Philly Cheesesteak
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Toasted hoagies that are filled with tender ribeye steak, caramelized onions and green peppers plus melty gooey provolone cheese! These Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches are an easy 30 minute dinner that’s always a hit.
Philly cheesesteaks are so easy to make at home! This classic sandwich is loaded with tender shaved steak, gooey melted cheese, and tender peppers and onions. All of it’s piled on a toasted hoagie roll for a delicious hot steak sandwich.

This is how I love to make cheesesteaks, but there are variations! It’s one of those sandwiches that people have a lot of opinions about and this version is my favorite.
We love our sandwiches around here, and Philly cheesesteaks are always a hit! You can make a cheesesteak in the comfort of your own home that is just as good as something you’d get in Philly. This recipe is actually incredibly easy. You’re going to love it!
Why This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Works
- It’s a simple 30-minute dinner that you will love. Loaded with flavor and full of protein.
- Thinly sliced steak is tender plus the addition of bell peppers and onions gives it so much flavor.
- Use your favorite cheese! Traditionally, philly cheesesteak has Provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz, but you can mix it up!
Why is it called a Philly cheesesteaks?
Philly cheesesteak gets its name from the city it originated in — Philadelphia!
Ingredients
- Olive oil – Use some olive oil to make the sautéed onions and peppers. If you do not have olive oil you can use vegetable oil or another neutral flavored oil.
- Ribeye steak – Trimmed and very thinly sliced against the grain and chopped into pieces, this is essential!
- Seasonings – Season the delicious steak with salt and ground black pepper.
- Sweet Onion and Green Pepper – Sliced very thinly
- Provolone cheese – Sliced or your favorite cheese. Cheez Whiz is another popular choice.
- Hoagie rolls – Any type of crusty bun will work, but I love hoagie rolls the most!
- Butter – Soften the butter before spreading it on the buns.
Products Needed
How to Make Philly Cheesesteaks
Cook vegetables – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and green bell pepper to the pan and cook them, stirring occasionally, until softened. Adjust the heat as needed so they don’t brown.
Cook Steak – Take the vegetables out of the skillet and set them aside. Add more olive oil to the pan and adjust the to medium-high heat. Add the thin slices of steak to the pan and cook it, stirring frequently, for about four to five minutes. Season with salt and pepper and then remove from the pan and add to the peppers and onions.
Slice Hoagies – Turn the oven broiler onto the high setting and move an oven rack to the top spot. Slice the hoagie rolls so they are still intact but you can fill them with the meat and veggies.
Broil Hoagies – Next, spread the softened butter on the inside of each bun. Then place them onto a baking sheet, butter-side up. Slide the sheet pan onto the top rack and toast the rolls for one to two minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Melt Cheese – Drain excess liquid from the skillet and then place the cooked steak, peppers, and onions in the pan. Place the sliced cheese on top of the mixture and cover the skillet with a lid.
Fill Hoagies – Heat the pan over medium heat for about four to five minutes to melt the cheese. Then use tongs to fill each hoagie roll with the peppers, steak, and cheese.
Serve and enjoy!
What is the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteaks?
There are a lot of opinions about this but Philly cheesesteaks are usually topped with provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz.
I have also seen versions with sliced American cheese. The nice thing about making them yourself is you can use any melty cheese that you like!
What beef is best to use?
Ribeye steak or top round are most often the cuts used for Philly cheesesteak. The main thing to focus on when choosing the cut of meat is to pick one that has some marbled fat on it and is really tender. The fat will melt a bit as the steak cooks and make it tender.
We do not recommend using tougher cuts of meats like flank steak or brisket or it will result in a chewy sandwich instead of a melt in your mouth steak sandwich.
Can you add condiments?
A traditional Philly cheesesteak doesn’t have other condiments – it’s just steak, peppers, onions, and melted cheese, but you can add the ones you like! Hot sauce, mayonnaise, and ketchup are just a few ideas.
What else can you add?
I love it with just the peppers and onions, but you can also sauté mushrooms to go on top, too. Lettuce and tomato are also tasty toppings to add!
What side dishes go with cheesesteaks?
