Only 7 ingredients stand between you and these easy Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches! With 10,000+ views each month, this popular steak sandwich rocks! Ready in 30 minutes or less, my family goes nuts every time they see shaved steak on the menu!
One reader said: “This recipe is so good and so yummy! A family favorite for sure! With our busy teenagers I end up making this about once every 3-4 weeks and now have their friends requesting it! I actually use the carne from Aldi and it works perfectly! I too do onion and whatever color bell pepper, add a bit of garlic just because! Thanks for sharing it and making our lives easier!” ~ Ericka
Saved over 25,000 times it’s not only our family favorite recipe, but many others as well, just check out all of the comments. The combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese is unstoppable.
I’ll show you how to shave your own steak, but buying shaved steak is my go-to for getting dinner on the table FAST! This newer cut is available at most grocery stores. The key is cooking it quickly in a hot skillet for tender beef with crispy edges.
You can easily adapt this recipe to your family’s taste. Love mushrooms, peppers, or garlic? Add them in! You’ll thank me – you are welcome!
Have you ever cooked with shaved steak? It’s my new favorite! Check out the best Shaved Steak recipes here! And try my brand new Blackstone Philly Cheesesteaks.
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
This has been a year for comfort food for me! Even in the heat of summer, I enjoy the warm, tasty, rich, and savory sandwich, with juices dripping down my chin, stringy cheese bite after bite. My kind of meal!
I made these tonight for my family of 5. I’ve never made cheesesteaks at home before. They were an absolute HIT! I was a bit worried about the amount of Worcestershire sauce, but once it mixed with the meat, veggies and the juices, it was quite delicious! This will definitely become a regular in our rotation of meals!!
KMazz
This is the BEST Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
According to Philadelphians, you simply cannot make an authentic Philadelphia Cheese Steak sandwich without an authentic Philadelphia roll. The rolls must be long and thin, not fluffy or soft, but not too hard. They also say, anything more than an hour from South Philly is not an authentic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Source
So, no, this recipe is not authentic, which is I’m calling it simply, the BEST shaved steak sandwich, or the “stop worrying about what it’s called and just make it steak sandwich”!
I’ve been making this homemade Philly cheesesteak recipe on repeat for years, the original recipe is from my dear, creative friend, Norine from Norine’s Nest, she is a fabulous cook, and she’s sooo funny!
This shaved beef sandwich is a huge hit in our house, when my family spies shaved beef thawing they KNOW that goodness is happening for dinner!
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich Ingredients
- Beef | Shaved beef, shaved steak or thinly sliced cube, round steak, even flank steak or skirt steak will work. Most grocery stores now carry this cut of beef, try and get the shaved ribeye, it’s the best!
- Butter | Don’t knock it, it adds a ton of flavor!
- Caramelized onions | Wit or Wit Out? You need these drool worthy onions in your best cheesesteak recipe
- Seasoning salt | Adds complex flavor, easily!
- Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins is Gluten free)
- Hot sauce | Optional, serve with a side of hot sauce!
- Cheese | Use your family favorite, Provolone (our favorite), White American cheese, Cheddar or traditional Cheez Whiz.
- Toasted sub rolls | You want to toast your rolls!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Best Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak
White American cheese; tourists ask for Cheez Whiz, but provolone and Pepper Jack is also a welcome substitution.
Best Meat for Philly Cheesesteak
Shaved ribeye steak; this is a must, you can ask your butcher for this cut, but it’s readily available now at stores like Kroger, Trader Joe’s and Target.
Norine uses cube steak, the first time I made this, I wasn’t able to find cube steak; so I used round steak and sliced it as thin as possible. However; I’ve since discovered shaved beef from Trader Joe’s! It’s paper thin, tender and delicious.
Best Seasoning for Philly Cheesesteak
The secret to a killer Philly Cheesesteak is all about the seasoning!
- Butter: Don’t knock cooking this tender beef in butter and Olive oil!
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich flavor and great umami (Japanese for “pleasant savory taste”).
- Seasoning salt: I like organic seasoning salt personally, but Lawry’s may be used. Full of paprika, garlic and onion powder, adds a punch of flavor.
Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll see why it’s a game-changer. Give it a go and watch your family rave about dinner!
Fresh Tips
- If using cube or round steak, roll and wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes, then using a sharp knife, slice very thin, trying to “chip” away at the steak.
How to make a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Step 1 | Caramelize the onions
Slice the onion in half, then slice into thin half rings. Heat a large pan over medium heat (this is my favorite pan!), add in the butter and melt until sizzling and bubbly.
