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Easy One-Skillet Philly Cheesesteak

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This homemade Philly Cheesesteak recipe brings the iconic sandwich right to your kitchen. The key to its success lies in the preparation - freezing the sirloin briefly makes it easy to achieve those signature thin slices, while cooking the peppers and onions until perfectly tender adds essential flavor. The meat is cooked in batches to ensure proper browning, then combined with the vegetables and topped with provolone cheese that melts into every crevice. The finishing touch is a buttery toasted hoagie roll that adds the perfect crunch. It's an ideal choice for game day gatherings or when you're craving serious comfort food.
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Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:29:06 GMT
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Authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions. Pin it
Authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions. | tasteofcook.com

A classic Philly cheesesteak combines tender sliced beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese on a crusty roll to create the ultimate comfort food sandwich. This authentic recipe brings the iconic street food favorite into your kitchen, delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures that made this sandwich famous.

Living near Philadelphia taught me that the secret to an exceptional cheesesteak lies in the quality of the beef and the technique of slicing it paper-thin. I've spent years perfecting this method to achieve that authentic South Philly taste.

Essential Ingredients

  • Sirloin: Choose well-marbled beef for the best flavor and texture; the fat content helps keep the meat tender.
  • Hoagie Rolls: Traditional Italian rolls with a slightly crispy crust and soft interior are crucial.
  • Provolone: Aged provolone provides sharp, complex flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
  • Vegetables: Fresh onions and peppers add sweetness and texture while maintaining authenticity.

Instructions

Step 1: Meat Preparation
Partially freeze the beef to create the perfect texture for slicing. Use your sharpest knife and maintain consistent, thin slices for even cooking. Cut against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Step 2: Vegetable Development
Start with a cold pan for the vegetables to release their natural sugars slowly. Stir occasionally for light caramelization.
Step 3: Meat Cooking
Cook beef in batches on high heat to prevent overcrowding. Each batch should sizzle when it hits the pan, ensuring proper browning.
Step 4: Assembly
Layer components strategically: cheese melts into both meat and vegetables, and the toasted roll holds the filling perfectly without falling apart.
Classic Philly cheesesteak loaded with juicy steak, gooey cheese, and soft hoagie rolls. Pin it
Classic Philly cheesesteak loaded with juicy steak, gooey cheese, and soft hoagie rolls. | tasteofcook.com

My family's favorite variation includes extra provolone and slightly charred onions - it adds an incredible depth of flavor that elevates the entire sandwich.

Traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich packed with flavorful beef and melted cheese perfection. Pin it
Traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich packed with flavorful beef and melted cheese perfection. | tasteofcook.com

After countless attempts at recreating the perfect Philly cheesesteak, I've found that attention to detail and quality ingredients make all the difference. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Philadelphia's most famous sandwich right to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why freeze the meat before slicing?
Partially frozen meat is easier to slice very thinly, which is essential for authentic cheesesteak texture.
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, American or Cheez Whiz are traditional alternatives to provolone.
→ What's the best cut of beef to use?
Petite sirloin works great, but ribeye or top round can also be used.
→ Can I prep any components ahead?
You can slice the meat and vegetables ahead, but cook everything fresh for best results.
→ Why cook the meat in batches?
Cooking in batches ensures proper browning instead of steaming the meat.

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

A classic Philly Cheesesteak made with tender sirloin, colorful peppers and onions, topped with melty provolone on toasted hoagie rolls.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2½ to 3 pounds petite sirloin, thinly sliced
02 7 ounces (7 1-ounce slices) Provolone cheese
03 8 hoagie rolls

→ Vegetables

04 1 sweet yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
05 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

→ Seasonings & Oils

07 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
08 1½ teaspoons Lawry's Seasoned Salt or all-purpose seasoning
09 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
10 6 tablespoons softened butter

Instructions

Step 01

Place beef in freezer for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Trim fat and slice across grain into very small ¼-inch pieces.

Step 02

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large deep sauté pan over medium-low heat. Cook onion and peppers until very tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

Remove vegetables and cook beef in two batches over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes each. Season each batch while cooking. Transfer first batch to vegetable dish.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 400°F. Split rolls, spread with butter, and toast on baking sheet for 3-5 minutes until golden.

Step 05

Drain pan juices. Return all meat and vegetables to pan. Top with provolone slices in circle pattern, cover and cook on medium until cheese melts, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to toasted rolls.

Notes

  1. Freezing the beef briefly makes it easier to slice thinly
  2. Work in batches to ensure meat browns properly
  3. Drain pan juices before final step for best results

Tools You'll Need

  • Large deep sauté pan with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Wheat (hoagie rolls)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 532
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 44 g