There’s nothing quite like steak and cheese in a big, hearty sandwich! A good Philly cheesesteak is made with fork-tender beef, rich melted cheese and toasted hoagie buns. The best cheese for cheesesteak is provolone, but if you don’t have any you can swap in creamy mozzarella. A bun swap is okay, too, but try to get hoagie buns if you can. The best Philly cheesesteaks are even more perfect with this classic sandwich bun.
Prepping this classic sandwich is a cinch. Try it on weeknights, leisurely weekends or game days — it’s delicious no matter when you have it!
What’s our secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak?
Tender, slow-cooked beef, lots of melty cheese and a perfectly toasted hoagie bun. If you have those three elements in your Philly cheesesteak, you’ll make an all-star sandwich.
If you’re not using a slow cooker, use ribeye, sirloin or flank steak. You'll want to cut the steaks very thin on the bias, against the grain, for the most tender slices.
For extra flavor, add jalapeños or use jalapeño-cheddar cheese in place of the provolone.
More tips for a best-ever Philly Cheesesteak: don’t skimp on the cheese and if you’re cooking for a crowd — say for a big watch party or dinner for your extended family — double the recipe!
What gives Philly Cheesesteak its flavor?
In our easy Philly Cheesesteak recipe, we use bell peppers, garlic- pepper, onions, and beef bouillon to infuse the meat with flavor. When the meat comes out of the slow cooker, it is fork-tender and packed with savory flavor.
How should I store Philly Cheesesteak?
To store in the refrigerator:
Cover and refrigerate any leftover beef and vegetable mixture, with cooking juices, for up to 3 days.
The beef and vegetable mixture, with cooking juices, can be kept frozen for 2 to 3 months. Cool completely in the refrigerator before freezing, then place individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Allow 1/4- to 1/2-inch headspace for expansion as the mixture freezes.
To thaw:
Place the beef and vegetable mixture in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or microwave the mixture on the defrost setting. Use within one day of thawing.
To reheat:
Place refrigerated or frozen, thawed beef mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming, or reheat in the microwave.
More About This Recipe
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The slow cooker makes this Philly cheesesteak recipe extra easy, and the hearty, flavorful sandwiches are guaranteed to please the whole family. Try them for an easy weeknight meal, a special weekend treat or a game day special!
Craving even more Philly cheesesteak meals? Try our Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Rolls and our Sheet-Pan Philly Cheesesteaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
- Prep Time 25 min
- Total 8 hr 25 min
- Ingredients 10
- Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 lb. boneless beef round steak (1 inch thick), trimmed of fat, cut into 1x1/4-inch strips
- 2 teaspoons garlic-pepper blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into rings
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon beef-flavor instant bouillon
- 4 hoagie buns, split
- 4 (1-oz.) slices provolone cheese, halved
Instructions
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Step1In medium bowl, combine butter and onions; mix to coat. Sprinkle beef with garlic-pepper blend and salt.
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Step2In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, layer half of the onions, all of the beef and the bell pepper. Top with remaining half of onions. In measuring cup, combine water and bouillon; stir until dissolved. Pour over mixture in slow cooker.
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Step3Cover; cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
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Step4About 10 minutes before serving, place bun halves, cut side up, on ungreased cookie sheet. With slotted spoon, place beef mixture on bottom halves of buns. Top each with 2 pieces of cheese. Broil 2 to 3 inches from heat until cheese is melted and top halves of buns are toasted. Place top halves over cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories
- 425
- Calories from Fat
- 155
- Total Fat
- 17g
- 26%
- Saturated Fat
- 7g
- 35%
- Cholesterol
- 85mg
- 28%
- Sodium
- 1240mg
- 52%
- Total Carbohydrate
- 35g
- 12%
- Dietary Fiber
- 3g
- 12%
- Sugars
- 5g
- Protein
- 36g
% Daily Value*:
- Vitamin A
- 12%
- 12%
- Vitamin C
- 32%
- 32%
- Calcium
- 28%
- 28%
- Iron
- 22%
- 22%
Exchanges:
2 Starch; 2 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Vegetable; 4 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat;Tips from the
Pillsbury Kitchens