Toss in the onions and saute until soft and caramel in color, about 7-10 minutes.
Recommended Tools
- This is my favorite everyday pan, sturdy, large enough to make a meal and cleans up easily!
Step 2 | How to cook Shaved Steak
Meanwhile, toss the shaved steak with seasoning salt. Once the onions are done sautéing, remove them from the pan to a plate and increase the heat to medium-high, adding another pat or two of butter.
Add the shaved beef in a single layer, doing in batches in needed. Toss with tongs, turning after a minute or two, the meat will cook and brown quickly.
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Fresh Tips
- Shaved steak is so thin that it cooks lickity spit! Be careful not to overcook it, in fact, I usually remove it from heat once I see a little pink left.
- Do in batches.it If the pan is too crowded, it will steam rather than sear the steak.
Step 3 | Add onions to pan and cheese
Once the meat is browned, return the cooked onions to pan, stir in Worcestershire sauce, and if desired, hot sauce.
Layer slices of cheese over meat, cover with lid to melt.
Step 4 | Grill the Hoagie rolls & serve
Spread some soft butter (try garlic butter too) onto cut hoagie rolls (or French rolls or your favorite rolls) and over medium heat, grill the rolls until golden. If desired (and by desire, I mean, you should do this part, come on, this is not diet food!)
Serve on top of browned sub or hoagie rolls, I’ve also used whole wheat to make myself think it was a bit healthier. Can’t blame a girl for trying!
Make Philly Cheesesteaks in advance
YES! This is a great meal to serve for a game day, tailgating or for a party.
Make ahead as directed above; place in slow cooker and keep on the warm setting or covered in an oven set to 150-200° F (95° C). Serve with toasted sub or hoagie or slider rolls on the side.
Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Variations
- Add sliced red, green, yellow or orange peppers when caramelizing onions, sauteeing until soft and slightly browned.
- Saute sliced mushrooms until warm and soft.
- Norine’s fave is to serve with Lighthouse Cotija Cilantro dressing.
- Serve with a drizzle of Ranch dressing
- Smear some Garlic Aioli or garlic butter onto the buns.
- Add extra cheese, if you love it super cheesy, add more cheese!
What to serve with a shaved steak sandwich?
- French fries are a great choice, try my Air Fryer Steak Fries (so yummy!!)
- Add some veggies and make this steakhouse wedge salad or serve with this crudite dip and veggies.
Storing leftover Philly Cheesesteaks
Place any leftover Philly cheesesteak in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. May also be frozen for up to 3 months.
How to reheat Shaved steak sandwiches
Gently reheat the components in a skillet over medium heat. It will reheat quickly, do not overcook the beef to maintain its tenderness. Add a little extra cheese if desired and re-grill a roll.
Shaved Steak Sandwich Recipe FAQs
The classic choice is a soft Italian roll or baguette. Amoroso’s rolls are popular in Philadelphia for authentic Philly Cheesesteaks.
While the classic choice is Cheez Whiz, provolone, pepper jack, and American cheese are also commonly used. Feel free to choose your favorite.
Some people like to add mushrooms, hot peppers, or pickles for extra flavor. Experiment with different toppings to suit your taste. Be sure to try my New England Steak Bombs too!
Great question, I’m a Colorado girl via the West Coast and while I’ve visited Philly, I have not eaten many of Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches. Here’s what I found!
Several Philadelphians have corrected me that all self-respecting Philly residents order their Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Cheez Whiz. They say, “wiz wit” that’s Philadelphian for wiz and fried onions on the sandwich, and that’s how we order them.
Philly Cheesesteak | A long, crusty Italian roll cradles thinly sliced, sautéed ribeye steak, dripping with meat juices and messy, melted cheese. It’s heavy. It’s simple. And ooooh, boy, is it savory. Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz, but American and Provolone are common substitutions. (Source)
Cheesesteak | So by definition, anything that changes things up, whether it’s cheese, additions, seasonings, makes it a plain (but still savory and delicious) Steak Sandwich Recipe.
The difference in this instance is a Hoagie uses a harder, firmer roll, not slicing it all the way through, instead stuffing it with meat, cheese, etc. Whereas a sub sandwich is typically a soft roll, cut all the way through.
Then you have grinders, poor boy’s and hero’s! Being born and raised on the west coast, these were all foreign names to me when I was first introduced to them while visiting the East coast and the south for the first time.
What I do know? They are all delicious, all a sandwich of some for or another, so why let semantics get in the way of enjoying a scrumptious meal!
