Iconic Philly Cheesesteak

The good news is this delicious Philly Cheesesteak recipe is nut-free and sugar-free. With some substitutions, it can also easily be converted to dairy-free and keto.

Want a meal that fills you up and gives you a keen contentedness that feels forever? Then, this delicious roll is your go-to. This sandwich meal is the best thing that has ever happened to bread rolls! It’s a simple but perfect mix of thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all tucked into a soft toasted roll. It can’t be beaten, ever!

Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a midnight snack, a Cheesesteak never disappoints. Ready in under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this classic right out of your kitchen!

So, why should you try making this Philly Cheesesteak at home? First, it’s all about using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal. You can choose your favorite type of steak and cheese or cheeses and add as much as you like.

Secondly, do you have dietary requirements? You can easily and quickly adapt the recipe to fit specific diets, such as low-carb, keto, dairy-free, and gluten-free. In less than 30 minutes, you can go from hungry to content without worrying about dietary implications.

What’s To Love?

💕 Making Cheesesteaks at home is often more economical than buying them at a restaurant, especially for a family or group.
💕 Doesn’t require any complex cooking skills.
💕 Requires only a few basic ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store, supermarket, or online.
💕 Cheesesteaks make for a hearty and impressive meal when entertaining guests.
💕 Tastes as good as they look, making them great for almost any time of the day or occasion.
💕 Is a hearty and filling meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
💕 It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a part of Philadelphia’s identity and a must-try for anyone who comes across this recipe.
💕 The combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and slightly crisp vegetables creates a satisfying texture with every bite.
💕 Loved by people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a universally appealing dish.

Have you already tried Philly Cheesesteak? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Philly Cheesesteak Origin

The Philly Cheesesteak, also known simply as the cheesesteak, is a beloved sandwich that hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was created in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, who initially ran a hot dog stand.

Legend has it that one day, seeking a change from hot dogs, they decided to grill thin slices of beef with onions and serve them on an Italian roll. A cab driver who frequented their stand took one bite and suggested they start selling it. The sandwich quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of Pat’s King of Steaks, which remains a famous cheesesteak spot to this day.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

• Steak — for best results, use ribeye steak.
• Onions — use red onions to add a touch of sweetness.
• Mushrooms — for the best flavor profile, we suggest chestnut mushrooms (optional).
• Peppers — if you want to use them, use green bell peppers (optional).
• Cheese —  we use provolone for the best flavor.
• Bread —  we suggest hoagie rolls because of their firmness.
• Oil —  use like to use rice bran oil for it’s lightness and has a high smoking point.
• Salt and pepper to taste

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Steak — second best to ribeye is sirloin steak.
• Onions — use white onions and a pinch of sugar to add some sweetness.
• Peppers — traditionally, green bell peppers are used, but red peppers are a great alternative.
• Cheese —  alternatively, use Cheez Whiz or any of your favorite American cheeses. Also, for dietary requirements, use a dairy-free version.
• Bread —  use long sandwich rolls. Also, for dietary requirements, use a gluten-free version and for a keto option, we suggest our Keto Loaf Bread recipe that can be converted into rolls.
• Oil —  use your favorite.

Remember that substituting ingredients might differ in taste, texture, and overall result, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Philly Cheesesteak with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Philly Cheesesteak is easy to make and even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ The key to mastering a traditional Philly Cheesesteak is first to freeze the steak for at least 30 minutes; this helps slice an sear more easily.

▶︎ After thinly slicing the vegetables, sautéeing, and seasoning, then set aside for later; the steak will then need to be cooked until tender in the same frying pan as the vegetables with a dash of oil. The sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms are then readded to the pan and combined well.

▶︎ The oven will need to be preheated to Gas 4, 180°C, 350°F. The hoagie rolls are then sliced lengthwise, without cutting all the way through, so that they can hold all the ingredients well.

▶︎ The meat and vegetables are piled high onto the long hoagie roll and topped with provolone cheese. The heat from the meat melts the cheese slightly but it will melt more when put in the oven for 2-3 minutes.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Philly Cheesesteak? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Chopping Board – to chop the vegetables.
• Frying Pan – to cook the vegetables and steak.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
• Thermapen – is a great little tool for testing meat temperature.

If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you’ll love this Kitchenaid frying pan (skillet). It’s our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think every budding chef needs it.

