Introduction: Craving Philly Cheesesteak on a Budget? Fire Up the Grill!
The iconic Philly Cheesesteak, oozing with melted cheese and savory steak, doesn’t have to break the bank or require hours in the kitchen. This guide shows you how to create a delicious, affordable, and easy-to-make grilled Philly Cheesesteak sandwich perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue. We’ll focus on budget-friendly ingredients and simple grilling techniques, proving that gourmet flavor doesn’t require a gourmet price tag.
Grilling the Perfect (Cheap!) Philly Cheesesteak: Step-by-Step
Gathering Your Budget-Friendly Ingredients
The key to an affordable Philly Cheesesteak lies in smart ingredient choices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef: Instead of ribeye, opt for thinly sliced sirloin, flank steak, or even shaved beef found in the frozen section. These are significantly cheaper while still delivering delicious flavor.
- Rolls: Day-old hoagie rolls are often discounted. Look for Italian or hoagie rolls that are soft on the inside and slightly crusty on the outside.
- Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but for a budget-friendly alternative, consider using American cheese slices, Cheez Whiz (controversial, but undeniably cheap and popular!), or a shredded mozzarella/provolone blend.
- Onions & Peppers: Yellow onions are the most affordable and readily available. Green bell peppers are classic, but other colors can be used too.
- Oil & Seasoning: Vegetable oil or olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all you need for simple seasoning.
Prepping Your Ingredients for Grilling
- Slice the Steak: If using a whole cut of beef, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. Pre-sliced shaved beef is even easier!
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onions and bell peppers into thin strips.
- Season the Beef: Lightly season the sliced beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Grilling the Philly Cheesesteak
- Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
- Grill the Vegetables: Drizzle a little oil on the grill grates. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and grill for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly charred, stirring occasionally. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Grill the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the grill. Cook for just a few minutes per side, until cooked through. Since it’s thinly sliced, it will cook very quickly. Use a spatula to chop the beef into smaller pieces while it’s on the grill.
- Combine and Cheese: Push the beef and vegetables together on the grill. Top with your cheese of choice. Let the cheese melt slightly (you can cover it with a grill-safe lid or aluminum foil to speed up the process).
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through. Carefully scoop the beef, vegetables, and melted cheese mixture into the rolls.
- Optional: Toast the Rolls: For a crispy exterior, you can briefly grill the assembled sandwiches cut-side down for a minute or two.
Tips for Keeping it Cheap and Easy
- Shop Around: Compare prices at different grocery stores for the best deals on beef and cheese.
- Use Coupons: Look for coupons for ingredients like cheese and hoagie rolls.
- Bulk Buying: Buy onions and peppers in bulk and use them in other dishes throughout the week.
- Simplify: Don’t feel pressured to add every topping imaginable. Stick to the basics: beef, cheese, onions, and peppers.
- Make it a Family Affair: Enlist family members to help with prep work, making the process faster and more enjoyable.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Grilled Philly Cheesesteak Feast!
With a little planning and these budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying grilled Philly Cheesesteak sandwich without breaking the bank. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both easy on the wallet and incredibly tasty! Enjoy!
