The Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Let’s not waste time. You’re here for the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak recipe, and you’ve just found it.
We’re talking tender, thinly sliced Ribeye steak, sweet caramelized onions, crisp-tender bell peppers, and melted provolone cheese — all stuffed inside warm, buttery garlic-toasted hoagie rolls. Oh yes, we’re leveling up the classic with our signature homemade seasoning blend and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to make it unforgettable.
Whether you’re craving a comfort-food lunch, dinner, or party hero, this recipe delivers BIG.
Why This Philly Cheesesteak Wins
We don’t mess around with sandwiches. The Philly Cheesesteak is iconic for a reason, and ours stays true to tradition while adding that chef-driven edge.
Here’s what sets ours apart:
- Garlicky, Buttery Toasted Hoagies – Think garlic bread, but sandwich-style. It locks in all those juices.
- Paper-Thin Ribeye – The steak melts in your mouth. Pro tip? Freeze it first for easier slicing.
- Perfectly Cooked Peppers & Onions – Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of bite.
- Melted Provolone – Traditional and irresistibly gooey.
- Seasoned to Perfection – Our homemade blend adds that extra layer of crave-worthy flavor.
Let’s break it all down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. Ribeye steak (or sirloin, flank, or strip)
- 4 hoagie rolls (8-9 inches long)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Homemade Seasoning Blend:
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder

Pro Chef Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak
1. Freeze Your Steak First
Pop your steak in the freezer for 30-40 minutes. Slightly frozen meat is easier to slice paper-thin, which is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Use a Meat Tenderizer
After slicing, gently pound the steak with a tenderizer. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Toast Your Rolls in Garlic Butter
Combine softened butter and minced garlic. Spread it generously on the inside of the hoagies, then toast in a cast iron skillet until golden.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet
When cooking your steak, give it room. Cook in batches if needed to get that golden-brown sear.
5. Melting the Cheese
Add cheese slices directly on the meat mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil to trap the steam and melt it evenly.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Steak
Freeze your steak 30-40 minutes.
Slice against the grain as thinly as possible.
Pound slices with a meat tenderizer until paper thin.
Prepare Garlic Butter Rolls
Mix softened butter with garlic.
Slice hoagie rolls 3/4 through and spread with garlic butter.
Toast cut-side-down in a hot skillet until golden.
Cook Peppers and Onions
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet.
Add onions, cook 3 mins.
Add peppers, cook another 6-7 mins. Remove and set aside.
Cook Steak
Add 1 tbsp olive oil to same skillet.
Spread steak in an even layer.
Add Worcestershire sauce. Season and toss.
Cook until browned, 4-5 mins.
Combine and Add Cheese
Return onions and peppers to skillet.
Divide into 4 piles. Top each with 2 slices of provolone.
Let cheese melt, cover if needed.
Assemble Sandwiches
Use a wide spatula to lift cheesy meat onto each toasted roll.
Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions
Pair these sandwiches with any of the following sides:
- French Fries
- Potato Wedges
- Onion Rings
- Macaroni Salad
- Potato Salad
- Chips
And for drinks? Go classic with an ice-cold cola, or spice things up with a chili mango margarita.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the meat, peppers, and onions mixture (without cheese) for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw in fridge, then warm in a skillet. Add cheese before serving.
Alternative Ingredient Ideas
- Cheese: Cheez Whiz (classic!), American, White cheddar, or Pepper Jack
- Peppers: Red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor
- Meat: Ground beef for a budget version, chicken or turkey for leaner options
- Mushrooms: Add when cooking onions for an umami upgrade

Tools You’ll Need
- Meat Tenderizer
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle
- Wide Spatula
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Serrated Bread Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
(See full list above under “Ingredients You’ll Need”)

Instructions
- Freeze steak 30-40 mins. Slice thinly and pound flat.
- Mix butter and garlic, toast hoagie rolls.
- Sauté onions and peppers, set aside.
- Cook steak, add Worcestershire, season.
- Return veggies to skillet, divide into 4, top with cheese.
- Assemble sandwiches and serve hot.
FAQs
What kind of steak is best for Philly Cheesesteak?
Ribeye is the traditional choice for its flavor and tenderness, but sirloin, strip, or flank steak work too.
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak ahead of time?
Yes, prep the meat and veggie mixture and refrigerate. Add cheese and assemble just before serving.
What is the original cheese used in Philly Cheesesteaks?
Cheez Whiz is classic, but provolone and American cheese are also widely accepted.
References
- Visit Philadelphia: Philly Cheesesteak Guide
- Serious Eats: The Best Cheesesteak Recipe
- Bon Appétit: Cheesesteak Do’s and Don’ts
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