Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- 1 lb (450g) ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or sirloin if you prefer leaner meat)
- 4 hoagie rolls (soft, long rolls—preferably fresh, with a light, chewy texture)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (optional), thinly sliced (for added flavor and color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups provolone cheese, thinly sliced (or American cheese for a more traditional choice)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on the rolls)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added zing)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
For the Prep:
- 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting the rolls (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
Slice the Beef: Start by thinly slicing the ribeye steak against the grain. The thinner you slice the meat, the more tender it will be, and it will cook faster too. If you find it hard to slice the meat thinly, you can freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing. This makes it firmer and easier to cut into thin slices.
Season the Meat: Place the sliced steak in a bowl, and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer. Toss the meat to ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Onions and Peppers:
Sauté the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or butter) in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden brown. If you’re adding bell peppers for extra flavor, add them to the skillet about halfway through, allowing them to soften alongside the onions.
Season the Vegetables: Season the onions and peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let them cook down to a tender consistency. You can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce at this point for an extra savory kick, though it’s optional.
3. Cook the Steak:
Cook the Steak: Once the onions and peppers are nicely caramelized, push them to one side of the skillet. Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty side and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef to the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook without moving it for about 1-2 minutes to get a nice sear on the meat, then toss the beef with the onions and peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Optional Step—Add Worcestershire Sauce: For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little Worcestershire sauce over the steak and vegetables, stirring to combine. This adds depth to the flavor profile, but you can skip it if you prefer a more basic cheesesteak.
4. Toast the Rolls:
Toast the Hoagie Rolls: While the steak is cooking, you can toast your hoagie rolls to give them a bit of crunch. Slice each roll open, being careful not to cut all the way through, so it can hold the fillings without falling apart. Heat a small amount of butter in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, and place the rolls cut side down to toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture to the sandwich.
5. Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak:
Add Cheese: Once the steak and vegetables are fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Layer the sliced provolone cheese over the beef mixture. Allow the cheese to melt over the steak and vegetables for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a cheesier sandwich, you can pile on extra cheese. Alternatively, you can use American cheese for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience.
Spread Condiments on the Rolls: If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or Dijon mustard on the toasted rolls. This adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the beef. If you prefer a more classic version, you can skip the condiments and let the cheese and beef be the main focus.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cheese has melted, carefully scoop the steak and vegetable mixture onto the toasted hoagie rolls. Be sure to pile the beef and onions high, so each bite is packed with flavor.
6. Serve the Philly Cheesesteak:
Cut and Serve: Once assembled, you can cut the sandwiches in half for easy serving. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the sandwich is warm.
Garnish (Optional): For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top of the sandwich. This will add a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Fries: Philly cheesesteaks are often served with crispy fries on the side. You can make homemade fries by slicing potatoes and frying them, or bake them for a lighter option. Season with salt and pepper for the perfect pairing.
- With Pickles: A side of dill pickle slices can help balance the richness of the cheesesteak with their tangy flavor. You can serve the pickles on the side or add them directly to the sandwich for extra crunch and flavor.
- With Coleslaw: If you’re looking to add a refreshing contrast, serve the cheesesteak with a simple coleslaw on the side. The creaminess and tang of the coleslaw will complement the savory flavors of the sandwich.
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak:
- Use the Right Meat: Ribeye steak is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak due to its tenderness and marbling, which gives the meat flavor. If you can’t find ribeye, sirloin or flank steak are decent alternatives, though they may not be as juicy and tender.
- Thinly Slice the Meat: The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is thinly sliced beef. If you’re slicing it yourself, freeze the meat for about 30 minutes to make it easier to cut. You can also ask your butcher to slice it for you.
- Use Good Quality Cheese: Provolone and American cheese are the most traditional choices for cheesesteaks. Provolone gives a more complex flavor, while American cheese melts perfectly for that creamy, gooey texture.
- Avoid Overcooking the Beef: Shrimp, chicken, and other proteins require a longer cook time, but beef cooks quickly. Make sure not to overcook the steak. Once it’s browned and cooked through, it’s done!
- Toast the Rolls: Don’t skip the step of toasting the hoagie rolls. It adds a delicious crunch that complements the creamy, melty cheese and the tender beef.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: Philly cheesesteaks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the beef mixture and bread separately to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the bread by wrapping it in foil and placing it in the oven for a few minutes. For a crispier texture, reheat the sandwich in a skillet, pressing down slightly to crisp the bread.
Final Thoughts:
A Philly Cheesesteak is a perfect indulgence when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The combination of tender, juicy beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions makes this sandwich a classic for a reason. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a game day snack, or a special treat, the Philly cheesesteak will never disappoint. The great thing about this dish is its versatility—you can customize it with different toppings, cheeses, or even make it vegetarian with plant-based meat alternatives. Enjoy the savory goodness of this iconic sandwich, and share it with family and friends for a truly satisfying meal!