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This classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich recipe is a mouthwatering, protein-packed delight featuring tender ribeye, caramelized onions, gooey provolone, and a toasted hoagie roll, ready in just 30 minutes.
As a chef, I appreciate that this classic Philly cheesesteak is all about balance: well-marbled ribeye brings beefy richness, onions and peppers add sweetness and texture, and the cheese (whiz or provolone) creates a creamy embrace.
Tucked inside a soft Amoroso roll, this authentic Philly favorite proves that the love for cheesesteaks runs deep in families.
One writer even remembers spirited family debates over “Pat’s or Geno’s?” every time cheesesteaks were served.
Ribeye’s fat keeps the meat tender when seared. If you look at how a pro does it, they often freeze the steak slightly so they can slice it wafer-thin across the grain.
This ensures the meat cooks in seconds and melts in your mouth. That’s why in this Philly cheesesteak recipe we emphasize slicing paper-thin; it’s what turns this from a tough steak sandwich into a tender Philly masterpiece.
As one Philly local puts it, her family grew up with cheesesteaks as a go-to Friday night dinner.
That nostalgia and simplicity are part of what makes this Philly cheesesteak recipe special. It’s a humble sandwich with a huge personality.
✅ Read the entire article to ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. The full recipe and cooking instructions are below.
Key Ingredients for a Classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak isn’t just about tossing steak on bread. Here are the main ingredients you will need for this traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich recipe:
1. Ribeye Steak (Thinly Sliced)
- The classic and most authentic cut used for cheesesteaks. Ribeye is tender, juicy, and flavorful thanks to its marbling. Thin slicing ensures even cooking and easy layering on the sandwich.
- Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin can work, but they’re leaner and may not be as juicy.
2. Provolone Cheese or Cheez Whiz
- Provolone melts beautifully, giving that gooey, creamy finish. Cheez Whiz is traditional for that signature Philly street-food flavor. Want extra creaminess? Then combine both.
- Other options include American cheese or white cheddar.
3. Worcestershire Sauce
- Adds depth, umami, and a slightly tangy note that complements the beef beautifully. Use it while cooking the steak to amplify its savory flavor.
4. Fresh Hoagie Rolls or Amoroso Rolls
- Soft on the inside and slightly crusty on the outside, these rolls hold all the ingredients without falling apart. They’re crucial for the authentic texture and bite.
5. Hoard of Onions (Yellow or Sweet)
- Caramelized onions add natural sweetness and depth. Don’t rush them; low and slow is key to bringing out their magic. They are a signature component of the sandwich.
6. Bell Peppers (Optional but Delicious)
- Green, red, or yellow bell peppers add a vibrant crunch and earthiness to balance the richness of the steak and cheese, although traditional purists often skip them.
7. Butter or Oil (For Sautéing)
- Helps caramelize onions and peppers and adds richness to the steak. Use a neutral oil or a mix of butter and vegetable oil for flavor and high smoke point.
Essential Equipment for Making Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
These tools help make the process seamless and help mimic that authentic Philly street-food style. Shop our top picks for the best kitchen equipment, handpicked for performance and quality:
- Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle: Ideal for high-heat searing and even cooking. A flat-top griddle lets you cook steak, onions, and peppers side by side, just like in Philly sandwich shops.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife or Meat Slicer: For paper-thin steak slices. Freeze the steak slightly before slicing to get those thin ribbons.
- Tongs or Spatula: Helps with stirring, flipping, and combining ingredients on the griddle or pan without losing juices
- Cutting Board (Separate for Meat and Veggies): Used to prep steak, vegetables, and cheese. Keep raw and cooked foods safely separated.
- Toaster or Oven (Optional): Used to toast the rolls slightly before assembling for a warm, crisp finish and melting cheese directly on the sandwich.
Nutritional Benefits of Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
While the Classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is considered a comfort food, it does offer some nutritional upsides when made thoughtfully.
While nutritious, this sandwich is also high in saturated fat and sodium, use leaner cuts, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium rolls.
- Protein-Rich: Ribeye or lean steak offers a significant source of high-quality protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
- Good Fats: Steak contains monounsaturated fats, especially if you choose high-quality meat.
- Iron and Zinc: Red meat like ribeye is a good source of heme iron and zinc, which is more readily absorbed by the body and supports red blood cell production and immune function.
- Vitamins: Especially B12, which is important for energy production and brain function.
- Calcium: The cheese provides calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is satisfying enough to stand alone, but these sides can enhance the experience and keep things balanced:
1. Classic Sides
For those craving the ultimate comfort food experience, these tried-and-true sides bring that crispy, salty goodness:
- Crinkle-Cut or Waffle Fries: For that crispy contrast.
- Potato Wedges: With a sprinkle of paprika and garlic salt.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet-savory twist with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder.
- Tater Tots: Golden and bite-sized, perfect for dipping.
- Onion Rings: Crunchy and flavorful, especially good with ranch or chipotle mayo.
- Mozzarella Sticks: For a double cheese indulgence.
- Garlic Parmesan Knots: A soft, buttery side that complements the richness of the steak.
2. Salads
Lighten things up with fresh healthy salads that help cut through the sandwich’s richness and add brightness to the plate.
- Coleslaw: Adds tang and crunch.
- Green Salad: Balances the richness of the sandwich.
- Roasted Veggies: Think carrots, asparagus, or zucchini.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Light and juicy with red onion, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Tossed with a dash of lemon and cracked pepper.
3. Beverages
From refreshing to robust, the right drink can take your Philly cheesesteak experience to the next level.
- Cold Beer: A lager or pale ale pairs beautifully.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Keeps things refreshing.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: For a lighter alternative.
