The Perfect Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone

There's no sandwich quite as iconic as the Philadelphia Cheesesteak. Melted provolone, tender strips of beef, and sautéed onions tucked into a crusty roll — it's the very essence of sandwich nirvana. In this guide, we're diving into how you can make the most authentic, drool-worthy Philly Cheesesteak right in your kitchen using ingredients easily found at your local grocery store. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey to the heart of Philly!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (Tip: Ask your butcher for the thinnest cut or pop your meat in the freezer for about an hour to make slicing easier.)

• 1 medium-sized white onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter

• 4 slices of provolone cheese

• 1 soft hoagie roll or baguette, sliced open but still attached on one side

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: bell peppers or mushrooms, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing your meat. If you've not had your ribeye thinly sliced by the butcher, place it in the freezer for an hour. This will firm it up and make slicing a breeze. Once chilled, slice it as thinly as possible using a sharp knife.

2. Sauté Onions (and Veggies): In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions. If you're including bell peppers or mushrooms, add them now. Sauté until they're soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Cook the Ribeye: Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the skillet. Increase the heat to high and add the thinly sliced ribeye to the empty side of the pan. Let it cook without stirring for about a minute, so it gets a nice sear. Then, stir occasionally until fully cooked, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Mix the meat with the onions.

4. Cheese Time: Lay the slices of provolone over the meat and onions. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil for about 1-2 minutes, until the cheese has fully melted.

5. Assemble the Sandwich: Take your hoagie roll and open it up. Using a spatula, slide the meat, melted cheese, and onion mixture onto the roll. Press it slightly to ensure everything melds together.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Your Philadelphia Cheesesteak with Provolone is now ready! Serve immediately and enjoy this classic taste of Philly in the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect Philadelphia Cheesesteak is simpler than you might think, and the results are oh-so-rewarding. Whether you're a native Philadelphian or a curious foodie, this sandwich will surely satisfy your cravings. Stay tuned for our next sandwich exploration, and in the meantime, keep on cooking!