americanlunch

Authentic Philly Cheesesteak

Name: Authentic Philly Cheesesteak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 300 g ribeye or sirloin (thinly sliced); 2 hoagie rolls; 1 large bell pepper (sliced); 1 large onion (sliced); 120 g Cheez Whiz (or provolone); 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste

Thinly sliced steak with sautéed peppers and onions, topped with melted Cheez Whiz.

Prep

10 min

Cook

15 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

★★★★★

4.8(5,200 ratings)

#sandwich#steak#philadelphia#classic

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About This Recipe

Philadelphia's most iconic sandwich — thinly shaved beef steak cooked with peppers and onions, piled onto a crusty hoagie roll and smothered in melted cheese. Simple, addictive, and absolutely essential to American food culture.

Ingredients

Serves 2

300 gribeye or sirloin(thinly sliced)
2hoagie rolls
1 largebell pepper(sliced)
1 largeonion(sliced)
120 gCheez Whiz(or provolone)
2 tbspolive oil
salt and pepperto taste

Instructions

1
Sauté vegetables
Heat oil on griddle, cook peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelized, 8-10 minutes. Season and set aside.
2
Cook beef
On same griddle, cook steak over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no pink remains, 4-5 minutes.
3
Combine
Mix beef with peppers and onions. Top with Cheez Whiz, let melt.
4
Assemble
Divide between hoagie rolls. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

→
Partially freeze the meat — it slices thinner.
→
Don't overwork the meat — keep it in small pieces
→
Use a flat-top griddle for authentic flavor

Variations

•
Use provolone instead of Cheez Whiz for a gourmet version.
•
Add pepperoni or mushrooms for extra flavor.
•
Make it with chicken for a lighter version.
•
Use rib eye for extra tenderness.

Storage

Best eaten fresh.

History & Origin

The Philly Cheesesteak was invented in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia who decided to add sliced meat to his hot dog roll. Topped with cheese in the 1940s, it became synonymous with Philadelphia and remains an iconic American sandwich recognized worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Cheez Whiz and provolone on a Philly cheesesteak?

Cheez Whiz is traditional and authentic, creating a smooth, thin sauce, while provolone is sliced and provides a more pronounced cheese flavor. Cheez Whiz is what you'd get at Pat's or Geno's.

Should I freeze the meat before slicing?

Yes, partially freezing the meat (30-45 minutes) makes it much easier to slice thin. You want thin, uniform pieces for proper cooking and texture.

Is it okay to use pre-sliced sandwich meat?

Not traditionally — authentic Philly cheesesteaks use freshly sliced steak from a solid cut. The grinding and cooking process matters for texture and taste.

What's the best way to eat a Philly cheesesteak?

In Philadelphia tradition, you eat it with your hands straight from the paper wrapper. Get it as fresh as possible from the window — it's best when served immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (400g / 14.1 oz) · 2 servings total

Calories580kcal

Protein42g

Carbohydrates48g

Fat24g

Fiber2g

Protein42g

Carbs48g

Fat24g

Time Summary

Prep time10 min

Cook time15 min

Total time25 min

Have Questions?

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Community

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Instructions

Sauté vegetables

Heat oil on griddle, cook peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelized, 8-10 minutes. Season and set aside.

Cook beef

On same griddle, cook steak over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no pink remains, 4-5 minutes.

Combine

Mix beef with peppers and onions. Top with Cheez Whiz, let melt.

Assemble

Divide between hoagie rolls. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Cheez Whiz and provolone on a Philly cheesesteak?

Cheez Whiz is traditional and authentic, creating a smooth, thin sauce, while provolone is sliced and provides a more pronounced cheese flavor. Cheez Whiz is what you'd get at Pat's or Geno's.

Should I freeze the meat before slicing?

Yes, partially freezing the meat (30-45 minutes) makes it much easier to slice thin. You want thin, uniform pieces for proper cooking and texture.

Is it okay to use pre-sliced sandwich meat?

Not traditionally — authentic Philly cheesesteaks use freshly sliced steak from a solid cut. The grinding and cooking process matters for texture and taste.

What's the best way to eat a Philly cheesesteak?

In Philadelphia tradition, you eat it with your hands straight from the paper wrapper. Get it as fresh as possible from the window — it's best when served immediately.