Few things are more satisfying than a perfectly made Philly Cheesesteak.
Juicy slices of ribeye steak, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey provolone cheese all nestled into a warm, garlicky toasted hoagie roll—it’s simple, classic, and totally irresistible.
This version adds a flavorful twist with garlic butter on the hoagie buns and a mayo finish for extra creaminess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Philly flavor – Thin-sliced ribeye, onions, and melted provolone
Garlic butter hoagie rolls – Adds serious flavor to every bite
Quick cook time – Ready in about 30 minutes
Great for game day or family dinners – Everyone loves a cheesesteak
Restaurant-style at home – High quality without the takeout price
Customizable – Add peppers, mushrooms, or sauces to your liking
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Each component brings something to the table:
Ribeye Steak – Rich and juicy with great marbling, perfect for quick searing
Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the meat shine
Sweet Onion – Caramelizes beautifully and adds natural sweetness
Provolone Cheese – Mild and melty; use classic deli slices, not aged or sharp
Hoagie Rolls – Soft yet sturdy enough to hold the fillings
Garlic Butter – Adds depth and richness to the toasted bread
Mayonnaise – A light, creamy layer to bring it all together
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a very sharp knife (or freeze the steak slightly first) for thin, even slices
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook in batches if needed for a good sear
Use deli provolone – Not the dry, aged version, which won’t melt properly
Toast the rolls – This small step adds texture and prevents sogginess
Caramelize the onions low and slow – It takes a few extra minutes but is worth it
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Step 1 – Prep the Steak and Onion
Using a very sharp knife, thinly slice 1 lb of trimmed ribeye steak into strips.
Dice 1 large sweet onion.
Split the hoagie rolls ¾ of the way through using a serrated knife and set aside.
Step 2 – Make Garlic Butter and Toast the Rolls
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with 1 pressed garlic clove.
Spread this garlic butter mixture on the cut side of each roll.
Toast them on a hot skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden and crispy.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3 – Caramelize the Onions
Add 1 tablespoon oil to your pan or griddle.
Sauté the diced onions over medium heat, stirring often, until deeply caramelized—about 7–10 minutes.
Transfer the onions to a separate bowl.
Step 4 – Cook the Steak
Increase heat to high. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and spread the thinly sliced steak in an even layer.
Let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then flip and season with ½ tsp sea salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
Stir and cook until the beef is just done.
Stir in the caramelized onions.
Step 5 – Melt the Cheese
Divide the beef and onion mixture into 4 even portions in the pan.
Top each with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
Turn off the heat and let the residual warmth melt the cheese over the meat.
Step 6 – Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the toasted inside of each roll.
Carefully invert each roll onto a cheesy beef portion, then use a spatula to scoop and flip the sandwich into the bun.
Step 7 – Serve Warm
Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.
Add optional toppings or sauces if you like.
What to Serve It With
Philly Cheesesteaks are hearty on their own, but pair wonderfully with:
Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries
Pickles or coleslaw – Adds acidity and crunch
Potato salad – A cool, creamy contrast
Roasted or sautéed peppers – For a more traditional Philly twist
Chips and a soda or root beer – Classic diner-style meal
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken or turkey instead of ribeye for a leaner option
Add green bell peppers or mushrooms – sauté them with the onions
Swap provolone for white American or mozzarella
Make it spicy – add hot sauce, pepper jack cheese, or jalapeños
Go low-carb – serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over a salad
Try a toasted baguette or ciabatta if hoagie rolls aren’t available
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store the cooked filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freeze: Freeze the steak and onion mix (without cheese) for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm filling in a skillet or microwave, then add fresh cheese and toast buns
Make ahead: Prep steak and onions in advance—assemble and toast just before serving
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Sirloin or flank steak also works well.
Just slice it thinly across the grain.
What’s the best cheese for cheesesteaks?
Mild provolone is a classic.
White American and Cheez Whiz are other Philly favorites.
Can I use pre-sliced deli steak?
You can, but freshly sliced ribeye offers better flavor and texture.
How do I thinly slice ribeye at home?
Place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, then use a sharp knife to slice thinly across the grain.
Should I marinate the steak?
It’s not necessary.
A quick sear and salt-pepper seasoning bring out the best in ribeye.
Can I skip the mayo?
Of course! The mayo is optional.
You can replace it with aioli, mustard, or leave it off entirely.
Can I make this on a flat-top grill or Blackstone?
Yes! A griddle is perfect for cooking multiple sandwiches at once.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich hits every comfort food note—juicy steak, sweet onions, melty cheese, and toasted garlic butter hoagies.
It’s an incredibly satisfying meal that’s easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for special occasions.
Once you make it at home, you may never crave the fast-food version again.
