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Philly Cheesesteak Recipe (VIDEO)

Philly Cheesesteak with tender ribeye steak, melted gooey provolone, and caramelized onions hugged by a toasted garlic butter hoagie roll. This is the classic way to make a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich!

We love re-creating restaurant-quality sandwiches like French Dip and Burgers! This Cheesesteak recipe is easier than you think. Watch the video tutorial below and you’ll know why everyone is talking about it.

Philly cheesesteak sandwich served in a bun with fries and ketchup

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What is a Philly Cheesesteak?

Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made with super thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and provolone cheese. That simple combination is the original classic as made popular on the East Coast. The Philly Cheesesteak has been modified on the West Coast to include bell peppers and mushrooms but a true “Philly” only has steak, onion and cheese served over a roll.

Ingredients for philly cheesesteak sandwich including ribeye steak, hoagie rolls, provolone cheese, onion, mayo, garlic butter

Which Cut of Beef Should I Use?

Ribeye is the steak of choice for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. It is well-marbled and tender when cooked. Another cut that we have used with great results is flank steak which is lean but very tender when cut against the grain. You will need a little extra oil on your cooking surface if using flank steak.

The Best Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak:

The most popular cheese is mild provolone. We have tested a variety of provolone brands and the only one we didn’t enjoy was “aged” provolone from Costco. The flavor of aged provolone cheese was overpowering. Another popular option is white American cheese. Some restaurants in Philadelphia add a Velveeta-like cheese but we like provolone best.

Philly cheesesteak sandwich with melted provolone cheese

Pro-Tips for Thinly Slicing Beef:

The key to a great cheesesteak is super thinly sliced pieces of beef. For easier slicing, cover and freeze your steak for 30-40 minutes (freeze a thicker steak for 40 minutes and a thinner steak for 30 minutes). Cut away any excess fat and silver skin (if present) then use a sharp knife to thinly slice against the grain. Watch Natasha demonstrate this in the video tutorial below.

Time Saving Tip: Ask your butcher to super thinly slice your beef. If you pre-plan this, they could place the steak in the freezer while you do your shopping to achieve those paper-thin slices.

How to thinly slice beef for Philly cheesesteak

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak:

This is one of our easiest sandwich recipes with quick prep and even faster cooking. It is a 30-minute meal. You can cook this on the stove-top, flat cooktop or griddle.

  1. Butter hoagie rolls, dice onion and thinly slice beef
  2. Sautee onions and remove
  3. Sautee beef until cooked through and add back onions
  4. Divide into 4 portions, top each with 2 slices cheese
  5. Cover with buns and scrape into buns with a spatula

Step by step instructions how to make Philly cheesesteak sandwiches

Creative Ways to Serve Philly Cheesesteak:

If you’re craving that beefy cheesy filling and want to skip the bun, there are so many fun ways to serve this mix including some fantastic keto (low carb) Philly Cheese Steak ideas!

  • Over Cooked Pasta or stuffed into Shell Pasta
  • Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
  • (Low Carb) Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • (Low Carb) Stuffed into Portobello Mushrooms

How to serve philly cheesesteak sandwiches on a hoagie roll

More Top-Rated Sandwich Recipes:

Watch Natasha Make Philly Cheesesteak:


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Philly Cheesesteak

4.97 from 703 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Philly cheesesteak served on hoagie roll with fries and ketchup
Philly Cheesesteak with tender ribeye steak, melted gooey provolone, and caramelized onions hugged by a toasted garlic butter hoagie roll.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people
  • 1 lb Ribeye steak, trimmed and thinly sliced*
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 sweet onion, (large), diced
  • 8 slices provolone cheese, mild (not aged provolone)
  • 4 Hoagie Rolls, sliced 3/4 through
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 2-4 Tbsp mayonnaise, or to taste

Instructions

  • Slice hoagie rolls 3/4 of the way through with a serrated knife. Dice onions and thinly slice beef.*
  • In a small bowl, stir together 2 Tbsp softened butter with 1 pressed garlic clove. Spread garlic butter onto the cut sides of 4 hoagie roll. Toast the buns on a large skillet, flat cooktop or griddle on medium heat until golden brown then set aside.
  • Add 1 Tbsp oil to your pan/cooktop and sautee diced onions until caramelized then transfer to a bowl.
  • Increase to high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Spread the super thinly sliced steak in an even layer. Let brown for a couple of minutes undisturbed then flip and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sautee until steak is fully cooked through then stir in the caramelized onions.
  • Divide into 4 even portions and top each with 2 slices of cheese and turn off the heat so the cheese will melt without overcooking the meat.
  • Spread a thin layer of mayo on the toasted side of each roll. Working with one portion at a time, place a toasted bun over each portion and use a spatula to scrape the cheesy beef into your bun as you flip it over. Serve warm.

