Introduction
Craving a classic Philly cheesesteak, but don’t want the hassle of multiple pans? This one-pan Philly cheesesteak recipe delivers authentic street-style flavor with minimal cleanup. Imagine tender, thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions and peppers, all smothered in melted provolone, nestled in a soft roll. Sounds amazing, right? Let’s get cooking!
One-Pan Philly Cheesesteak: The Ultimate Guide
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients to create the perfect Philly cheesesteak:
- Steak: Ribeye is the traditional choice for its marbling and flavor. But thinly sliced sirloin or even shaved steak works well too. Aim for about 1 pound.
- Onions & Peppers: Yellow onions and bell peppers (green, red, or a mix) provide the classic savory-sweet balance.
- Cheese: Provolone is the go-to cheese for a Philly cheesesteak. White American cheese is another popular option. Avoid cheddar for an authentic taste.
- Rolls: Amoroso’s rolls are considered the gold standard, but any soft, sturdy hoagie or sub roll will work.
- Oil: A high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil is essential for searing the steak.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder are all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate
- Prep the Ingredients: Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Slice the onions and peppers into strips. Have your cheese ready.
- Sear the Steak: Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned.
- Cook the Vegetables: Remove the steak from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and peppers to the same pan and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine and Cheese: Add the steak back to the pan with the onions and peppers. Mix everything together. Create separate “piles” within the pan, and top each pile generously with provolone cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid or place it under the broiler (watching carefully!) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Slice the rolls open and scoop a generous portion of the steak, onions, peppers, and cheese into each roll.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade one-pan Philly cheesesteak while it’s hot and delicious!
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak
- Thinly Sliced Steak is Key: The thinner the steak, the more tender it will be. If you can’t find pre-sliced steak, partially freeze the steak before slicing it yourself.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents the steak from browning properly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Caramelize Those Vegetables: Taking the time to properly caramelize the onions and peppers adds depth of flavor.
- Use Quality Rolls: A good roll is essential for a great cheesesteak. Choose a roll that is soft but sturdy enough to hold all the filling.
- Get Creative with Toppings (Optional): While not traditional, you can add toppings like mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of cheese sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken Cheesesteak: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for the steak.
- Cheese Sauce Cheesesteak: Top with a creamy cheese sauce instead of provolone slices.
- Spicy Cheesesteak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeΓ±os for a kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the steak and vegetable mixture over a bed of lettuce instead of in a roll.
Conclusion
This one-pan Philly cheesesteak recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic street food favorite at home. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality cheesesteak that’s sure to impress. So ditch the multiple pans and get ready to savor the authentic flavor of a Philly cheesesteak, all in one pan!