Introduction
Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but don’t want to break the bank? These oven-baked Philly Cheesesteak sliders are the perfect solution! They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings. This budget-friendly recipe is ideal for game day gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or even a fun family lunch. Get ready to enjoy the classic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak in convenient, shareable slider form, all without draining your wallet.
Making Budget-Friendly Oven-Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe focuses on affordability without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls or any mini slider buns work great. Look for sales!
- Shaved Steak: Pre-shaved steak can be pricier. Instead, buy a flank steak or sirloin and thinly slice it yourself. Freeze it slightly for easier slicing.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions are both excellent and inexpensive.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a classic Philly Cheesesteak flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: A must for that cheesy goodness. Consider using mozzarella if it’s on sale; it’s a good substitute.
- Olive Oil: A little drizzle for sautéing.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all you need!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the shaved steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per batch. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables: Add the sautéed onions and peppers back to the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish.
- Layer with Cheese: Spread a generous amount of the steak and vegetable mixture onto the bottom buns. Top with provolone cheese slices, ensuring each slider is covered.
- Bake: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Slice the sliders and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, budget-friendly Philly Cheesesteak sliders!
Tips for Saving Money
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase steak and cheese in larger quantities when they’re on sale, then freeze portions for later use.
- DIY Seasoning Blends: Make your own garlic powder and onion powder from dried herbs to save money on pre-made blends.
- Substitute Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to substitute cheaper cheese options like mozzarella or even cheddar if they are on sale.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with sliced mushrooms for a delicious and affordable vegetarian version.
Variations and Add-ins
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steak and vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Sauce: For an extra cheesy experience, drizzle with a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce after baking.
- Different Toppings: Experiment with other toppings like sliced banana peppers, jalapenos, or sauteed mushrooms.
Conclusion
These oven-baked Philly Cheesesteak sliders prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a classic, comforting meal. This budget-friendly recipe is easy to customize, perfect for a crowd, and delivers authentic Philly Cheesesteak flavor in every bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best (and most affordable!) Philly Cheesesteak sliders you’ve ever had!
