Introduction
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that hails from the streets of Philadelphia, known for its mouthwatering combination of tender beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. This hearty dish has become a beloved classic across the United States, celebrated for its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Making a Philly Cheesesteak at home allows you to experience the authentic taste of this culinary masterpiece without the need to travel to Philly. With just a few simple ingredients—ribeye steak, fresh vegetables, and your choice of cheese—you can recreate this delicious sandwich in your kitchen. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Get ready to indulge in the gooey, cheesy goodness of a homemade Philly Cheesesteak that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
1 lb ribeye steak (thinly sliced)
1 large onion (sliced)
1 large green bell pepper (sliced)
4-6 hoagie rolls
8 oz provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for a classic touch)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional: garlic powder, hot sauce
Instructions:
Prepare the Steak:
If the steak is not pre-sliced, freeze it for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Use a sharp knife to cut the ribeye into thin slices.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper (and optional garlic powder). Sauté until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Steak:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Increase the heat to medium-high.
Add the sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine:
Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the steak. Mix everything together and cook for an additional minute.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the provolone cheese slices over the steak and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice the hoagie rolls and fill each with the cheesesteak mixture.
If desired, drizzle with hot sauce for extra flavor.
Method for Storing Philly Cheesesteak
Proper storage of your Philly Cheesesteak will help maintain its flavor and texture for future meals. Here’s how to store it effectively:
Cooling:
Let it Cool: Allow the cheesesteak filling (steak, onions, and peppers) to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup.
Storage Containers:
Choose Containers: Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well for storing the filling.
Portioning:
Portion Sizes: Consider dividing the cheesesteak filling into individual or family-sized portions. This makes reheating easier and allows you to enjoy leftovers at your convenience.
Refrigeration:
Refrigerate: Store the cheesesteak filling in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to keep it fresh.
Freezing:
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the filling for an extended period, freeze it. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Labeling: Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating:
Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave for quicker thawing.
Reheat: Heat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Assembling the Sandwich:
Fresh Rolls: For the best experience, assemble the sandwiches using fresh hoagie rolls just before serving.
This keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Avoid Refreezing:
Refreezing: It’s best not to refreeze portions that have already been thawed. Only freeze portions that have not been previously frozen.