philly cheese steak with mushrooms and onions budget friendly recipe

Introduction

Craving a classic Philly cheesesteak but watching your wallet? You’re in the right place! This recipe delivers all the savory satisfaction of a traditional Philly cheesesteak, amped up with earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions, all without breaking the bank. We’ll show you how to make a delicious, budget-friendly version right in your own kitchen.

Making Your Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak

Choosing Affordable Ingredients

The key to keeping this recipe affordable is smart ingredient choices:

• Steak: Opt for thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak. These are often more economical than ribeye. Ask your butcher to slice it thin, or partially freeze the steak and slice it yourself.
• Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but consider using white American cheese or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a cheaper alternative.
• Rolls: Look for hoagie rolls at your local bakery or grocery store. Day-old rolls are often discounted and work great after a quick toast.
• Mushrooms & Onions: Use cremini or white button mushrooms, which are usually the most affordable. Yellow onions are generally cheaper than white or red onions.

The Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your delicious and affordable Philly cheesesteak:

1. Prep the Onions and Mushrooms: Thinly slice the onions and mushrooms.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are softened and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. This low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Once the onions are caramelized, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they are softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the onion and mushroom mixture from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Steak: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine and Cheese It Up: Add the cooked onions and mushrooms back to the skillet with the steak. Distribute the mixture evenly. Place slices of cheese over the steak, onions, and mushrooms. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Assemble the Cheesesteak: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Use a spatula to scoop a portion of the steak, onion, mushroom, and cheese mixture into each roll.
7. Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade, budget-friendly Philly cheesesteak.

Tips for Saving Money

• Buy in Bulk: If you plan on making cheesesteaks frequently, consider buying steak and cheese in bulk when it’s on sale.
• Use Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover steak or cooked mushrooms and onions.
• Make Your Own Rolls: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own hoagie rolls!

Conclusion

With a few smart ingredient choices and this easy recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms and onions without emptying your wallet. This budget-friendly version is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. Enjoy!