The Philly cheesesteak has been an American staple since it was invented in 1930 by Pat Olivieri. Though they’re named after their home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cheesesteaks are enjoyed from coast to coast.

Peppers and steak stuffed into a hoagie roll and covered with smothered cheese, it’s easy to make your own Philly cheesesteak.

Keep reading to learn how to make a Philly cheesesteak, so you can enjoy that American classic right from the comfort of your own home.

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak

If you’ve ever had a restaurant Philly cheesesteak, you might think the sandwich seems complicated and difficult to perfect. But actually, making a Philly cheesesteak is quite easy.

The best Philly cheesesteak begins with the right ingredients.

Philly Cheesesteak Ingredients

The Philly cheesesteak is actually a very simple sandwich, with just a few key ingredients. These include:

Cheese (obviously!)
Steak (of course!)
A hoagie roll (or your favorite roll)
Peppers, onions, and mushrooms (optional)

It’s relatively easy to customize a Philly cheesesteak recipe to your liking, but there are a few tips that can help give your sandwich that authentic Philly taste.

The Right Cheese

For starters, provolone cheese is usually the cheese of choice for a Philly cheesesteak. This is because it melts easily and has a neutral, complementary flavor.

Some locations opt instead for American slices or even Cheez Whiz straight from the can. These are all good options, so really, the best cheese depends on you.

The Right Beef

Most chefs prefer thin-sliced ribeye steak when choosing their cut for a Philly cheesesteak. Because of ribeye’s marbling, the meat is tender, making for a sandwich with a better bite.

A quality cut of beef will also help elevate your sandwich and take it up to the next level. After all, the juicy, tender steak is the real star of this show.

Cooking for Beginners: Philly Cheesesteak

If you follow these easy cooking tips, you’ll be sure to have a top-of-line Philly cheesesteak in no time. This is a relatively simple recipe, so you have nothing to worry about, even if you’re a beginner.

1. Chop Your Ingredients

Start by thinly slicing your ribeye. Then cut all veggies into long strips and bite-sized pieces. Common veggie toppings include peppers, mushrooms, and onions.

2. Saute Your Veggies

In a preheated, oiled skillet, saute your veggies over high heat. You’ll know the veggies are done when they’ve reached a beautiful golden brown. Cooking long enough will enhance the flavors.

Once they’re done, remove veggies from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Cook Beef and Cheese

In the same skillet, add your beef. Season with salt and pepper. Once the beef is fully cooked, add your veggies back and saute together. Then, add your cheese and let it all melt together.

4. Prepare the Cheesesteak

Once it’s all cooked, stuff it inside your hoagie roll and enjoy! Cheesesteaks are best served immediately after cooking.

Optional tip: toast your roll for a delicious crunch. You can even use mayonnaise to help crisp up the edges.

Enjoy an American Classic

Now that you know how to make a Philly cheesesteak from home, you can enjoy this American classic any time you want. You can also customize the sandwich however you choose!

Visit our Eats+Drinks section to learn more cooking tips and top recipes.