Philly Cheesesteak
Thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and peppers piled high on a hoagie roll, all smothered in melted provolone cheese. This iconic Philadelphia sandwich is a savory, satisfying classic you can easily make at home.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Steak and Vegetables
- b.Place the ribeye steak in the freezer for 30-45 minutes. This will firm it up, making it much easier to slice.
- c.Once firm, slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain. Set aside.
- d.Thinly slice the onion and green bell pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Vegetables
- b.Heat 1.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until they are softened and lightly caramelized.
- d.Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Steak
- b.Add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of oil to the same skillet and increase the heat to high.
- c.Carefully place the sliced steak in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary.
- d.Let the steak sear for 1-2 minutes without moving to get a good brown crust.
- e.Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Use two spatulas to chop the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- f.Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Melt Cheese
- b.Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Mix everything together well.
- c.Divide the steak and vegetable mixture into four equal portions within the skillet.
- d.Lay 2 slices of provolone cheese over each portion, allowing it to drape over the meat.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, and let the cheese melt completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You can cover the skillet briefly to speed this up.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.While the cheese is melting, open your hoagie rolls.
- c.Place an open roll, cut-side down, directly on top of one of the cheesy meat portions.
- d.Slide a long spatula under the entire portion of meat, cheese, and veggies.
- e.In one swift motion, scoop and flip the contents into the roll.
- f.Repeat for the remaining three sandwiches.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For paper-thin steak slices, freezing the ribeye for 30-45 minutes is non-negotiable. It makes slicing by hand incredibly easy.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak. Cook in batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steams, developing a rich flavor.
- 3Use sturdy, high-quality hoagie rolls that can hold the hefty filling without falling apart.
- 4For the most authentic texture, use two metal spatulas to chop the steak on the griddle as it cooks.
- 5While provolone is a classic choice, feel free to use Cheez Whiz or white American cheese for a different but equally authentic Philly experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
For a creamier, tangier cheesesteak, replace the provolone with Cheez Whiz or slices of white American cheese.
Mushroom CheesesteakMushroom Cheesesteak
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
Chicken CheesesteakChicken Cheesesteak
Substitute the ribeye steak with thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version.
Spicy CheesesteakSpicy Cheesesteak
Add sliced jalapeños or cherry peppers when cooking the vegetables, or serve with a side of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ribeye steak provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in Iron
Beef is one of the best dietary sources of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is essential for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides B Vitamins
This meal is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, B6, and niacin, which are vital for energy metabolism, brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Contains Vitamin C
The green bell peppers contribute Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports the immune system, and aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
Frequently asked questions
Boneless ribeye is the traditional and best choice due to its high-fat content and tenderness, which keeps the steak juicy and flavorful. Sirloin is a good, leaner alternative.