Best sides to serve with Philly cheesesteak sandwiches
Simple steak fries are amazing, but if you want to go healthier, serve with a hearty Italian chopped salad, don’t forget the zesty homemade Italian dressing or maybe just a crudite or try this easy, flavorful pimento cheese chicken salad chick.
Best desserts to serve with a shaved steak sandwich
Now we’re talking! Dessert makes everything better! Try a few of our popular favorites below.
Best No Bake Oreo Pudding Dessert Recipe (No Cool Whip)
With 20 minutes of prep, you will have this No-Bake Oreo Pudding Dessert in the fridge. An Oreo crust, creamy filling, and a luscious chocolate pudding layer, and is garnished with homemade Cool Whip. It’s a delightful treat for Oreo lovers.
Best Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This classic Crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe is a perfect copycat of the real thing. Packed with milk chocolate chips, this no-chill copycat Crumbl cookie recipe will become a family favorite. Learn how to make these incredibly popular cookies right at home!
The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe (Award-Winning)
Describe your BEST Key Lime Pie…is it citrusy, sweet-tart, creamy — with the perfect sweet to-pucker ratio; light and easy with a crisp not-to-sweet graham cracker crust? Look no further…you found it!
More beef and shaved steak recipes
- Gluten Free Flank Steak Marinade
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
- Cheesesteak Casserole (Low-Carb)
- Steak Bomb Sandwich
- Healthy Mongolian Beef Recipe
- 39 Best Shaved Steak Recipes
- Okay, it isn’t steak, but it’s a must-try: Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks (drool!)
I hope you loved this Shaved steak sandwich recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Ingredients
Sauteed Onions
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion cut into thin slices
Cheesesteak Sandwiches
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 – 2 pounds shaved beef steak depending on how beef you want them see notes for other options
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce Lea & Perrin's is gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon Seasoning Salt such as Lawry's to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons Hot Sauce optional
- 6-8 slices provolone try White cheddar, American, pepper Jack cheese, or go all Philly and use Cheese Whiz; wiz wit
- 6 rolls French rolls Use Hoagie rolls, Italian or French rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Add-ins
- 1 medium bell peppers optional, any color
- 1 package mushrooms optional, sliced
Instructions
- Heat large pan to medium heat, melt butter and toss in sliced onions, stirring around until soft and caramel colored, about 6-10 minutes. Remove from pan, set aside.4 tablespoons butter, 1 large yellow onion, 1 medium bell peppers, 1 package mushrooms
- If steak is not already sliced, slice as thinly as possible (see notes) and season with seasoning salt, not too much, just a light all over sprinkle.1 – 2 pounds shaved beef steak, 1 teaspoon Seasoning Salt
- Using the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, add butter and oil, then add steak in as much of one layer as possible, if too crowded, do in a couple of batches. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side, for 1-2 minutes, won't take long, remove from heat.1-2 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Once beef is browned (I slightly undercook, as it will keep cooking), pour in Worcestershire sauce and if desired, a few shakes of hot sauce we like Cholula. Stir around for a minute, then return onions to pan and stir into beef, including all of those delicious juices.½ cup Worcestershire sauce, 1-2 tablespoons Hot Sauce
- Place desired cheese slices on top of the beef, cover for a minute until super melty, gooey, and irresistible, adding extra cheese if you like it really cheesy!6-8 slices provolone
- Meanwhile, heat a griddle or another large skillet to medium-high heat, spread a thin layer of butter on the cut side of the sub rolls, place butter side down on griddle and toast until brown and delish.2 tablespoons butter, 6 rolls French rolls
- Serve cheesesteak on top of rolls and enjoy immediately.
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Notes
Nutrition
Elysa
Absolutely delicious! I added bell peppers to the onions which turned out perfectly. I didn’t have seasoning salt so I subbed in a pinch some adobo seasoning instead since the ingredients were similar enough. I didn’t have provolone so I used gorgonzola, which added a sharp, musky flavor to the steak that was out of this world! 10/10 would make again – it’s already on theenu for next week! Thank you.
Love your twists on it, Elysa!! Thanks for your sweet comment!
Carol Thomas Corne
This is a wonderful recipe! Family loved it.
So happy you loved it!!
Ed Lattimer
great sandwich
Thanks Ed!! So had you liked it!
Jessica
My family loved this recipe! It’s now on rotation at our house. I used the leftovers and made steak and cheese quesadillas which was another big hit.
