Make the best Philly cheesesteak at home with tender beef, melty cheese, and soft rolls. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for any craving.
The Philly cheesesteak isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an icon of American comfort food. Born and perfected in Philadelphia, this hearty classic has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers across the country.
It’s everything you could want in one bite: tender shaved steak, gooey cheese, and savory toppings, all nestled in a warm hoagie roll.
And if you’re craving a creative twist on tradition, don’t miss these Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls for a fun, crispy alternative.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love this Recipe ⭐
- Melted Cheese Magic: Gooey, melty cheese brings everything together—every bite is savory comfort.
- Tender Steak Strips: Thinly sliced beef cooked to juicy perfection. It’s the heart of the sandwich and impossible to resist.
- Balanced Simplicity: Philly cheesesteaks don’t need fancy ingredients—they’re all about bold, straightforward flavors you’ll crave again.
- Quick Comfort Food: Hungry? It’s filling, satisfying, and quick to make—a win-win on busy days.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Shaved Steak
- Onion
- Baby Bella Mushrooms
- Provolone Cheese
- Mayonnaise
🔪 How to Make Philly Cheesesteaks at Home
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, then toss in the onions. Cook them gently until they’re soft and see-through.
Once the onions are nice and tender, toss in the mushrooms. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt over both the onions and mushrooms—it helps draw out their moisture and adds flavor.
When the mushrooms are softened and have darkened a bit, it’s time to add the shaved steak. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of your go-to steak seasoning over the top.
Let the steak cook through, stirring everything together so the onions and mushrooms are evenly mixed. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Grab your hoagie rolls and spread mayo on both sides. Go as light or heavy as you like.
Pile the cooked steak onto the bottom half of the roll, then lay a slice of provolone cheese on top. Pop it into the air fryer at 350°F (or use your oven) to toast the bread and melt the cheese. In the air fryer, it takes about 1-2 minutes, while the oven might take 5-8 minutes.
Serve it up! Pair your sandwich with homemade fries, chips, or go low-carb by serving it over a bed of lettuce if that’s your style.
⭐ Pro Tips ⭐
Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time
The secret to a stress-free cheesesteak night? Preparation! Prepping your ingredients in advance not only saves time but also helps you focus on the cooking process. Here’s how you can streamline your cheesesteak-making experience:
Slice everything beforehand: Whether it’s the ribeye steak, onions, or bell peppers, having them ready to go makes cooking quicker and smoother.
Store ingredients properly: Keep your sliced ingredients fresh by storing them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Use versatile meal-prepping tools: Consider investing in high-quality meat slicers or vegetable choppers to make the prep work even faster.
For more meal prep inspiration, check out these Instant Pot Beef Tips and Rice ideas to get organized in the kitchen.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Watch the steak’s cooking time: Overcooked steak is dry and chewy, which can ruin the sandwich. Aim for a quick sear to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Choose the right bread: Soft, sturdy hoagie rolls work best. Avoid bread that’s too light or fluffy as it may fall apart under the weight of the filling.
Don’t skimp on seasoning: Properly seasoned steak, onions, and even the bread elevate the sandwich’s overall flavor.
Control the cheese melt: Layer the cheese while the steak is still hot to get that perfect gooey texture without burning it.
Adding Unique Flavors
Seasonings: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for an extra kick. A smidge of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the savory profile.
Sauces: Stir in some chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or even a hint of barbecue sauce for a flavorful twist.
Toppings: Beyond the usual onions and peppers, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños, or crispy fried onions for added texture.
📖 Variations
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Imagine a cheesesteak’s rich, savory flavors packed into a crispy, golden egg roll. It’s the perfect handheld snack or appetizer for any occasion.
To make these, you’ll combine the traditional ingredients like shaved steak, sautéed onions, and gooey cheese, wrapping them tightly in egg roll wrappers before frying or baking to perfection. The result?
A crunchy exterior paired with a melty, irresistible filling. Interested in a detailed recipe? Check out the step-by-step guide for making Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Transform your favorite sandwich into a pizza! This Phily Cheesesteak Pizza variation swaps the hoagie roll for a crispy pizza crust, which serves as the perfect base for thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and plenty of melted cheese.
For added inspiration, explore the possibilities with recipes like this Ground Beef Pizza that can easily be adapted to fit the Philly cheesesteak theme.
What Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak?
The choice of cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is critical—it’s what gives this iconic sandwich its signature creamy, gooey texture that binds all the flavors together.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or someone who likes to think outside the box, the cheese can take your cheesesteak game to new heights of deliciousness. So, what’s the perfect cheese for a Philly cheesesteak?
The Traditional Choices
When it comes to authenticity, there are three cheeses that dominate the Philly cheesesteak scene. Each one brings its own flavor and texture to the table:
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a top pick for many cheesesteak lovers because of its mild, slightly tangy flavor. It melts beautifully, creating those luscious, stretchy cheese pulls that everyone loves. Provolone pairs perfectly with the savory steak and onions, adding a creamy balance without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Cheez Whiz: Few things scream “classic Philly” louder than Cheez Whiz! This processed cheese spread is known for its salty, ultra-creamy consistency that smoothly coats every bite. Its bold, unmistakable flavor contrasts beautifully with the beef and adds a nostalgic touch to the sandwich.
- American Cheese: If Cheez Whiz isn’t your thing but you still want that melty, rich experience, American cheese is a solid option. Its mild but buttery taste complements the meat without stealing the spotlight. Plus, it melts quickly and evenly, making it an excellent choice for home cooks.
Non-Traditional Cheese Options
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not step outside the traditional choices? Non-traditional cheeses can bring a unique twist to this classic sandwich:
- Swiss Cheese: Known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, Swiss cheese provides a unique depth to your cheesesteak.
- Pepper Jack: Add a little heat to your cheesesteak with pepper jack’s hints of jalapeño and bold spices.
- Mozzarella: While not traditional, mozzarella delivers maximum gooeyness and a mild flavor that lets the steak shine.
More Classic Recipes To Try
Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 oz. Shaved Steak
- 1 onion sliced
- 8 oz baby bella Mushrooms sliced
- 8 slices Provolone Cheese
- Mayonnaise
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil with onions. You want to sautee them on medium low heat until they become soft and translucent. I choose to do sliced onion, but you can totally dice them up as well!
- Once the onions have sauteed add in the mushrooms. Be sure to season both the onions and mushrooms with salt. This helps to bring the moisture out of them and become soft. Not to mention, they need the flavor.
- Once the mushrooms have broken down and soft (they will turn a darker color) add in the shaved steak along with 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite steak seasoning.
- Cook the steak until it’s cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to toss the steak around in the onions and mushrooms.
- Grab your hoagie buns and place mayo on both sides of the bread. Put as much or as little on as you’d like.
- Place steak on top of the bottom roll and the provolone cheese on top. Place in an air fryer on 350° (or the oven) to toast the bread and melt the cheese. In the air fryer it’s about 1-2 minutes and for the oven expect 5-8 minutes.
- Serve with homemade french fries, chips or if on a keto or low carb diet I serve mine over a bed of lettuce!
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