how to make authentic philly cheese steak meal prep idea

Introduction: Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep – Taste of Philly, Made Easy!

Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak but short on time? This meal prep guide shows you how to enjoy an authentic-tasting, healthy-ish version of the classic, ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Ditch the greasy takeout and embrace the convenience of a perfectly portioned Philly Cheesesteak meal prep.

Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the Right Ingredients: Key to Philly Perfection

• Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye is the gold standard. Look for pre-shaved steak to save time, or freeze a ribeye roast slightly and slice it yourself using a sharp knife.
• Rolls: Amoroso’s rolls are the authentic choice, but any sturdy, soft hoagie roll will work. Day-old rolls are best as they hold up better during meal prep.
• Cheese: Provolone is the classic, but white American cheese and Cheez Whiz are also popular (though less ideal for meal prep due to texture changes).
• Onions: Thinly sliced sweet onions are a must. Caramelize them for an extra layer of flavor.
• Peppers (Optional): Bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) can be added for a non-traditional but delicious twist.

Preparing the Components: From Steak to Onions

1. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a little oil (vegetable or canola oil works well). Cook the shaved steak in batches, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in smaller batches for optimal browning. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes). A pinch of sugar can help speed up the caramelization process.
3. Cook the Peppers (If Using): If adding peppers, cook them alongside the onions until softened.
4. Assemble the Cheese: Near the end of cooking the steak, you can add your cheese to the meat on the skillet to melt it and help it bind together.

Meal Prep Assembly and Storage: Ready to Eat, All Week Long!

• Option 1: Deconstructed Meal Prep (Recommended): Pack the cooked steak/cheese mixture, caramelized onions/peppers (if using), and hoagie rolls separately into airtight containers. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
• Option 2: Assembled, Cold Meal Prep: Assemble the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. This is less ideal for texture but works in a pinch.
• Reheating: Reheat the steak and vegetables in a skillet or microwave. Toast the hoagie roll separately for best results. Assemble the sandwich just before eating.
• Storage: Properly stored, the steak and vegetable mixture will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep

• Portion Control: Divide the steak mixture into equal portions for each meal. Aim for 4-6 ounces of steak per serving.
• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth of flavor to the steak.
• Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or even add mushrooms.
• Freezing: The cooked steak and vegetable mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
• Sauce it up: Consider packing a small container of your favorite sauce – hot sauce, mayo, or even a creamy horseradish sauce.

Conclusion: Enjoy Authentic Philly Flavor, Any Time, Anywhere

With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the deliciousness of a Philly Cheesesteak any day of the week. This meal prep guide provides a convenient and customizable way to satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your time or health. So, ditch the takeout menu and get prepping!