Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Sizzling Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: Classic Comfort Made Simple

Packed with mouthwatering flavor, this ultimate philly cheesesteak recipe delivers a classic sandwich that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender slices of beef sizzle alongside caramelized onions and melted cheese.

The magic happens when thinly sliced ribeye meets a perfectly toasted hoagie roll.

Authentic Philadelphia street food comes alive with every savory bite.

Juicy meat and gooey cheese create a symphony of deliciousness that transports you straight to the streets of Philadelphia.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible sandwich that combines simplicity with incredible flavor.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this cheesesteak is the ultimate comfort food.

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak: What Sets It Apart

  • Quick Cooking Adventure: This Philly cheesesteak recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Flavor-Packed Technique: Sautéing vegetables in bacon grease and using Worcestershire sauce creates deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire sandwich beyond basic recipes.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Flexible ingredients allow personal tweaks like choosing provolone or Cheez Whiz, making it perfect for different taste preferences and satisfying hungry family members.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking process mean you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple pots and pans.

Philly Cheesesteak Ingredients You’ll Need

Proteins:
  • Beef Steak: A tender cut with visible fat that enhances flavor and juiciness.
  • Bacon Grease: Adds rich, smoky depth to the cooking process.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Mushrooms, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide a robust and savory base for the cheesesteak.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Provolone Cheese, Cheez Whiz: Creamy cheese options that melt beautifully and add a rich, tangy element to the sandwich.
Seasonings and Condiments:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce, Mayonnaise: Ingredients that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the cheesesteak.
Bread:
  • Hoagie Rolls: Soft, sturdy rolls that serve as the perfect vessel for the delicious filling.

Stepwise Guide to Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak

Step 1: Slice Steak Like a Pro

Grab your sharpest knife and carefully slice the steak against the grain into super thin strips.

Keep those delicious fat bits for extra juiciness and mouthwatering flavor.

Step 2: Chop Veggie Companions

Prepare your vegetable sidekicks by mincing garlic into tiny pieces, slicing onions into half-moons, dicing mushrooms, and cutting bell peppers into thin strips.

Step 3: Sizzle Vegetables to Perfection

Heat up a skillet with bacon grease and toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced onions
  • Diced mushrooms
  • Bell pepper strips

Sauté everything for about 10 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Cook Steak with Flavor Bombs

Remove the vegetables and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook the steak strips with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce

Cook until the meat is almost done, developing a rich golden-brown color.

Step 5: Reunite Steak and Vegetables

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the steak.

Mix everything together and let it simmer until the meat is fully cooked.

Step 6: Toast Hoagie Rolls

Brush hoagie rolls with bacon grease or butter and toast until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Assemble Cheesy Masterpiece

Spread mayonnaise on each toasted roll, layer with:
  • Provolone cheese slices
  • Steak and vegetable mixture
  • Optional Cheez Whiz on top

Serve hot and enjoy your ultimate Philly Cheesesteak!

Tips for a Juicy Philly Cheesesteak

  • Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • Use bacon grease instead of regular oil to add rich, smoky undertones that elevate the entire cheesesteak experience.
  • Sauté vegetables first until softened to develop deep caramelization and concentrated flavors before adding steak.
  • Place provolone directly on warm roll before adding meat to create a melty barrier that prevents bread from getting soggy.
  • Cook steak briefly over high heat to maintain juiciness and prevent toughening, keeping meat tender and succulent.

Philly Cheesesteak Variations Worth Trying

  • Vegetarian Cheesesteak: Replace steak with sliced portobello mushrooms or seitan, maintaining the same cooking technique and vegetable medley for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Skip the hoagie roll and serve the steak and vegetable mixture in large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates.
  • Chicken Philly Swap: Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of beef, keeping the same seasonings and cooking method for a lighter protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Utilize gluten-free rolls or serve over cauliflower rice, and ensure all condiments like Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

Best Ways to Serve Philly Cheesesteak

  • Hearty Sandwich Sidekick: Serve with crispy golden french fries or a tangy coleslaw for a classic deli-style meal experience.
  • Restaurant-Style Plating: Slice the cheesesteak diagonally and arrange on a wooden cutting board with pickled peppers and extra Cheez Whiz on the side for dipping.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller portions as appetizer-style sliders perfect for parties, paired with cold beer or craft sodas.
  • Gourmet Lunch Upgrade: Add a small side salad with mixed greens and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty sandwich and create a more balanced meal.

Storage Hacks for Philly Cheesesteak

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the cheesesteak tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate meat and bread before freezing to maintain texture.
  • Warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness. Toast the roll separately to maintain crispness.
  • Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a damp paper towel over the filling to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.

FAQs

  • Why slice the steak against the grain?

Slicing against the grain cuts through muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew, which prevents tough, chewy bites in your Philly cheesesteak.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

While traditionally made with ribeye, you can substitute with sirloin or flank steak, but choose a tender cut with good marbling for the best flavor and texture.

  • Is bacon grease necessary for cooking?

Bacon grease adds rich, smoky flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil or butter if needed. However, bacon grease provides a more authentic and deeper taste profile.

Print
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Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Philly cheesesteaks bring Philadelphia’s soulful street cuisine straight to your kitchen with mouthwatering beef, melted cheese, and perfectly grilled onions. Crispy rolls cradle succulent strips of steak that will transport your taste buds to authentic Pennsylvania flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds sirloin steak (thinly sliced)
  • 12 slices provolone cheese
  • 3/4 cup Cheez Whiz

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
  • 1 large green bell pepper (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)

Condiments and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons bacon grease
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Bread:

  • 6 hoagie rolls

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice beef across the grain into ultra-thin strips, preserving marbled fat for enhanced flavor and juiciness.
  2. Finely chop garlic and mushrooms, then cut onions and bell peppers into delicate strips.
  3. Heat skillet with bacon grease over medium-high heat, adding garlic, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized.
  4. Transfer sautéed vegetables to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s heat and residual bacon grease.
  5. Season beef strips with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, then quickly sear in hot skillet for 2-3 minutes until just before fully cooked.
  6. Reintroduce vegetables to skillet, gently combining with beef and allowing flavors to meld for additional 2 minutes.
  7. Lightly brush hoagie rolls with bacon grease, then toast until golden and crispy edges form.
  8. Spread mayonnaise evenly across toasted rolls, layer provolone cheese, pile on sizzling beef and vegetable mixture, then optionally crown with melted Cheez Whiz for classic Philadelphia style.

Notes

  • Slice steak against the grain when it’s slightly frozen for easier, more precise cutting.
  • Use a sharp knife to achieve paper-thin slices that cook quickly and remain tender.
  • Opt for ribeye or sirloin cuts with good marbling for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Try alternative cheese options like white American or mild cheddar for different taste profiles.
  • For a low-carb version, serve the filling over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
  • Consider using gluten-free rolls or removing bread entirely for a keto-friendly adaptation.
  • Add extra umami by incorporating a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of mushroom powder.
  • Quick-freeze meat for 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure perfect, uniform thin cuts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 840 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1300 mg
  • Fat: 60 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 50 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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