Hard-wearing KitchenAid Frying Pan with heavy-gauge forged aluminum, fast heating, extreme durability, scratch resistance, 3-layer German-engineered non-stick coating, matte stainless steel handles for a cool and secure grip, induction-ready, oven safe up to 220°C, dishwasher safe and stackable for easy storage.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Pairing the Philly Cheesesteak can elevate your meal to a new level of enjoyment. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ Crispy, golden fries or French Fries With Parmesan are the perfect choice and complement a cheesesteak. They add a satisfying crunch and are great for dipping in ketchup or cheese sauce.

▶︎ Onion rings have the perfect crunchy exterior, and the sweet, tender onion inside provides a delightful contrast to the savory cheesesteak. Serve on the side or add straight to the filling.

▶︎ Coleslaw is creamy and tangy and adds a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cheesesteak.

▶︎ A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing and lighter side to balance the meal.

▶︎ For afters, a dense, fudgy brownie such as these Biscoff Fudge Brownies or cheesecake such as this Triple Chocolate Cheesecake will provide a sweet finish to this hearty meal.

More Recipes

Here are some other delicious recipes that we think you might also like:

Aromatic Curried Bobotie

Satisfying Chicken Laksa Soup

Caribbean Chicken Curry

No-Fuss Shepherd’s Pie

⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

Iconic Philly Cheesesteak

5 from 1 vote

Philly Cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that is all the way from hailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and mushrooms for added flavor. The meat and vegetables are piled high onto a long hoagie roll and topped with melted provolone.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Oven Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Lunches

Cuisine: American/British

Calories: 894

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 800 grams Ribeye Steak or sirloin
• 2 large Red Onions about 400 grams
• 200 grams Chestnut Mushrooms optional
• 8 slices Provolone Cheese about 200 grams
• 4 large Hoagie Rolls or long sandwich rolls
• 2 large Green Bell Peppers optional, about 300 grams
• 60 ml Rice Bran Oil or your favorite
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Chopping Board
• Silicone Spatula
• Weighing Scales
• Measuring Spoons
• Thermapen optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
   800 grams Ribeye Steak
2. Thinly slice the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
   2 large Red Onions, 2 large Green Bell Peppers, 200 grams Chestnut Mushrooms
3. Heat 30ml of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
   60 ml Rice Bran Oil
4. Add the onions and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms, and cook until all vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized about 10 more minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Salt and pepper to taste
7. Remove the vegetables from the frying pan and set aside.

Cooking the Steak

1. Heat the remaining 30ml of oil in the same frying pan over high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook until the steak is no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

   Note: Optional – Use a Thermapen to test the meat temperature.
4. Return the vegetables back to the frying pan and combine well.

Assembling the Sandwiches

1. Preheat the oven to Gas 4, 180°C, 350°F.
2. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through, so they can hold all the ingredients well.
   4 large Hoagie Rolls
3. Place 1-2 slices of provolone cheese inside each roll.
   8 slices Provolone Cheese
4. Fill each roll with the steak and vegetable mixture.

   Note: As an alternative, you can add a slice of cheese at the bottom and a slice at the top.
5. Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are slightly crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Creating an authentic and delicious Philly Cheesesteak at home can be easy with the proper techniques. Here are some top tips to help you succeed in making Philly Cheesesteak like a pro:

• Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Ribeye steak is the traditional choice for its marbling and tenderness. If ribeye is not available, sirloin is a good alternative.
• Thinly Slice the Meat: For a true Philly Cheesesteak, the meat should be sliced as thinly as possible. A sharp knife or a meat slicer can help achieve the desired thinness.
• Use the Right Cheese: While Cheez Whiz is a popular choice in Philadelphia, provolone and American cheese are also traditional options. Use what you prefer, or try a combination for different flavor profiles or even a dairy-free version.
• Assemble Quickly: Assemble the sandwiches quickly while everything is hot. This helps the cheese melt fully and keeps the sandwiches warm for serving.
• Serve Immediately: Philly Cheesesteaks are best enjoyed hot and fresh after assembly. However, for some people they prefer to let their cheesesteak rest for a couple of minutes.
• Low-Carb/Keto Option: 
  1. Use large lettuce leaves to hold the steak and vegetable mixture for a low-carb option. Place a portion of the mixture onto each lettuce leaf and wrap it up like a burrito.
  2. Alternatively use keto bread, we have a great Keto Loaf Bread recipe that can be converted into rolls.
  3. If you prefer, you can use low-carb tortillas or wraps to make a more traditional sandwich. Fill each wrap with the steak and vegetable mixture and roll it up.

⭐️ Please note that some of our posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, and any sales made through such links will reward us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. [Read More]

FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Philly Cheesesteak every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.

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Hey, I’m Sharon, I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!

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