Introduction
Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but in hamburger form? This recipe brings the best of both worlds together – a juicy, flavorful hamburger patty loaded with sauteed peppers, onions, and smothered in melted provolone cheese. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying experience that’s easier than a trip to Philadelphia!
Creating the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Hamburger
Selecting the Perfect Patty
The foundation of any great burger is the patty. Here’s how to make yours exceptional:
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture. The higher fat content keeps the burger juicy during cooking.
- Seasoning: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Don’t overwork the meat; gently form into patties.
- Size and Thickness: Aim for patties that are slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink during cooking. A thickness of about ¾ inch is ideal.
Sautéed Peppers and Onions: The Philly Key
No Philly cheesesteak – or cheesesteak hamburger – is complete without perfectly cooked peppers and onions:
- Slice Thinly: Thinly slice your bell peppers (green or a mix of colors) and onions.
- Sauté in Butter: Sauté in butter over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Season Simply: Salt and pepper are all you need to enhance the flavor.
Meltingly Delicious Provolone Cheese
The cheese is the final piece of the puzzle. Provolone provides that classic Philly cheesesteak taste:
- Provolone Choice: Sliced provolone is the easiest to use. Sharp provolone will add a bolder flavor if preferred.
- Placement is Key: Once the burger is cooked, top with the cheese slices and cover the pan or grill for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Melting Options: If you don’t have a lid, you can also broil the burger briefly to melt the cheese, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Assembling Your Philly Cheesesteak Hamburger
Now for the fun part – putting it all together!
- Toast the Buns: Toast your hamburger buns lightly for added texture and flavor.
- Bottom Bun Prep: Consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or your favorite burger sauce on the bottom bun.
- Layer It Up: Place the cheesed patty on the bottom bun, top with the sautéed peppers and onions, and finish with the top bun.
Conclusion
This Philly cheesesteak-style hamburger with peppers and provolone is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak without the fuss. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make burger at your next cookout or for a weeknight dinner. You won’t be disappointed!