Notes

*For easier slicing, cover and freeze your steak for 30-40 minutes (freeze a thicker steak 40 min and a thinner steak 30 min).

Nutrition Per Serving

732kcal Calories40g Carbs43g Protein44g Fat21g Saturated Fat126mg Cholesterol1184mg Sodium480mg Potassium2g Fiber9g Sugar687IU Vitamin A4mg Vitamin C454mg Calcium13mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Philly Cheesesteak
Amount per Serving
Calories
732
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
44
g
68
%
Saturated Fat
 
21
g
131
%
Cholesterol
 
126
mg
42
%
Sodium
 
1184
mg
51
%
Potassium
 
480
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
40
g
13
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Protein
 
43
g
86
%
Vitamin A
 
687
IU
14
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
454
mg
45
%
Iron
 
13
mg
72
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: philly cheesesteak
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 732
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

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4.97 from 703 votes (509 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • STM
    February 26, 2024

    Looks great! Making this tonight. However no one from Philly would ever put mayo on a Philly Cheesesteak. NEVER.

    Reply

  • Tara
    February 13, 2024

    This is now my go-to recipe for Philly cheesesteak! I’ve made it twice now and both times it was a hit with my family. Followed the instructions as written initially, and the next time I decided to go rogue and used half provolone and half mozzarella. Added some garlic powder to the steaks and sautéed bell peppers with the onions. SO GOOD! Thank you, Natasha!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 13, 2024

      You’re very welcome, Tara! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Raphael Sabbatini
    February 8, 2024

    I don’t care for Provolone – even though I’m Italian, go figure – so in mine I typically use mozzarella or even ricotta instead. Still a great sandwich. I was mainy looking for a recipe that showed HOW to make these and this one is perfect, easy to follow and well explained.. Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 8, 2024

      I’m glad you found this recipe!

      Reply

  • WhoCaresWhoIAm
    January 28, 2024

    Excellent recipe, followed the instructions. Result: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich Perfection !

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 28, 2024

      Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Robert H.
    January 7, 2024

    Another simple & great recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen!
    I used two helpful tricks for the recipe. 1-Tear the cheese into small chunks, before placing them evenly over the top of the divided servings. Then, cover the pan and the cheese will melt quicker.

    2-Wrap each filled roll tightly in foil before serving. If not serving immediately, place them in a 200 F, preheated oven. Doing this, keeps each sandwich hot and moist — especially during the stuffing procedure.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2024

      Thank you for your comments and tips, Robert. That was helpful and we appreciate it!

      Reply

  • John O.
    January 4, 2024

    I couldn’t ever seem to get mine to turn out right. Followed your instructions (except I added Larry’s Seasoned Salt to the beef) tonight. It turned out perfectly! Thank you for finally showing me the way!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 4, 2024

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it and it worked out, John!

      Reply

  • Laurie Bellino
    December 10, 2023

    Followed exactly and tasted delicious! Will make again. Thanks.

    Reply

  • Virginia A Niebler
    December 10, 2023

    Love, Love, Love, – this is one of the best recipes I’ve made in a long time. My husband had two sandwiches he loved it so much. I used rib eye – super flavorful and tender. Run don’t walk to make this – AND, very easy!!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 10, 2023

      Thank you for the wonderful feedback!

      Reply

  • Neil
    November 29, 2023

    I add a slice each of red, orange and yellow bellpepper thinly chopped in halfway sauteed onions. They peek through like little gems, and add to the flavor.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 29, 2023

      Sounds delicious!

      Reply

  • Hannah
    November 13, 2023

    Is it possible to substitute porterhouse steaks for ribeye? Trying to use our freezer meat but this recipe looks so good!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2023

      Hi Hannah, ribeye is the best. I haven’t tested that yet but I imagine that will work fine too!

