Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 and 1/2 pounds ribeye steak (sliced VERY thin by the butcher)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (for the steak; use 1 tsp if using table salt)
Onions
- 2 large onions (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (for the onions; use 1.5 tsp if using table salt)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the onions)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (light olive oil preferred)
Mushrooms and Bell Pepper (Optional)
- 16 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for mushrooms; use 0.5 tsp if using table salt)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced and halved)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for bell pepper; use 0.25 tsp if using table salt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more as needed)
Cheese and Bread
- 8 ounces smoked provolone cheese (about 8 slices)
- 6 hoagie buns
Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter (very soft)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
Optional Condiments
- Mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Choose your steak: Find a high-quality ribeye steak, about 1.5 pounds, well marbled with fat for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Slice the steak very thin: Ask your butcher to slice the raw ribeye steak very thin against the grain or freeze the steak for 1 hour and then slice at home as thinly as possible with a sharp knife.
- Season the steak: Sprinkle the sliced steak with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt) and set aside to rest so the salt absorbs.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons light olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped onions, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, black pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet. Remove onions and set aside.
- Prepare mushrooms and bell peppers (optional): Slice mushrooms and green bell pepper. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté mushrooms with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons butter for about 4 minutes.
- Add bell peppers: Add sliced bell peppers to mushrooms, season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and cook another 6-8 minutes until mushrooms are browned and peppers are softened but still vibrant. Remove mixture and keep warm with onions.
- Preheat oven and prepare rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare garlic butter by mixing 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic. Slice hoagie buns almost through lengthwise and spread inside with garlic butter. Place buns butter side up on a sheet pan and bake for about 10 minutes until warm and edges slightly crisp.
- Cook the steak in batches: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add steak slices in batches (do not overcrowd) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove cooked steak, let rest 3 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Combine steak with vegetables: Return all chopped steak to the pan, set over low heat, add caramelized onions and mushroom-pepper mixture if using, and stir together.
- Melt cheese: Top the steak and vegetable mixture with 8 slices of smoked provolone cheese. Cover the pan and let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Assemble sandwiches: Optionally spread mayonnaise on toasted hoagie buns. Scoop the hot steak, onion, vegetable, and melted cheese mixture into each bun. Serve immediately and enjoy.
- Storage: Store leftover meat mixture separately from buns. Reheat meat gently before serving, and add cheese after reheating. The meat mixture can also be frozen before adding cheese for up to 3-5 months.
Notes
- For best results, use ribeye steak that is well marbled for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Ask your butcher to slice the steak very thin against the grain; this is key for authentic Philly cheesesteak texture.
- If slicing at home, partially freeze the steak for about 1 hour to make slicing easier and thinner.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is essential to develop their natural sweetness.
- Mushrooms and bell peppers are optional but add wonderful flavor and texture.
- Garlic butter toasted hoagie rolls enhance the sandwich with a buttery crispness.
- Cook the steak in batches to ensure proper searing and browning, avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Leftover steak mixture can be frozen before adding cheese; thaw and reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American