- Sodas: Cream Soda or Cola for a classic American lunch-style combo.
- Milkshake (Yes, Really!): Vanilla, Chocolate, or Salted Caramel for a retro lunch vibe that balances the savory sandwich with creamy sweetness.
Quick Tips for Making the BEST Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
These pro-level tips separate a good sandwich from an unforgettable one:
- Cheese Choice: Traditionalists swear by Cheez Whiz for the iconic flavor, but provolone (or white American) works great too; it’s your preference.
- Sauté the Onions: To maximize sweetness, cook them slowly on medium heat until golden. This adds a mellow contrast to the savory steak.
- Peppers & Mushrooms: Optional, but popular additions. If using, sauté them alongside the onions to add extra flavor and heartiness.
- Cutting the steak: If slicing by hand is tough, ask a butcher to slice the steak thinly, or use pre-sliced beef. Marinating is not traditional, the flavor comes from the cheese and seasoning.
- Heat Management: Keep the pan hot, but watch the steak so it doesn’t overcook and dry out. Thin beef only needs a minute or two.
- Worcestershire “Sauce”: This sauce is just added flavor, not a wet sauce. It’s sometimes called “Philly cheesesteak sauce,” but remember it’s just a seasoning (not a thick sauce or dressing).
- Use the Right Bread: Amoroso rolls or soft hoagie rolls are key. Avoid hard baguettes or overly crusty bread.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook your steak in batches if needed. Overcrowding steams the meat instead of searing it.
- Cheese-Melt Hack: After assembling the meat and cheese on the roll, wrap in foil and heat in the oven for 5 minutes. Melty perfection.
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Whether you’re recreating an authentic street-style Philly cheesesteak sandwich recipe at home or adapting it into crowd-pleasing Philly cheesesteak sliders, this recipe covers all the bases.
Enjoy the rich flavor of juicy ribeye and melted cheese in every bite; it’s comfort food done right, Philly-style.
Happy cooking!
Classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich with Melted Cheese
Description
This Philly cheesesteak sandwiches with melted cheese recipe delivers tender, thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and the signature oozy cheese on an Amoroso-style roll.
Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the steak
- Pat the ribeye dry and cut it into roughly 3-inch pieces.
- Place the beef in the freezer for about 30–60 minutes until very firm but not rock solid.
- This makes slicing the meat wafer-thin much easier (thin slices = authentic texture).
- Using a very sharp knife, slice the ribeye against the grain into paper-thin strips (aim for 1/8-inch thickness).
- Season the sliced steak with a little salt, pepper, and a splash (1–2 tbsp) of Worcestershire sauce; this “secret ingredient” adds a savory depth.
- Keep the sliced steak nearby while you cook the veggies.
Cook the onions (and veggies)
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions (and bell pepper and mushrooms, if using).
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and turn golden around the edges.
- They should be tender and slightly caramelized, bringing out their sweetness.
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan when they’re done; we’ll combine them with the steak soon.
Sear the steak
- Increase heat to high.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed, then lay the thin steak slices out in a single layer in the pan (work in batches if your pan is smaller). It should sizzle vigorously.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam the meat instead of searing.
- Let the steak brown on one side for about 1–2 minutes, then use a spatula to flip or chop it up.
- Season with a pinch more salt and pepper.
- Quickly stir-fry the steak until just cooked through and still juicy (this only takes a few more minutes for such thin slices).
- The meat should be nicely seared but still tender.
Combine steak and vegetables
- Mix the cooked onions, peppers, and mushrooms into the steak in the skillet.
- If you like, add a tiny splash of Worcestershire and/or a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning at this point.
- Stir everything together so the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
Melt the cheese
- If using Cheez Whiz (the traditional Philly choice), warm it slightly in a small pot or microwave until pourable.
- Drizzle the hot cheese sauce directly over the meat-onion mixture in the pan, stirring gently until every strand of steak is coated in gooey yellow cheese.
- If using provolone slices, tear them into pieces and spread evenly over the meat.
- Cover the pan for 1 minute or until the cheese fully melts and binds the steak pieces together into one cheesy mass.
Toast the rolls
- Spread butter on roll interiors.
- While the cheese is melting, split the Amoroso rolls and toast them lightly (face down) on a clean skillet or grill for 1–2 minutes, until the cut sides are slightly crispy.
- This helps the roll hold up and adds a nice crunch.
Build the sandwiches
- Using your spatula or tongs, pile half of the cheese-coated steak mixture into each roll.
- Let it settle slightly so it doesn’t spill out.
- If desired, top with a few extra toppings or drizzle a bit more Worcestershire.
- Close the roll over the filling and press lightly.
Serve immediately
- The perfect Philly cheesesteak is best enjoyed piping hot.
- Wrap each sandwich in wax paper or foil for easy eating.
- Serve with fries, chips, or a pickle on the side.
- Enjoy every savory, cheesy bite
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 sandwich
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1030kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 59g91%
- Saturated Fat 16g80%
- Trans Fat 0.4g
- Cholesterol 104mg35%
- Sodium 810mg34%
- Potassium 802mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 71g24%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 45g90%
- Vitamin A 50 IU
- Vitamin C 14 mg
- Calcium 33 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Freeze the beef briefly, and using a sharp knife ensures those iconic thin slices.
- A very hot pan (or griddle) creates a quick sear that locks in juiciness.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding; you want browning, not stewing.
- Sauté onions and peppers first, then brown the steak, then combine – this layers flavor and saves time.
- Melt the cheese at the very end (with steak and veggies) so it fully envelopes the meat and acts as a binder.
- A soft but sturdy hoagie (Amoroso) holds up to the juicy filling.
- Don’t shy from salt, pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire, cheesesteaks need bold seasoning.