      Reply

    • Ray
      January 16, 2024

      You should be able to use virtually any steak for this. I recently made a cheesesteak similar to this, but I used leftover cooked T-bone from last night’s dinner. Carved off the leftovers from the bone and refrigerated it overnight, then thinly sliced it the next morning. Instead of removing the sauteed onions I tossed the sliced cooked beef back in and stir fried a bit to make sure everything was hot, then proceeded with the cheese. Came out great!

      Reply

  • Giovanna
    November 3, 2023

    I love this recipe! Thanks for sharing! I have made quite a few of your recipes and they are always a hit! 😋

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 3, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that, Giovanna!

      Reply

  • Joan
    November 1, 2023

    I’ve lived in Philly my entire life. This is a terrific recipe. Please don’t faint when I tell you that most Philadelphians put a dab of ketchup or tomato sauce on their sandwiches!!! No peppers or mushrooms.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 1, 2023

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Joan!

      Reply

  • Peggy
    October 15, 2023

    Soooo many recipes rely on garlic to season, seems like garlic is added to everything 😰😰 however I’m allergic and would like to know what I could substitute to add some flavour?
    Thank you 🙏

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 15, 2023

      Hi Peggy, I haven’t tried any substitution. Feel free to lessen it that should be fine.

      Reply

    • marge
      October 23, 2023

      Peggy, according to the NY Allergy & Sinus Center, these are alternatives you can use instead of garlic:
      Cumin
      Indian Curry
      Fennel
      Oregano
      Chili Pepper
      Basil
      Paprika
      Asafetida (an herb of the carrot family)

      I hope this helps & you can enjoy foods without worrying about garlic. I understand your concerns, as I have a son who’s allergic to fish & seafoods. He can’t eat anything that lives in water, basically, & we need to be SO careful when eating out, as even cooking fish NEAR his food causes allergic reactions

      Reply

    • Jacob
      October 30, 2023

      Just don’t add garlic? It doesn’t need garlic its just to add the extra flavor because most people love it.

      Reply

    • Jenn
      December 9, 2023

      Garlic is not traditional to a Philly cheesesteak so just leave it out.

      Reply

  • Angie
    October 13, 2023

    Making this tomorrow when we host some friends for dinner! Can’t wait to try it based on all these awesome reviews!! What can I used instead of the bouillon cube? One of our guests has a yeast allergy. Can bone broth be used instead? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 13, 2023

      Hi Angie. There is no bouillon in this. Are you thinking of another recipe perhaps?

      Reply

  • Alex Radionow
    October 13, 2023

    Why the unnecessary Gross Mayo ?
    I hate mayo.
    But I love the missing Bell Peppers !!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 13, 2023

      Hi Alex, You can leave it off if you prefer. We like the addition of mayo.

      Reply

    • Dan
      January 11, 2024

      I don’t care for mayo either but it really does give it that extra something. It’s such a thin layer with the cheese you won’t even taste it.

      Reply

  • Stephanie R
    September 30, 2023

    This is a awesome recipe and I make it at least once a week. The only thing I add to mine is a couple shakes of steak spice and perfection😃 oh and lots of cheese.. Melty goodness in a bun.
    I also gave this recipe to family members who also enjoy it. Quick and easy an that’s for sure.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 30, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Stephanie! I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe.

      Reply

  • Sherry
    September 18, 2023

    Thank you for another fabulous recipe! We made these last night and they were delicious! Great food while watching football. These will be going on a regular rotation! Looking forward to your cookbook.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 18, 2023

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Sherry!

      Reply

  • Martin
    September 15, 2023

    Awesome recipe, made it exactly as published and it was restaurant quality! I used a carbon steel pan on the stovetop to get that delicious char on the first side.

    I’m blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest and there are many Asian markets in the area that readily sell pre-sliced, super thin beef for hotpot and was perfect to use for this cheesesteak recipe! 😄

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 15, 2023

      That’s wonderful. So glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Eboney Davis
    September 12, 2023

    Hi Natasha, I love watching you cook, and your food always looks amazing, I will be making these soon.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 12, 2023

      Thank you, Ebony! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes.

      Reply

  • Ed
    September 10, 2023

    Absolutely delicious! So simple and quick. I zap the leftovers in the microwave for lunch. I might wander off the path and add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the onions. I know that’s not a traditional Philly but who cares.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 10, 2023

      Sounds good, feel try to add some according to your preference. The recipe is so versatile so enjoy!

      Reply

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