Andy Montoya
Philly cheesesteaks are a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. They are typically made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, though roast beef is a great alternative. To cook roast beef for a Philly cheesesteak, start by slicing the beef thinly and cutting up vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetables, sautéing until tender. Next, add the beef to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until heated through. To assemble the sandwich, spread a thin layer of mayo on a hoagie roll and add slices of provolone cheese. Generously portion the beef and vegetable mixture on top and serve immediately.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right beef cut
The beef cut you choose for your Philly cheesesteak is important. The beef should be tender and sliced thinly so that it cooks quickly and evenly. The most commonly used beef cut for Philly cheesesteaks is ribeye, which has a bold beefy flavour and is well-marbled with fat. When sliced thinly and cooked, ribeye will remain tender. However, ribeye can be expensive, so if you're looking for a more affordable option, you can try skirt steak, which has a similar flavour and texture to ribeye but usually costs about half the price.
If you're using leftover roast beef or deli roast beef, make sure to slice it thinly. Deli roast beef is a good substitute for ribeye as it has a similar flavour and is already thinly sliced. It's also a more convenient option as it requires no cooking. If you're slicing your own beef, place it in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to make it easier to slice thinly. Trim any excess fat, then slice the beef as thinly as possible across the grain, and chop it into very small pieces.
When preparing a Philly cheesesteak, it's important to use a cut of beef that doesn't require a long cooking time to become tender. If you're looking for an alternative to ribeye, consider using sirloin, specifically petite sirloin. Top sirloin is also a good option, but petite sirloin is more affordable and just as tender. It's also a thinner cut, so there's less slicing involved.
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Slicing the beef
There are a few ways to achieve thinly sliced beef. One way is to use a deli slicer, which is a professional kitchen tool that can create thin, shaved slivers of meat. However, this may not be accessible for home cooks. Another option is to place the beef in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. This will firm up the meat, making it easier to slice thinly with a sharp knife. When slicing, trim any excess fat from the steak and cut across the grain for the most tender texture.
For an even easier option, you can purchase pre-sliced deli roast beef, which is a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to slicing steak yourself. The deli roast beef is typically thinner than steak slices and requires no cooking, making it a quick and tasty option for a Philly cheesesteak.
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Cooking the beef
When making a Philly cheesesteak, it's important to use a cut of beef that doesn't require a long cooking time to become tender. The most common choice is ribeye, but other options include skirt steak, flank steak, ground beef, sirloin, or leftover roast beef. If you're using raw steak, place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before slicing it as thinly as possible. If you're using leftover roast beef, shred the meat before adding it to the pan.
To cook the beef, start by heating a large skillet to medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil. You can also use bacon grease for added flavour. Add the beef to the pan and season with salt and pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook the beef until it's browned, then set it aside. If you're using raw steak, you may want to cook the vegetables first and then add the beef to the pan, cooking it for just 2-3 minutes until it's warmed.
If you're making a cheesesteak with provolone, add a few slices of the cheese to the pan and allow it to melt before stirring it into the beef. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. The cheese will act as a binder, holding the thin pieces of meat together in the sandwich. If you're using Cheez Whiz, you can spread it on the bun or add it to the meat and veggie mixture in the pan.
Once the beef and cheese are combined, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread a thin layer of mayo on each hoagie bun, then add the meat and veggie mixture. Top with more cheese if desired, then place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is slightly toasted. Serve immediately.
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Choosing the right cheese
The most popular cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is provolone, a soft, semi-sweet Italian cheese with a mild flavour. It melts well, creating a gooey texture, and holds the sandwich together. For a more indulgent option, you could make a cheez whiz, a processed cheese sauce, which is also a popular choice.
For a more authentic Philly cheesesteak, American cheese is a must. It melts beautifully and is a great binder for the meat. For a more intense flavour, you could add a small amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
If you want to add a little more texture, a blend of provolone and mozzarella is a great option. Mozzarella is a harder cheese, so it doesn't melt as smoothly, but it adds a nice stretch to the sandwich.
For a quick and easy option, you can use cream cheese. Spread it on the roll and add the meat, then top with more cream cheese and broil until bubbly.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you could try a beer/cheese sauce or a bold, nutty cheddar.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great Philly cheesesteak is to get that perfect melt and stretch.
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Assembling the sandwich
To assemble a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, first, spread a thin coating of mayo on each hoagie bun. Next, add two slices of provolone cheese to each bun. Now, add a generous helping of the meat and veggie mixture on top of the provolone cheese. Don't be skimpy!
Finally, top everything off with Cheez Whiz. This adds a yummy, cheesy texture that practically melts in your mouth with every bite. That's it! Your Philly cheesesteak with roast beef is ready to serve.
You can also add some extra ingredients to spice things up, such as pepperoncinis, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sweet pickles, and broccoli florets.
If you're using leftover roast beef, simply heat a large skillet to medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the vegetables and saute until just about tender. Add the shredded leftover roast beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until heated through. While the beef is heating, prepare the hoagie rolls. You can also take out some of the inside bread to have more filling than bread. Place the hoagie buns on a prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven to toast slightly to a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and fill the hoagie rolls with the meat and vegetable mixture. Then top with slices of provolone cheese. Place the baking pan back into the broiler long enough to melt the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common cut of beef for a Philly Cheesesteak is ribeye, but other options include skirt steak, sirloin, and leftover roast beef.
The beef should be sliced thinly, just short of paper-thin. Placing the beef in the freezer for 20-30 minutes beforehand can make it easier to slice.
The most common cheeses used in a Philly Cheesesteak are provolone, American cheese, and Cheez Whiz. However, other options include mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
In addition to beef and cheese, Philly Cheesesteaks usually include onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Other optional ingredients include mayo, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.
The beef should be cooked on a griddle or grill pan over high heat with olive oil. It can also be cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat.