That sounds amazing! I love repurposing leftover into something brand new! Thanks Jessica!
mary Mele
we use our leftovers (just two of us) from the 1lb pkg at Trader Joes–(they are so much better than what I found at our local Smiths/Kroger)…we use them for breakfast…fried egg, lots and lots of melty cheese…and I cut off the ‘ends’ from the sandwiches the night before and give them a quick little ‘toast’ on the pan w/ a brush of butter….basically an open-faced Philly Cheese Steak a la egg! ;-). (remember that authentic Philly is not using bell peppers (ever!)…get the Cherry Peppers in a jar in the condiment section. 😉
I love your twist and creativity, Mary!! Thank you! 😊
Etzel Stopher
I wouldn’t change a thing! Sandwich was awesome!
So glad you loved it, Etzel!! Thanks!!! 😊
Stephanie Courtright kuznicki
Got 5 stars from the hubby and teen age son. Go lite on the season salt!! Adding it to our dinner rotation!
Love your tip Stephanie! So glad it’s on your dinner rotation.
Lisa
I made this tonight and I put it on Subway’s multi grain bread. Very good! Only thing I might do different is add some sort of shredded cheese and mix it in really good and put provolone slices on top still. (We really like our cheese here.) Great recipe. Will make again.
I’m all about the cheese too, Lisa! That would be a great twist! So glad you loved it!!
Kari
We love this recipe. I honestly found that celebrate cheese tastes and works awesome!
I’m not familiar with that cheese, but so glad it works!!! Thanks for your kind words!
mary Mele
always yummy. saw this highlighted and needed to add one note. you need to add this item below to your affiliate list w/ Amazon…https://www.amazon.com/Mezzetta-Sweet-Cherry-Peppers-16/dp/B00MN3GAMY/ref=sr_1_29?adgrpid=1339205729993960&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.E3DOq-Tt88HFxnTRLtsQQxr1JEWjBKZRU3J-0YMDKziHZOxPe6C6dd5_nzxJ5tlAFp9SMBgyzy1wI2lGJ3xo7Mme1W6Ex0h_FyxRejRwlWB-1Q28XYxp-veE126M3JZXzIacRwzNlZNOmY25b6x9ErtOFDvGHiYAzUW98iwtQdkA-LU39oSvixXBX8UnXZ5xMv-_8k5GlhWvzSJVwUinl-tkCucuzQxzI8a53_0X_c264JTURKSoiUcAvcu6dLmDqiyAjODiqUE1ZMy2LQuTd_SlttGBjHnTleok7M9D9jm59fWApBezTvV-EfNU8fcFpl4ai5OY4OGbB75c5kKfdbk7fgOaLk1xVjLnGFxDgJ3roeuJqZeIqV-Ve9k4AjlfVexkN2CEkKtLWhmahvLkzVmNEDLTxVkC_YfoTfnKWpuNH8xqSMrxFR7gVuox1x2Q.dt-0EtuBNILQysuEHXdfzeGDy44mqwUyBCPigiGQceU&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83700637115506&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=97230&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83700710117147%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=4846_13210736&keywords=sweet+cherry+peppers&msclkid=f7b52298e36614bc746a45c7d0a89d8d&qid=1734292450&sr=8-29
Sweet Cherry Peppers is what authentic Philly Cheesesteaks use. Bell Peppers make it a regular cheese steak sandwich. no need to take out the seeds–they add extra flavor! this item is a must for the real-deal! 😉
Great idea Mary!! Thank you!!!
Quinn
Delicious. I added some minced garlic and sliced mushrooms with the onions and also some sliced bell peppers. Great on homemade soft hoagie rolls.
Thank you so much Quinn!! I love your twist!
Liza
Not only are these cheesesteak sandwiches absolutely fantastic, I made them in about 30 minutes. Another wonderful easy dinner recipe from The Fresh Cooky!
Thank you so much,Liza!
Cindy K
This is a great quick recipe that my husband loves! I get the shaved rib-eye from Trader Joes and keep it in the freezer. I often serve a broccoli salad and chips on the side.
Thanks so much Cindy! Trader Joe’s is my favorite shaved steak!! Love that you serve with broccoli salad and chips!
Rhoda
Sounds good, trying this tonight. I noticed in the cooking instructions, you didn’t mention the bell peppers … ?
Add when cooking the onions. Thanks for pointing that out Rhoda! I’ll have to amend the instructions!!
Fran
Excellent! Didn’t change a thing.
Wonderful to hear, Fran! So glad you loved them.
Lynn B Spencer
Came looking for this recipe for this year’s super bowl party after we enjoyed these sandwiches so much last year. So glad I found it!
I’m so glad you found it too!! May your team win!!