Craving a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak? Forget the complicated recipes; this version captures the heart and soul of the Philly classic with its rich, melty Cheese Whiz and perfectly seasoned steak. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Philly cheesesteaks! This is one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, making it a go-to for quick dinner ideas and a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup Cheese Whiz (or your favorite cheese sauce)
- 8 hoagie rolls
Instructions:
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Prep the Steak: Pat the steak slices dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and green bell peppers (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Steak: Add the seasoned steak to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked to your liking. For a truly authentic Philly experience, aim for medium-rare to medium. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
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Combine and Melt: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Add the Cheese Whiz and stir gently until melted and combined with the steak and vegetables. The cheese sauce will thicken slightly as it melts.
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Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Warm the hoagie rolls. Spoon the steak mixture generously into each roll.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak:
- Thinly sliced steak is key: This ensures quick cooking and a tender result. Ask your butcher to slice it thinly if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
- Don't overcook the steak: Overcooked steak will be tough. Aim for medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness.
- Use a good quality Cheese Whiz: While substitutions are possible, the authentic experience comes from using the real deal.
- Toast the rolls lightly: This adds a nice texture contrast to the rich filling.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthy addition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning for a little kick.
- Provolone alternative: If you prefer a different cheese, provolone is a popular substitute, although it won't quite replicate the unique texture and flavor of Cheese Whiz.
- Make it a healthier meal: Use leaner cuts of beef and reduce the amount of Cheese Whiz. Add some sauteed spinach or other greens for extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (varies depending on steak cut and cheese amount)
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to make at home. It's a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a fun weekend project. Enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak experience! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!