Classic Philly Cheesesteak Is a Fun, Filling Dinner (2024)

  • Family Dinners
  • Comfort Food
  • Beef
  • Sandwiches
  • US Regional

Enjoy the classic Philadelphia steak sandwich at home anytime you want.

By

Nick Evans

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Is a Fun, Filling Dinner (1)

Nick Evans

Nick has been creating recipes for home cooks for almost 15 years. He is the author of Love Your Leftovers and has contributed to Simply Recipes since 2017.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated January 08, 2024

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  • History of the Cheesesteak Sandwich

  • How to Make It

  • The Best Kind of Steak

  • The Best Kind of Cheese

People are very opinionated about their cheesesteaks and are always quick to call out non-authentic versions! So, this is one of those recipes that I have to mentally prepare myself for when I’m working on it.

A classic Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is traditionally cooked on a griddle. It’s a wonderful sandwich. When you bite into it you get the savory pieces of thin steak and melty, gooey cheese. Add in some good bread and caramelized onions and you are in for a treat.

It can be served solo just loaded with meat or with sautéed onions and peppers. It’s generally topped with provolone cheese and/or Cheez Whiz. While the classic Philly cheesesteak is served on an Amoroso roll, that’s a pretty hard find if you aren’t in the Philly area (I know, what a bummer), but you can substitute it for a hoagie roll for an equally delicious sandwich.

The good news about making it at home? You can make it however you want!

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History of the Cheesesteak Sandwich

The original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century. The exact details are hotly contested, but most credit Pat & Harry Olivieri as the original creators. There are two shops in Philly right across the street from each other that are in heavy cheesesteak competition, Pat’s and Geno’s. I refuse to pick a side. They are both great!

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak

If you can’t get to Philadelphia easily to pick up a cheesesteak sandwich, then your next best shot is to make it at home. The layout of the sandwich is simple (steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread), but the details are important. Here are a few key things to consider when making your sandwich:

  • You want your steak to be thinly sliced. If possible, you can have your butcher shave it for you. At home, you can stick the steak in the freezer for 10 minutes to make it really stiff and then shave it with your sharpest knife. Trim off any large pieces of fat, but some fat is good.
  • The original cheesesteak can be ordered with only steak or with steak and onions (“wit” is the ordering lingo there). Personally, I like onions and bell peppers, so I do both. You can make it your own since you are making it at home!
  • The onions and peppers need to cook much longer than the steak so cook them first separately and then combine everything together with the cheese to finish the dish.

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What Kind of Steak to Use for Cheesesteak

You want to use a nice cut of steak that has some marbled fat on it and is really tender. As the thin steak cooks, the fat melts a bit and makes each piece of steak very tender. Personally, I like to use rib eye for mine (it has better marbling, but it’s more expensive). Top round is also a classic cheesesteak option. Do not use tougher meat cuts like flank steak or brisket. They will be really chewy in the final sandwich.

What Kind of Cheese Goes on Philly Cheesesteaks?

There are two options here: provolone or Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. If I’m being honest, American cheese is also pretty delicious, but let’s keep it somewhat classic with the cheese.

Personally, I like to use BOTH. I melt some provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz right before serving. I like the texture of the Cheez Whiz and the flavor that the provolone gives the sandwich. Provolone has a sharper bite to it while the Cheez Whiz is just a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese situation.

You can make it however you like. Use both, skip the Cheez Whiz if you can’t find it, or use your own favorite cheese.

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Swaps and Substitutions

Once you have the basics of the sandwich down, you can keep it classic, or you can make this your own. Your choice! Here are a few ideas:

  • Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of steak
  • Add sautéed mushrooms to the sandwich
  • Make it a pizza cheesesteak with marinara and mozzarella

Readers From Philly Chime In

JJK: "Provolone is the way to go. Peppers are just an option not the standard. However, be creative!!! More emphasis should be placed on the roll, it can make or break the sandwich. In my opinion, John's Roast Pork in South Philly is the best."

