This Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is a mouthwatering creation with tender slices of ribeye, melted provolone, and sweet sautéed onions and peppers. It’s the perfect comfort food that combines savory, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch from the toasted hoagie roll.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weekday or serving it up for a casual weekend dinner, this sandwich is bound to be a hit. The beauty of a Philly Cheesesteak lies in its simplicity – tender beef, delicious cheese, and just the right amount of veggies. It’s the ideal dish for anyone who loves classic American comfort food.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb. ribeye steak, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
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4 hoagie rolls
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8 oz. provolone cheese, sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
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Return the onions and peppers to the skillet, mixing them with the beef for another minute.
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Split the hoagie rolls and toast them lightly. Place a generous amount of the beef and veggie mixture on each roll.
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Layer slices of provolone cheese over the beef and let it melt slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 600 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The origins of the Philly cheesesteak trace back to the 1930s in Philadelphia. The creation of this famous sandwich is often credited to Pat Oliviero, the owner of Pat’s King of Steaks. According to legend, Pat Oliviero, a hot dog vendor, decided to try something new by adding sliced steak to a hoagie roll and topping it with cheese. The result was an instant hit, and thus, the Philly cheesesteak was born.
Over the years, this simple yet flavorful sandwich has evolved into a cultural icon. While Pat’s is still a landmark for cheesesteak lovers, another popular establishment, Geno’s Steaks, also claims to be the birthplace of the cheesesteak. Both places continue to serve their version of the sandwich, and they’ve sparked an ongoing rivalry that has fueled debates among locals and tourists alike about which establishment serves the best Philly cheesesteak.
The Essential Ingredients of a Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak consists of a few key ingredients that work together to create its signature taste and texture. The meat, typically ribeye steak, is thinly sliced and cooked on a hot griddle. The beef is the star of the sandwich, providing a savory and tender foundation.
Next, the sandwich is topped with sautéed onions and bell peppers, which add sweetness and depth of flavor. The cheese used in a traditional Philly cheesesteak is usually provolone, though some variations use American cheese or Cheez Whiz for a gooier, more indulgent experience. Finally, the sandwich is served in a hoagie roll, which should be soft but sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients together without falling apart.
How to Make the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak
Creating the perfect Philly cheesesteak starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. The beef should be thinly sliced, as this helps it cook quickly and remain tender. Some cheesesteak purists recommend using ribeye, as it has a good balance of fat and tenderness, but you can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin, if preferred.
When preparing the sandwich, it’s essential to get the bread right. A traditional Philly cheesesteak is served in a hoagie roll, which should be soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. The roll should be long enough to hold the fillings but not too large that it overpowers the meat and cheese. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the juices from the beef and melted cheese without falling apart.
Another critical element of the perfect Philly cheesesteak is the cheese. While provolone is the most common cheese used, many cheesesteak fans opt for Cheez Whiz for a more decadent and creamy experience. For a more classic touch, however, you can use provolone, which melts nicely and adds a mild, tangy flavor.
Variations on the Philly Cheesesteak
While the classic Philly cheesesteak recipe is simple and straightforward, there are many regional and personal variations. One of the most common variations is the addition of mushrooms, which add an earthy, umami flavor to the sandwich. Other variations may include adding hot peppers, marinara sauce, or even different types of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, to give the sandwich a unique twist.
In some regions outside of Philadelphia, the Philly cheesesteak has taken on a life of its own, with restaurants adding their flair to the traditional recipe. For example, some chefs may add a fried egg on top of the sandwich for added richness, or incorporate caramelized onions and garlic to enhance the flavor.
In addition to these flavor variations, you can also change the type of bread used for the sandwich. While the hoagie roll is the traditional choice, some may use baguettes, ciabatta, or even soft rolls to give the sandwich a different texture.
Tips for Making the Best Philly Cheesesteak at Home
Making the perfect Philly cheesesteak at home requires a few key techniques and tips. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Use the Right Cut of Beef: The best cut of beef for a Philly cheesesteak is ribeye. It’s tender and has just the right amount of fat to give the sandwich flavor. However, you can also use flank steak or sirloin if you prefer a leaner option.
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Thinly Slice the Beef: To achieve the melt-in-your-mouth texture that Philly cheesesteaks are known for, it’s essential to slice the beef thinly. The thinner the slices, the better they will cook quickly and evenly on the griddle or skillet.
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Get the Right Bread: A good hoagie roll is essential for a perfect Philly cheesesteak. It should be soft enough to bite into, but firm enough to hold the beef and cheese without getting soggy.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers are a traditional topping for Philly cheesesteaks. Be sure to sauté them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, as this brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the sandwich.
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Choose Your Cheese: While provolone is the classic cheese used for Philly cheesesteaks, you can also experiment with other options like Cheez Whiz or American cheese. The key is to ensure that the cheese melts perfectly and creates a creamy, gooey texture.
Conclusion: The Enduring Popularity of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is more than just a meal – it’s a piece of American culinary history. From its humble origins in Philadelphia to its status as an iconic comfort food enjoyed by people around the world, the cheesesteak remains a beloved dish that continues to evolve and inspire new variations.
Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Philly cheesesteak or experimenting with your own creative twist, one thing is certain: this sandwich is sure to satisfy. Its rich flavors, tender beef, and gooey cheese make it a comfort food classic that will never go out of style. So, grab your hoagie roll, fire up the griddle, and enjoy making this timeless sandwich at home.