grilled philly cheese steak sandwich idea budget friendly recipe

Introduction

Craving a classic Philly Cheesesteak but watching your wallet? You’re in the right place! This grilled Philly Cheesesteak sandwich recipe delivers all the cheesy, meaty goodness you expect, without breaking the bank. We’ll guide you through a budget-friendly approach to creating this iconic sandwich at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.

Making a Budget-Friendly Grilled Philly Cheesesteak

Choosing the Right Meat (Without Overspending)

The meat is the star of the show, but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive part. Here’s how to save:

• Flank Steak Alternative: While traditional Philly Cheesesteaks use ribeye, consider more affordable options like flank steak or even sirloin. These cuts are leaner but can be tenderized with proper slicing and marinating.
• Pre-Sliced Steak: Check your local grocery store for pre-sliced steak. Often, these are less expensive than buying a whole steak and slicing it yourself.
• Thinly Sliced Roast Beef: For an even more budget-conscious option, use thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter. While not authentic, it offers a similar texture and flavor profile.

The Cheese: Economical and Delicious

The cheese is crucial! Here are a few options that won’t drain your funds:

• Provolone Power: Provolone is a classic choice and generally more affordable than other cheese options.
• White American Cheese Slices: These melt beautifully and provide that gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves.
• Cheese Whiz (Optional): While debated by purists, Cheese Whiz is a budget-friendly and traditional topping. Use sparingly!

The Bread: Finding the Perfect Roll

The right roll makes all the difference. Consider these budget-conscious options:

• Hoagie Rolls: These are readily available and often reasonably priced. Look for rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
• French Rolls: Similar to hoagie rolls, but with a slightly different texture. They are also usually available at most supermarkets.
• Bake Your Own (If You’re Feeling Ambitious): Baking your own bread is the ultimate budget-friendly option, though it requires more time and effort.

The Grill: Getting That Authentic Flavor

Grilling adds a smoky char that elevates the sandwich. Here’s how to make the most of your grill (or grill pan):

1. Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill nice and hot before adding the meat.
2. Lightly Oil the Grates: This prevents the meat from sticking.
3. Grill the Meat Quickly: Cook the steak slices quickly, flipping frequently, until they are browned but not overcooked.
4. Grill the Onions and Peppers: If using, grill your onions and peppers until softened and slightly charred.

Budget-Friendly Ingredient Substitutions

Want to cut costs even further? Try these substitutions:

• Bell Peppers: If bell peppers are expensive, use a cheaper alternative like banana peppers or even omit them altogether.
• Onions: Yellow onions are typically the most affordable option.
• Homemade Cheese Sauce: Instead of Cheese Whiz, make a simple cheese sauce with milk, butter, flour, and cheddar cheese.

Recipe: Budget-Friendly Grilled Philly Cheesesteak

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Flank Steak (or substitute), thinly sliced
• 2 Hoagie Rolls
• 4 slices Provolone Cheese (or substitute)
• 1 Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the steak slices for a few minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. While the steak is grilling, grill the onions and peppers until softened.
5. Slice the hoagie rolls in half.
6. Top each roll with half of the grilled steak, onions, and peppers.
7. Place two slices of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich.
8. Return the sandwiches to the grill for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion

This budget-friendly grilled Philly Cheesesteak recipe proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. By making smart ingredient choices and utilizing simple grilling techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality sandwich in the comfort of your own home, without breaking the bank. So fire up that grill and get ready to savor the flavor of Philly on a budget!