Helen: "I myself like peppers and caramelized onions. But positively do agree about the bland cheese (no bland cheese on this) .... with onions & peppers and steak, my preference is a hardy cheese with this hardy sandwich... pepper jack or sharp cheddar are my choices. But each to their own."

Carissa: "I am from the area and there are so many delicious variations that go beyond Geno's and Pat's - dirty little secret. Most of the pizza shops around here make cheesesteaks with a little pizza sauce mixed into the meat, onion and green bell pepper, and provolone, which I find delicious. And there's another independent shop nearby that makes theirs with a simple tomato sauce, onions, American, and pickles on top. Sounds weird but also delicious! Or maybe just because I grew up on all the different versions, lol. Make what you crave!"

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Philly Cheesesteak

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time17 mins

Freeze steak10 mins

Total Time37 mins

Servings2 servings

Yield2 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 10 to 12 ounces ribeye steak

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, sliced

  • 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 2 ounces (3 slices) provolone cheese

  • 2 hoagie rolls, toasted

  • 1/4 cup Cheez Whiz, warmed

  • Fresh thyme, for garnish, optional

Method

  1. Freeze and slice the steak:

    Place steak in the freezer on a sheet pan for about 10 minutes so it gets very cold but not frozen through.

    Trim off any large pieces of fat normally around the edges of the steak, but some veins of fat in the middle of the steak are good. Slice the steak as thin as possible with a sharp knife. You won’t be able to get it paper thin without a meat slicer, but slice as thin as you can. Season steak with salt and pepper.

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  2. Cook the onions and peppers:

    In a large skillet set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with sliced onions and peppers. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers have softened and start to caramelize around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Don’t rush them!

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  3. Cook the steak:

    Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon ofolive oil and the sliced steak. Spread out the steak in the skillet in a thin even layer so it covers as much surface area as possible. Cook for a minute or two and then stir to finish cooking the steak. It might need another minute or two, but it will cook very quickly.

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  4. Finishing the cheesesteak:

    Turn heat down to low on the steak and add the peppers and onions to the steak mixture and stir to combine. Add the provolone slices to the top of the steak mixture and let the cheese melt. Stir to combine, once the cheese has melted.

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  5. Assemble the cheesesteaks and serve:

    Evenly scoop the cheesesteak mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls. The hoagie rolls should be packed! Optionally, drizzle the cheesesteaks with warm Cheez Whiz for maximum cheesiness. Sprinkle fresh thyme over top and serve.

    Did you love the recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
994Calories
55g Fat
70g Carbs
57g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories994
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 55g70%
Saturated Fat 23g113%
Cholesterol 155mg52%
Sodium 1670mg73%
Total Carbohydrate 70g25%
Dietary Fiber 6g23%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 57g
Vitamin C 149mg746%
Calcium 472mg36%
Iron 7mg41%
Potassium 1055mg22%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Is a Fun, Filling Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What do you serve with Philly cheesesteak? ›

Some common classics are French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or potato chips, but this sandwich is so filling, it'll easily be the star of the show—don't stress about the side.

What is a classic Philly cheesesteak? ›

Authentic Philly Cheesesteak is made with ribeye steak that's sliced into thin slices, and topped with melted provolone cheese, white American cheese, or Cheez Whiz, as well as fried onions, all on a toasted hoagie roll.

What is the secret to a good Philly cheesesteak? ›

The key to a great cheesesteak is super thinly sliced pieces of beef. For easier slicing, cover and freeze your steak for 30-40 minutes (freeze a thicker steak for 40 minutes and a thinner steak for 30 minutes).

What's the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a regular cheesesteak? ›

Other hallmarks of a true Philly cheesesteak include an Amoroso's roll and sliced or shaved ribeye. A steak and cheese sandwich, then, can be defined by how it differs from a Philly cheesesteak. If it uses a different type of cheese, steak, or roll, it's a steak and cheese sandwich.

