Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Craving the iconic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak but short on time? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, thinly sliced steak, smothered in melted provolone cheese, and nestled amongst sautéed peppers and onions – all without the fuss of individual sandwiches! This one-pan wonder delivers all the classic flavors you love, straight from your skillet to your table in under 30 minutes.

The Philly Cheesesteak, a culinary icon born in the heart of Philadelphia, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Legend has it that a hot dog vendor, Pat Olivieri, decided to grill some beef on his stand and put it on an Italian roll. A cab driver noticed and suggested adding cheese, and thus, the Philly Cheesesteak was born! Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved comfort food, celebrated for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.

What makes a Philly Cheesesteak Skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet notes. The tender steak, caramelized onions, and peppers create a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the convenience of cooking everything in one skillet makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Philly Cheesesteak Skillet recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience the authentic flavors of Philadelphia in a whole new way!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:
• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved steak)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For Serving:
• Crusty rolls or hoagie rolls, toasted (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Steak and Vegetables:

1. Prep the Steak: If you didn’t buy pre-shaved steak, partially freeze the ribeye for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to slice thinly. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain into very thin pieces. The thinner, the better!
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelization adds a ton of flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Once cooked, combine the steak with the vegetables.
5. Combine and Set Aside: Stir everything together well. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm while you prepare the cheese sauce. You can also remove the steak and vegetable mixture from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl, then wipe out the skillet before making the cheese sauce. This prevents any sticking or burning.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux is the base of the cheese sauce and helps to thicken it. It should be smooth and golden.
3. Add the Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Cheeses: Stir in the provolone and mozzarella cheeses until they are melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
6. Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Skillet:

1. Combine Steak and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the steak and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the steak and vegetables are evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
2. Bake (Optional): For an extra melty and bubbly top, you can bake the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch.
3. Broil (Optional): Alternatively, you can broil the skillet for 1-2 minutes to brown the top. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
4. Serve: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Skillet hot, directly from the skillet. You can scoop it onto toasted crusty rolls or hoagie rolls for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience.
5. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Skillet:

• Use High-Quality Steak: The quality of the steak makes a big difference in the final flavor. Ribeye is the classic choice, but you can also use sirloin or chuck steak.
• Slice the Steak Thinly: Thinly sliced steak is key to a tender and authentic Philly cheesesteak. Partially freezing the steak makes it easier to slice.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that the steak sears properly and doesn’t steam.
• Use a Good Cheese Blend: Provolone and mozzarella are a classic combination for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like white American or cheddar.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the cheese sauce and steak mixture and add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture and the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.
• Customize Your Toppings: While onions and peppers are traditional, feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, jalapenos, or banana peppers.
• Toast the Rolls: Toasting the rolls will prevent them from getting soggy from the cheese sauce.
• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you plan to bake or broil the skillet, make sure you use an oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it. Burnt garlic can have a bitter taste.

Variations:

• Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or include some sliced jalapenos with the vegetables for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetables for a more earthy flavor.
• Pizza Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Add some pizza sauce and pepperoni to the skillet for a pizza-inspired twist.
• Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Substitute the steak with thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter option.
• Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Skillet without the rolls for a low-carb meal. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of french fries or onion rings.
• Serve with a simple salad.
• Serve with a side of coleslaw.
• Serve with a side of potato salad.
• Serve as an appetizer for a party or gathering.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Philly Cheesesteak Skillet is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that brings all the best parts of a classic cheesesteak right to your table, without the fuss of individual rolls. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving that authentic Philly taste but short on time, or simply looking for a fun and satisfying weeknight meal.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, using readily available ingredients, and delivers that iconic combination of tender steak, savory onions and peppers, and gooey, melted cheese that we all know and love. Forget spending a fortune at a restaurant; you can create a restaurant-quality Philly Cheesesteak Skillet in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes! Plus, the one-pan cleanup is a total game-changer. Trust me, your family (and your dishwasher) will thank you.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and serving suggestions.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Presentation: Serve it straight from the skillet with a side of crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping. This allows everyone to customize their own “cheesesteak bites.”
* Over Fries: Transform it into a loaded fries masterpiece! Pile the skillet mixture over a bed of crispy french fries and drizzle with extra cheese sauce for an indulgent treat.
* Stuffed Peppers: For a low-carb option, spoon the Philly Cheesesteak mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.
* Cheesesteak Salad: Toss the skillet mixture with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a hearty and flavorful salad.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet for an extra kick.
* Cheese Variations: While provolone is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a creamy cheese sauce.
* Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and peppers for an earthy twist.
* Pizza Topping: Spread the Philly Cheesesteak mixture over pizza dough and bake for a unique and delicious pizza topping.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or even a quick and satisfying lunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a Philly Cheesesteak Skillet that will knock your socks off! And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, and let’s spread the Philly Cheesesteak Skillet love! Happy cooking!