Authentic Philly Cheesesteak: A Step-by-step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 slices provolone cheese

Steps and instructions

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the vegetable oil and once it's hot, add in the thinly sliced beef sirloin. Season it with salt and pepper.
Cook the beef until it's browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and green bell peppers. Cook until they are softened and slightly caramelized, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
Once the vegetables are done, add the cooked beef back into the skillet and mix them all together.
Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise but not all the way through, so that they can hold the filling.
Spread mayonnaise on the inside of each roll.
Divide the beef and vegetable mixture evenly among the rolls, spooning it into each one.
Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
Place the sandwiches open-faced under a broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the broiler, close the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the beef, onions, and peppers.
Tongs - Tongs are necessary for flipping and stirring the beef and vegetables while cooking.
Knife - A sharp knife is needed to thinly slice the beef, onions, and peppers.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing the ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for transferring the cooked beef and vegetables to the hoagie rolls.
Broiler - A broiler is needed to melt and brown the cheese on top of the sandwiches.
Baking Sheet - A baking sheet is used to hold the open-faced sandwiches under the broiler.

Recipe variations

Use chicken instead of beef for a chicken cheesesteak.
Replace the beef with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss.
Try different types of rolls or bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough.
Add sautéed mushrooms or peppers for extra flavor.
Top the cheesesteak with pickles or pickled onions for a tangy kick.
Include sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy element.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or steak sauce for added depth of flavor.

Recipe overview

This is a classic recipe for Philly Cheesesteak, a beloved sandwich that's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Originating from Philadelphia, this sandwich is a combination of thinly sliced beef sirloin, caramelized onions, and green bell peppers, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. It's then topped with rich, melted provolone cheese. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious sandwich at home. Be prepared for a mouthwatering meal that's sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Common questions

What cut of beef should I use for Philly cheesesteak? For this recipe, it is recommended to use beef sirloin, thinly sliced.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone? Yes, if you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute it for provolone. Some popular alternatives include American cheese or Cheez Whiz.
What kind of rolls should I use for the sandwich? Hoagie rolls are traditionally used for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. However, you can also use sub rolls or any crusty bread rolls of your choice.
Can I add other toppings to the sandwich? Absolutely! While the classic Philly cheesesteak is typically served with just beef, onions, and peppers, you can customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include mushrooms, jalapenos, or even additional cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Philly cheesesteak by using meat alternatives like seitan or tofu instead of beef. Additionally, you can load up on flavorful sautéed vegetables and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
How can I reheat leftover Philly cheesesteak sandwiches? To reheat leftover sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the sandwiches in aluminum foil. Place them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave for a shorter duration, but the bread may not retain its crispiness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed for cooking the beef and vegetables.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the beef while cooking.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for thinly slicing the beef, onion, and bell peppers.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing the ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula can be used for stirring and flipping the beef and vegetables.
Broiler pan - A broiler pan is needed for melting and browning the cheese on the sandwiches.
Oven mitts - Oven mitts are essential for safely handling the broiler pan.
Serving platter - A serving platter is helpful for presenting the sandwiches.
Condiment squeeze bottles - Condiment squeeze bottles are useful for neatly applying the mayonnaise onto the hoagie rolls.

Origin stories

The Philly cheesesteak, a delicious and iconic sandwich, hails from the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. Its story dates back to the 1930s, when brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, who were hot dog vendors at the time, decided to put some beef on their grill. A taxi driver, intrigued by the delicious aroma, asked for a steak sandwich instead of a hot dog. Word traveled fast about this new, delicious sandwich and the brothers started selling them instead of hot dogs. This was the humble beginning of what would later become Pat's King of Steaks, a famed Philly institution. The addition of cheese came a bit later, but it was the perfect finishing touch, making the sandwich we know and love today. So next time you take a bite of a Philly Cheesesteak, remember, you're enjoying a piece of culinary history that started on the streets of Philadelphia.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.