What sauce do you eat with Philly cheesesteak? ›

If you are looking for an authentic Philadelphia experience, you should try using Whiz Cheese Sauce. This sauce is made by mixing shredded cheese with mayonnaise, mustard and other ingredients. You can also use Cheez Whiz as an alternative if you do not like the taste of mayonnaise.

What is the best meat for Philly cheesesteak? ›

You want a cut that isn't too lean—the fat is necessary for juiciness and flavor carry-through. Obviously, ribeye steak is the best, but it can be a little pricey for a few sandwiches. Chuck could work for a budget approach, but you might get it cut just a little thinner than the ribeye.

Does a classic Philly cheesesteak have mayo? ›

Crafted with premium steak, grilled onions, American cheese, mushrooms, bell peppers, provolone cheese, light mayo on our fresh-baked bread.

Why are Philly cheesesteaks so popular? ›

Just the word elicits pangs of hunger among the millions of cheesesteak enthusiasts in America and around the world. The secret to its appeal probably is the simplicity it has retained since the Great Depression, when it was invented as an alternative to the hot dog.

What makes a Philly cheesesteak special? ›

The main ingredient is thinly sliced steaks from various cuts of beef, with rib-eye considered the top-of-the-shelf cut. The quality of the roll is also key to a cheesesteak connoisseur's appreciation of a sandwich.

What cheese is best for authentic Philly cheesesteak? ›

“Provolone, a legit Italian cheese, and most likely the option of those who originated this sandwich, will always be better than some artificial, preservative and chemically-produced canned product that I question even being qualified as cheese.”

What is the secret ingredient in the cheesesteak? ›

For an authentic taste of Philly cheesesteak goodness, you're better off trying to recreate the classic recipe at home. In addition to rolls, cheese, onions, and steak, there is one secret ingredient that's sprinkled on both the meat and the bread that can really take the taste over the top: garlic.

What is the most popular Philly cheesesteak? ›

Most popular cheesesteaks in Philly, including Pat's, Geno's, Jim's, and Dalessandro's. Pat's King of Steaks (1930), Dalessandro's (1960), Geno's Steaks (1966), and Jim's South Street (1976) have a lot of mileage on their grills.

What does a real Philly cheesesteak have on it? ›

An authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich includes: Beef (typically ribeye or frozen chipped beef) that is sliced super-thin and cooked on a hot flat-top griddle until well done. Torpedo (or submarine) roll. Melted Cheese (traditionally American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz)

What are the two types of Philly cheesesteaks? ›

A mushroom cheesesteak is a cheesesteak with mushrooms. A pepper cheesesteak is a cheesesteak with green bell peppers, hot cherry peppers, long hot peppers, or sweet peppers.

What's the difference between a Chicago cheesesteak and a Philly cheesesteak? ›

The Windy City's known for its Italian Beef--roasted at places like Al's (where they keep it in the oven four hours) before being topped by sweet/hot peppers and dipped in the beef's juice. In Philly, they chow down with cheesesteaks, grilled atop onions and then topped with (you guessed it) cheese.

What bread is good for Philly cheesesteak? ›

Also, you can put your delicious cheesesteak on a a toasted hoagie roll, crusty Italian rolls or French Baguette if you're looking for a crusty rolls. Also, you can use Kaiser rolls. They're round bread rolls. Amoroso makes them too and you can buy them on Amazon.

What alcohol goes well with Philly cheesesteak? ›

That would be either a Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, or a similar white wine (a Grenache blanc and/or Roussanne based wine) from Santa Barbara in California.”

Do you put Philly cheesesteak with or against the grain? ›

Slice the steaks very very thinly against the grain of the meat. (See notes below and above.) Heat the 1tsp oil in a large frying pan or saute pan and add the steak strips. Cook for 3-5 minutes until browned all over.

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