Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak 

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Beef:

The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak is tender beef, so it’s essential to slice the steak thinly. Start by freezing the ribeye (or sirloin) for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly. Once chilled, slice the beef against the grain into very thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the better they will cook, and the more tender they’ll be.

Season the sliced beef with salt and pepper to taste, and if you’re using garlic powder, toss it in as well.

2. Cooking the Onions and Peppers:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions (and bell peppers, if you’re using them). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. The caramelization adds a sweet and savory flavor that enhances the sandwich.

Once the onions and peppers are soft and nicely browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

3. Cooking the Beef:

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the beef sear for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. If you like, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for an added layer of flavor.

Cook the beef until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices. Once the beef is done, return the onions and peppers to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Toasting the Rolls:

While the beef is cooking, slice your hoagie rolls down the middle. In a separate pan, toast the hoagie rolls lightly with a little butter until the edges are golden and crispy. This will give the sandwich a satisfying crunch while still keeping the inside soft to hold all the fillings.

5. Assembling the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak:

Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble the Philly Cheesesteaks. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the toasted hoagie rolls. Now for the fun part: top the beef with slices of provolone and American cheese. You can arrange the slices of cheese over the beef, or if you prefer an extra melty sandwich, place the rolls under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.

6. Serving the Sandwiches:

Remove the sandwiches from the broiler and serve immediately. For an authentic Philly experience, you can serve these cheesesteaks with a side of crispy fries, pickle spears, or even a cold beverage like a soda or beer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Tender, Flavorful Beef: The ribeye steak is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making the beef the star of the show.
• Melted Cheese: The combination of provolone and American cheese creates a gooey, creamy melt that complements the beef and caramelized onions perfectly.
• Caramelized Onions and Peppers: The onions and optional bell peppers add sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Fresh Hoagie Rolls: A soft, yet slightly crispy hoagie roll is essential for the perfect Philly Cheesesteak, providing the right amount of structure without overpowering the filling.
• Quick and Easy: While it’s packed with flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.

Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: The key to a tender Philly Cheesesteak is thinly sliced beef. Use a sharp knife or even a meat slicer to ensure the slices are as thin as possible.
• Choose the Right Cheese: While provolone and American cheese are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Cheez Whiz or even mozzarella for a different twist.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, or even a drizzle of steak sauce for a unique take on the classic sandwich.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the beef, cook it in batches to ensure it sears properly and doesn’t steam. This will help achieve that beautiful, crispy texture on the outside of the beef.

Final Thoughts:

This Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak recipe brings the iconic flavors of the City of Brotherly Love right to your kitchen. With tender beef, melted cheese, and perfectly caramelized onions, this sandwich is everything you want in a Philly Cheesesteak. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a get-together, this is one sandwich that never fails to satisfy. So grab your hoagie rolls, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate indulgence in sandwich form.