We love them with French fries, tater tots, or potato chips on the side! But you can also serve this easy Philly cheesesteak with sides like fried pickles, potato salad, or air fryer potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak
- You will want to slice the ribeye steak very thin with a sharp knife. The easiest way to do this is to chill the steak in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. It’s much easier to slice it when it’s cold.
- Be sure to trim any excess fat off of the steak and slice the meat against the grain so it’s very tender once it’s cooked. Once it’s sliced, chop it up into small pieces.
- Feel free to add any and all toppings that you enjoy on a philly cheesesteak!
Pick up the ingredients this week and treat your family to these homemade cheesesteaks. They’re so easy and everyone will love them!
More Hot Sandwiches
- Use that leftover meatloaf to make amazing meatloaf sandwiches!
- Instant Pot French Dips are just as good as a restaurant and super easy to make.
- Learn how to make the best Reuben with corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
- If you like cheesesteaks, you have to try my easy Italian Beef Sandwiches!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Philly Cheesesteaks
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 pound Ribeye steak trimmed and thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 sweet onion thinly sliced
- 1 green pepper thinly sliced
- 6 slices provolone cheese mild (not aged provolone)
- 4 Hoagie Rolls sliced 3/4 through
- 2 Tablespoon butter softened
Instructions
- Before making the recipe put the meat in the freezer for 20-30 minutes then slice. The colder meat will slice easier.
- In a large skillet add olive oil over medium low heat. Then add onion and bell peppers when oil is hot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender. If your vegetables start to brown, turn the skillet down a little.
- While vegetables are cooking, slice meat thinly by removing it from the refrigerator, placing it on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to trim off excess fat and slice as thinly as possible against the grain. Then chop the steak into very small pieces, about ¼’’ pieces.
- When the vegetables are tender, transfer to a dish and return the skillet to heat. Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and turn heat to medium-high. Add steak and cook, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Remove meat from pan with a slotted spoon and add to vegetable mixture.
- Turn on the oven to high broil.
- Split open the hoagies, but do not separate them. Spread them with softened butter on each side inside the bun. Place on a baking pan and transfer to the oven with the oven rack being on the highest slot. Broil for 1-2 minutes keeping a close eye on them as they will burn quickly. Remove from the oven.
- Drain off all juices from the skillet that the meat was cooked in. Add the steak and vegetables back into the pan. Place the provolone slices over the top of the mixture and cover the pan. Cook on medium until the cheese melts about 4-5 minutes. Stir and then transfer to prepared hoagies buns with tongs.
Tips
There are a lot of opinions about this but Philly cheesesteaks are usually topped with provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz. I have also seen versions with sliced American cheese. The nice thing about making them yourself is you can use any melty cheese that you like! What beef is best to use?
Cheesesteaks are usually made with ribeye steak or top round. Can you add condiments?
A traditional Philly cheesesteak doesn’t have other condiments – it’s just steak, peppers, onions, and melted cheese, but you can add the ones you like! Hot sauce, mayonnaise, and ketchup are just a few ideas. What else can you add?
I love it with just the peppers and onions, but you can also sauté mushrooms to go on top, too.
Susan says
Being a Yankee myself (just outside of Philly) relocated to the south, if one needs a condiment of sort, try a marinara sauce 👌, in lieu of ketchup or mayo 🤢.
Sarah Hill says
Thanks for the suggestion! That would be a yummy condiment!
Camden says
My partner absolutely adores philly cheesesteaks, it would make his day to try these! They’re making my stomach growl just from reading the recipe, haha
Courtney says
Yay! So good.
Debbie says
My mouth is literally watering reading about this Philly cheesesteak recipe! We will be making a batch of these this evening.
Courtney says
Enjoy!
Kristen says
This meal brings back so many childhood memories! I can’t wait to make your Philly Cheesesteak recipe for my daughter to try!
Courtney says
Enjoy!
Alyssa says
My boys love philly cheesesteaks! This is such an easy meal to put together!
Courtney says
So awesome! Hope they enjoy these as well!
Brittany says
That’s a handy tip, putting the steak in the freezer for a bit to make it easier to slice! I never would have thought of that. I always hate how greasy Philly cheesesteak is when I order out. It’s nice be able to make this meal at home and have control over the grease, ingredients, and flavors!
Courtney says
Thank you!! That tip is a lifesaver/ mess saver!!