Philly Cheesesteak

This Philly Cheesesteak recipe features thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese, all served in a toasty hoagie roll. It’s a classic, comforting sandwich that combines savory flavors with a crispy texture, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or any casual gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Philly Cheesesteak:

  • 2 pounds ribeye, fat trimmed, very thinly sliced

  • 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 large sweet onion, chopped

  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 garlic clove, grated

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened

  • 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise

  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

  • 8 slices sharp or mild provolone cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rack in the center position.

  2. Prepare the Beef:
    Season the beef with 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt. In a large cast iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef in batches, cooking undisturbed until it begins to brown (about 2 minutes). Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then transfer the beef to a plate.

  3. Caramelize the Onions:
    Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the same skillet. Season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook the onions, stirring often, until golden and softened (7-8 minutes).

  4. Prepare the Garlic Mayo:
    In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and grated garlic. Set aside.

  5. Toast the Rolls:
    Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on the cut sides of each hoagie roll. Arrange the rolls on a sheet pan, cut side up, and bake in the preheated oven until toasted (about 4 minutes). Remove from the oven and spread 1 tablespoon of garlic mayo on the toasted side of each roll.

  6. Assemble the Cheesesteaks:
    Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until warmed through. Remove from heat and top the beef mixture with slices of provolone cheese, allowing it to melt.

  7. Serve:
    Divide the beef and cheese mixture evenly between the toasted hoagie rolls. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: 837 kcal

  • Protein: 53g

  • Carbohydrates: 36g

  • Total Fat: 36g

    • Saturated Fat: 15g

  • Cholesterol: 184mg

  • Sodium: 1768mg

  • Total Sugars: 5g

  • Dietary Fiber: 5g

The Beef: Tender and Flavorful Ribeye

The star of this sandwich is the ribeye steak, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. When prepared properly, ribeye becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful, making it the perfect meat for a Philly Cheesesteak. To ensure that the beef cooks quickly and evenly, it’s essential to slice it very thin. The seasoning of the beef with kosher salt before cooking helps to bring out its natural flavors, allowing it to develop a slightly crispy exterior when cooked in the skillet.

To cook the beef, it’s essential to work in batches, allowing the meat to sear and brown undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Stirring it afterward ensures that the beef cooks evenly. The cooked beef is then set aside until the onions are ready.

Caramelized Onions: Sweet and Savory

Caramelizing the onions is a key step in achieving the rich, savory flavor profile of a Philly Cheesesteak. By cooking the onions low and slow in butter and seasoning them with a pinch of salt, you allow the natural sugars in the onions to be released, turning them golden brown and soft. This process takes about 7-8 minutes and transforms the onions into a sweet and savory topping that pairs perfectly with the beef.

The sweetness of the caramelized onions adds balance to the richness of the ribeye, and their soft texture contrasts nicely with the crispy hoagie roll. They are a critical component in making the sandwich mouthwateringly delicious.

Garlic Mayo: A Flavorful Spread

To complement the savory filling, a simple garlic mayo is prepared by mixing mayonnaise with grated garlic. The creamy garlic mayo adds a smooth and tangy layer to the sandwich, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese while also enhancing the overall flavor. The mayo is spread on the toasted hoagie rolls, adding a subtle yet important layer of flavor.

Toasty Hoagie Rolls: Crispy and Buttery

The hoagie rolls are a vital part of the sandwich. They need to be soft yet sturdy enough to hold the beef, cheese, and onions without falling apart. The rolls are lightly buttered and toasted in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior that’s golden and buttery while the interior remains soft. This slight crispness makes each bite of the sandwich satisfying and adds an extra level of texture to the sandwich.

Once the rolls are toasted, they are topped with the garlic mayo, which not only adds flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together. The garlic mayo serves as a delicious contrast to the rich and savory filling.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak: A Perfect Layering

Once the beef and onions are cooked, the final step is to assemble the sandwiches. The caramelized onions and beef are combined in the skillet, seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper, and then topped with slices of provolone cheese. The heat from the beef and onions helps the cheese melt into the mixture, creating a gooey, delicious filling.

This beef and cheese mixture is then evenly divided and piled onto the toasted hoagie rolls, ensuring every bite is packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions. The result is a perfectly balanced sandwich that’s savory, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Serving the Philly Cheesesteak: Enjoy Immediately

Serve the Philly Cheesesteak immediately after assembling. The crispy, toasted roll holds the filling in place, making each bite an irresistible combination of textures. These sandwiches are perfect on their own, but can also be served with a side of crispy fries, a salad, or pickled vegetables to add some crunch and freshness.

Nutritional Information: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal

Each serving of the Philly Cheesesteak contains approximately 837 calories. The sandwich is a hearty meal, packed with 53g of protein, primarily from the ribeye steak and provolone cheese. The total fat content is 36g, with 15g of saturated fat, providing a rich, indulgent flavor profile.

With 36g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber, this sandwich offers a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful. The 650mg of sodium is something to consider, but it’s expected in a dish with flavorful beef broth, cheese, and mayonnaise. The sandwich also provides 10% of your daily vitamin A needs, 20% of vitamin C, and 15% of iron, making it a fairly well-rounded meal in terms of micronutrients.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Delicious Classic

The Philly Cheesesteak is a timeless classic that brings together the rich, savory flavors of tender ribeye, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese, all in a crispy, buttery hoagie roll. The simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a comforting and hearty sandwich that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, this sandwich will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with its classic, mouthwatering taste.

Enjoy this Philly Cheesesteak as a satisfying main course with your favorite sides, or savor it on its own for an unforgettable, indulgent meal!

 

Leave a Comment