:

Caramelisation is Key:
Cook the onions and / vegetables until they're well caramelised. This adds sweetness and depth to the flavour profile.
Cheese Integration:
When adding cheese, cover the meat mixture with slices of cheese while still on the griddle. This allows the cheese to melt into the meat for ultimate flavour fusion.
Select the Right Cheese:
Traditional choices are Provolone.

Getting the bread right:

The Right Bread:
Use a fresh, soft Italian roll or a baguette for the Philly cheesesteak. It should be sturdy enough to hold the filling but not overpower the other flavours.
Don't Overload:
Keep the ingredient list simple to let the flavours shine. Stick to the basics of meat, onions, peppers, and cheese.

General tips, taking Philly Cheesesteak to the next level:

Rest Before Serving:
Allow your assembled Philly Cheesesteaks to rest for a minute before digging in. This allows the flavours to meld together.
Variation Experimentation:
While traditional toppings are classic, don't be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients like mushrooms, jalapenos, or different cheeses.

Philly Cheesesteak

Author: Margaretha @myconvenientkitchen
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sizzling slices of tender beefsteak and caramelised onions in a soft roll – simple as that. The best ever Philly cheesesteak, capiche?

Ingredients

Units Scale

450 gram Ribeye steak, thinly sliced (Note 1)
30 ml Vegetable oil
1 Medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 Slices of Provolone cheese
4 Hoagie rolls, split lengthwise

Optional Toppings:

1 Bell pepper, thinly sliced and sauteed (Note 3)
200g Mushrooms, thinly sliced and sauteed (Note 2)
1 Jalapeño, thinly sliced
Ketchup, mayo or hot sauce to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

If the steak slices are too large, you can give them a rough chop. Season the steak slices with salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large skillet, heat 15ml of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced onions until its slightly caramelised, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
See note 2-3 if you want to add mushrooms or bell peppers.

Cook the Steak:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 15ml of oil.
Add the seasoned steak slices and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
If you're using a large quantity of meat, you may need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.

Assemble the Cheesesteak:

Push the cooked steak slices to one side of the skillet and place the sautéed onions on top of the steak slices.
Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the steak and onions. Allow the cheese to melt slightly.

Shape and Serve:

Using a spatula, carefully scoop up the melted cheese, steak and onion on to the split hoagie rolls.

Add Toppings and serve:

You can enjoy the Philly Cheesesteak as is, or you can add optional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, ketchup, mayo, or hot sauce.
Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks warm and enjoy!

Remember that the exact ratios and ingredients can vary based on personal preferences and regional variations. Some folks even like to drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter on the rolls before assembling. Enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches!

Notes

You can also use sirloin or top round.
To sauté mushrooms: Slice mushrooms evenly. Heat the skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil/butter and add mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 mins, stir occasionally. Cook until tender and browned.
To sauté bell peppers: Slice bell peppers evenly. Heat the skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil/butter and add peppers. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 mins, stir occasionally. Cook until tender.

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 15
Category: Dinner
Method: Stove
Cuisine: Italian-American