Let’s be real—there’s just something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, cheesy, meaty sandwich. But this isn't just any sandwich; it's a homemade Philly cheese steak sandwich with a twist—served on garlic butter rolls that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for a chilly evening or looking for a new way to repurpose leftovers during Thanksgiving weekend, this sandwich delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. We’re talking thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions and peppers, and ooey-gooey provolone cheese tucked into buttery, golden rolls that you've brushed with garlic-infused heaven. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and 100% satisfying.
This cheesesteak sandwich recipe is perfect for a weekend treat, but thanks to its simplicity, it also doubles as an easy Philly cheese steak sandwich recipe for weeknight dinners—or even as a crowd-pleasing dish at casual get-togethers.
Classic Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Rolls
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan Perfect for high-heat searing of the steak.
Chef’s Knife For slicing the steak thinly and chopping veggies.
Cutting board Preferably one for meat and another for veggies to avoid cross-contamination.
Small saucepan To melt and infuse the garlic butter.
Baking sheet Optional, for warming the rolls in the oven after brushing with garlic butter.
Tongs or spatula For stirring and flipping meat and vegetables.
For the Steak and Filling
- 1 ½ pounds ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (freeze for 30 minutes beforehand for easier slicing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon philly cheese steak seasoning or a blend of Italian herbs, garlic powder, and paprika
- 8 slices provolone cheese or American/cheez whiz, if you're aiming for a classic twist
For the Garlic Butter Rolls
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls soft inside, slightly crusty outside
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Pinch of salt
Prepare the Steak
Pop your ribeye steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes beforehand. This makes it firmer and easier to slice thin. Once semi-frozen, slice the steak thinly against the grain—this ensures tenderness in every bite.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and bring the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced steak, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sear for 1–2 minutes before stirring. Once mostly cooked, sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and philly cheese steak seasoning. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until just browned.
Combine Meat and Veggies
Add the cooked onions and peppers back to the skillet. Mix everything together and taste for seasoning. If you’re into a cheesier blend, toss in a slice or two of cheese now and mix until melty.
Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Toast the Rolls
Split your hoagie rolls but don’t slice all the way through. Brush the insides generously with the garlic butter. Toast them cut-side up on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Pile the hot steak and veggie mixture into each roll. Lay 2 slices of provolone over each sandwich and return to the oven for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve Hot
Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the garlic butter rolls are warm and toasty.
Perfect Pairings
Looking to round out the meal? Here are some delicious accompaniments that go beautifully with these homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches:
- Crispy French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: The classic diner combo.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy contrast complements the tender steak and gooey cheese.
- Pickled Jalapeños or Banana Peppers: Add a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
- Tomato Soup or French Onion Soup: A cozy choice, especially for cooler months.
- Cold Beer or Sparkling Apple Cider: The bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites.
And if you're serving this during Thanksgiving weekend, pair it with leftover cranberry sauce as a surprising side—it actually adds a refreshing zing to balance the savory sandwich.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Absolutely! A ground beef Philly cheese steak sandwich is a great budget-friendly version. Brown the ground beef in your skillet, season it well, and then mix in the sautéed onions and peppers. It’s similar to a hamburger Philly cheese steak but with more texture and seasoning.
2. What’s the best cut of meat to use?
Ribeye is king for Philly cheese steaks because of its marbling and tenderness. Sirloin is a leaner but still flavorful alternative. For a crockpot variation, you can use chuck roast—perfect if you’re looking for a philly cheese steak sandwich recipe crockpot style.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the filling ahead and reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the rolls from getting soggy. It’s a great trick for quick lunches or for feeding a crowd.
4. Can I freeze the filling?
Definitely. Cooked steak and veggie mix freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw, reheat, and assemble for a homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwich any time you want.
5. What cheese is best for a Philly cheese steak?
Provolone is most common for its meltiness and mild flavor. Cheez Whiz is the old-school Philly favorite, while American cheese is another creamy option. Use whatever you like—this is your steak and cheese sub, after all.
