Large skillet or cast iron pan Ideal for getting a good sear on the meat and caramelizing the veggies.
Chef’s Knife Essential for thinly slicing steak and vegetables.
Cutting board Use one for veggies and another for raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Mixing bowl To combine the cooked filling with mayo, cheese, and seasoning.
Baking sheet A sturdy sheet pan is perfect for supporting the French bread while it bakes.
Aluminum foil Useful for tenting the bread during baking so it doesn’t over-brown.
Pastry Brush For brushing the garlic butter over the bread crust before baking. If you don’t have one, a spoon works too.
Ingredients
For the Filling
1 1/2poundsribeye steakthinly sliced (or you can use shaved beef from your butcher)
1tablespoonolive oil
1medium yellow onionthinly sliced
1green bell pepperthinly sliced
1red bell pepperthinly sliced
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprikaoptional, but adds a nice kick
1/4cupmayonnaisehelps hold the filling together and mimics the creaminess of some philly cheesesteak sauces
1tablespoonWorcestershire sauce
1 1/2cupsshredded provolone cheesemozzarella or white American cheese also work
For the Bread
1large loaf of French breadabout 20–24 inches
2tablespoonsbuttermelted
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1tablespoonparsleychopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Thinly slice your ribeye steak against the grain—this ensures tenderness. Slice your onions and bell peppers into strips. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Steak and Veggies
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers first, seasoning them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 7–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add the sliced steak. Let it sear without moving it too much for a minute or two, then stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
Add Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan and mix everything together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a large bowl, mix the cooked steak and veggie mixture with the mayonnaise and half of the shredded provolone. This is what gives your cheesesteak filling that creamy, cheesy quality found in some homemade philly cheesesteak sandwiches.
Step 4: Hollow Out the Bread
Using a sharp knife, slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Hollow out both sides a bit, creating a trench to hold your filling. Save the removed bread for breadcrumbs or croutons.
Brush the inside and edges of the bread with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
Step 5: Stuff and Bake
Pile the filling evenly into the hollowed-out bread. Top with the remaining cheese.
Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crisp.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the bread rest for a few minutes before slicing into 2-inch pieces. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with dipping sauces, chips, or a salad.