Introduction
Craving a classic Philly Cheesesteak? This recipe delivers the authentic flavor you’re looking for, featuring thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and the crucial cheese choice: a delicious blend of provolone and American cheese. While purists often debate the best cheese, this combination provides the perfect balance of sharp, nutty provolone with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of American. Get ready to experience cheesesteak heaven!
The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs Ribeye Steak, thinly sliced (partially frozen meat is easier to slice)
- 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
- 4 Hoagie Rolls
- 6 slices Provolone Cheese
- 6 slices American Cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Optional: Your favorite steak sauce or hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Add the thinly sliced ribeye to the same skillet or griddle. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Cheese: Create four separate piles of steak in the skillet. Top each pile with 1.5 slices of provolone and 1.5 slices of American cheese. Allow the cheese to melt, about 1-2 minutes. You can optionally add a splash of water and cover the pan to help the cheese melt faster.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Once the cheese is melted, carefully scoop up each cheesesteak pile with a spatula and place it into a hoagie roll. Top with the caramelized onions.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak! Offer steak sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick.
Tips for Cheesesteak Perfection
- Thinly Sliced Steak is Key: Getting the steak sliced thin is crucial. Ask your butcher to do it for you, or partially freeze the steak for easier slicing at home.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steak in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it.
- Cheese Choice Matters: While this recipe uses a blend of provolone and American, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like whiz or mozzarella. However, provolone and American offer a fantastic balance.
- The Roll is Important: Use good quality hoagie rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
- Customize Your Toppings: While onions are traditional, feel free to add other toppings like peppers, mushrooms, or even a spicy relish.
Variations on the Classic
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steak while cooking, or mix a spoonful of hot sauce into the caramelized onions for an extra kick.
Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak
Sautรฉ sliced mushrooms along with the onions for a flavorful variation.
Pepper Philly Cheesesteak
Add sliced bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) to the skillet along with the onions.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak recipe with provolone and American cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender, thinly sliced ribeye, sweet caramelized onions, and the perfect cheese blend creates a truly unforgettable sandwich. So grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the taste of Philadelphia in your own kitchen! Enjoy!