one pan philly cheese steak recipe fast meal for busy nights

Introduction

Busy weeknights often leave us scrambling for quick and easy meal solutions. Craving something satisfying and flavorful without the fuss? Look no further than this One-Pan Philly Cheesesteak recipe! This recipe delivers all the classic flavors of a traditional Philly Cheesesteak in a fraction of the time, with minimal cleanup. Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans and hello to a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner in under 30 minutes. This is the perfect meal for those hectic evenings when you need a hearty and comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Ultimate One-Pan Philly Cheesesteak

Why One Pan?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using just one pan significantly reduces cooking time and cleanup. All the ingredients cook together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and creating a cohesive and delicious dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak work well)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 4-6 hoagie rolls
• 4-6 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Mushrooms, hot peppers, cheese sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced steak to the pan and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the steak in batches.
4. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
5. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same pan. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season the vegetables with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Add the cooked steak back to the pan with the vegetables.
8. Top the mixture with slices of provolone cheese.
9. Place the entire skillet in the preheated oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hoagie rolls.
11. Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon the cheesesteak mixture into the hoagie rolls.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheesesteak

• Thinly Sliced Steak is Key: Using thinly sliced steak ensures it cooks quickly and evenly. If you can’t find pre-sliced steak, you can partially freeze a steak and slice it thinly yourself.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will steam the steak instead of browning it. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Customize Your Cheese: While provolone is traditional, feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, white American, or even a cheese sauce.
• Add Your Favorite Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Mushrooms, hot peppers, banana peppers, or a drizzle of cheese sauce can all elevate your cheesesteak.
• Preheat the Skillet: Starting with a hot skillet ensures the steak sears properly and develops a flavorful crust.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Cheesesteak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Cheesesteak: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for a classic mushroom cheesesteak.
• Pizza Cheesesteak: Top the cheesesteak mixture with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired twist.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With minimal cleanup and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. So, ditch the takeout and embrace the convenience and deliciousness of this effortless one-pan wonder!