Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Freezing Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 2
Yield: 2 sandwiches
A Philly cheesesteak is a popular sandwich made with thinly sliced, cooked ribeye beef, melted cheese, and onions, all served in an Amoroso’s Italian roll. The caramelized onions give extra flavor and texture while letting the beef and cheese stand out as the main ingredients. Some people like to add mushrooms or peppers, but traditional Philly locals, known as purists, often prefer sticking to the classic recipe.
For the cheese, most people think Cheez Whiz is the best option since it’s the classic choice in Philly. However, provolone and American cheese are also good and commonly used.
People often debate who makes the best cheesesteak in Philly, with Pat’s and Geno’s being the most talked-about. In short, Philadelphians are as passionate about their cheesesteaks as New Yorkers are about their pizza.
The Philadelphia Inquirer says you order by saying “a cheesesteak wit” if you want onions or “a cheesesteak witout” if you don’t. If you can’t get to Philly to try it yourself, all you need is a griddle or cast-iron pan, two spatulas, and a big appetite!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 2 hoagie rolls (10 inches), sliced down the middle but not all the way through
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 pound ribeye steak, sliced thin
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more, if you like)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Steps to Make Homemade Philly cheesesteak Recipe
01
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start to make Homemade Philly cheesesteak Recipe.
02
Spread the butter evenly on the cut sides of both rolls, dividing it between them.
03
Put a griddle or large cast-iron pan on medium heat. Place the rolls with the buttered side down in the pan and cook them until they turn golden brown. Once they’re toasted, take them out and set them aside.
04
Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the oil and wait until it gets hot and shiny. Then, add the onions and cook them, stirring now and then, until they are soft and start to brown. This should take about 8 minutes. Once they’re ready, move them to a plate and set them aside.
05
Season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides, to your liking. Place the steak in the pan in a single layer, cooking in batches if you need to. Let it cook without moving it for 1 to 2 minutes. Then flip it over and cook the other side for about 1 minute, until it’s fully cooked.
06
Put the cooked onions back into the pan. Use two spatulas to break the steak into pieces and mix it with the onions.
07
While the mixture is still in the pan, divide it into two portions. Place 2 slices of cheese on each portion. Add a teaspoon of water to the pan to help the cheese melt. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese is melted. If you’re using a griddle, cover it with a stainless-steel bowl.
08
Put each portion of the mixture into the rolls. Serve it right away while it’s hot.
Ribeye in Thin Slices
The beef should be sliced very thin, similar to the classic Steak-umm from the freezer section. To make slicing easier, freeze the ribeye for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a very sharp knife to ensure you get thin and even slices, but be careful with your fingers!
Variations
- Usually, long-hot peppers are used, but you can pick any type of pepper you like.
- Instead of mixing garlic powder with the steak, you can mix it with the butter and spread it on the hoagie rolls.
- You can also replace the butter with store-bought or homemade aioli.
- Feel free to swap provolone cheese for any other sliced cheese you prefer.
Storing a Philly Cheesesteak
If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. To reheat, take off the foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 1391 Calories
- 80g Fat
- 106g Carbs
- 64g Protein
FAQs:
1. What type of meat is best for a Philly cheesesteak?
Ribeye steak is the best choice because it’s tender and juicy. You can use other meats like sirloin, but ribeye is the most traditional for a classic cheesesteak.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
The most common cheeses are provolone and Cheez Whiz, but you can also use American cheese or mozzarella if you like. Just make sure the cheese melts well for a creamy, delicious cheesesteak.
3. How do I slice the ribeye steak thinly?
To make slicing easier, freeze the ribeye for about 30 minutes. This firms it up, making it easier to cut thin, even slices. Use a sharp knife to avoid squashing the meat.
4. Can I add vegetables to my Philly cheesesteak recipe?
Traditionally, Philly cheesesteak recipe only have onions, but you can add peppers or mushrooms if you prefer. Some people like to mix things up, but sticking to the basics keeps it classic.
5. What kind of roll should I use?
A soft, sturdy hoagie roll is ideal for a Philly cheesesteak recipe. Amoroso’s Italian rolls are the traditional choice, but any soft sub roll works well if you can’t find those.
6. Can I make a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak recipe?
Yes! You can swap the beef for vegetables like mushrooms, tofu, or plant-based meats. Just cook them the same way you would cook the steak.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftover sandwiches in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, remove the foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
8. Can I make a Easy Philly cheesesteak recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the mixture, assemble the sandwich, and melt the cheese on top.
9. How do I caramelize the onions?
To caramelize onions, cook them in oil over medium heat until they become soft and brown. This takes about 8 minutes. You can add a pinch of sugar to make them sweeter and speed up the process.
10. What should I serve with a Best Philly cheesesteak recipe?
Philly cheesesteak recipe go well with sides like French fries, chips, or a pickle. For a healthier option, you can serve a simple salad or coleslaw on the side.