Introducing the Super Easy and Delicious Philly Cheesesteaks:
Looking for a mouthwatering yet effortless meal that captures the essence of Philly cheesesteaks? Look no further! This simple recipe not only delivers on flavor but also streamlines the cooking process, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. Utilizing high-quality shaved steak from Aldi and a handful of seasonings, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Follow along for a step-by-step guide to crafting these irresistible Philly cheesesteaks in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to savor the perfect blend of seasoned steak, sautéed onions and peppers, all tucked into a French roll and crowned with melted provolone cheese. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this super easy and delicious Philly cheesesteak recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shaved steak (from Aldi or your preferred brand)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (you can use green, red, or a combination)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 4 French rolls (from Aldi or your preferred brand)
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips.
- Season the Steak:
- In a bowl, season the shaved steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and liquid smoke. Toss the steak to ensure even coating.
- Sauté the Onions and Peppers:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil. Sauté the sliced onions and peppers until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Steak:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the seasoned shaved steak and cook quickly, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through. This should only take a few minutes due to the thinness of the shaved steak.
- Combine Steak, Onions, and Peppers:
- Once the steak is cooked, add the sautéed onions and peppers back into the skillet. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Slice the French rolls lengthwise, creating a pocket for the filling. Optionally, you can toast the rolls in the oven or on a skillet for a minute or two.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks:
- Fill each roll with a generous amount of the steak, onion, and pepper mixture.
- Melt the Provolone Cheese:
- Place two slices of provolone cheese on top of each filled roll. You can use the residual heat in the skillet to melt the cheese or briefly place them under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious Philly cheesesteaks immediately while the rolls are warm and the cheese is gooey.
why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Effortless: This recipe is designed for those busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a satisfying dinner ready in no time.
- Flavorful Seasonings: The combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of liquid smoke adds depth and richness to the shaved steak, elevating the overall flavor profile of the cheesesteaks.
- Aldi Ingredients: The use of high-quality shaved steak and French rolls from Aldi ensures a convenient shopping experience. You can easily find these ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on taste.
- Versatile Customization: While the recipe provides a solid foundation, it’s also highly customizable. Add your favorite toppings or experiment with different cheeses to tailor the cheesesteaks to your personal preferences.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Sautéing the onions and peppers separately before adding the steak ensures they are perfectly cooked—tender, slightly caramelized, and bursting with flavor. This technique enhances the overall texture and taste of the dish.
- Melted Provolone Cheese: The finishing touch of melted provolone cheese not only adds creaminess but also brings a delightful gooeyness to each bite, creating a satisfying and indulgent experience.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The familiar and comforting flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a go-to option for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Experience: While this recipe may not be a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak, it captures the essence of the classic dish with its simple yet delicious approach.
How to store it:
To store your leftover Philly cheesesteaks or any components of the dish, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigeration:
- If you have leftover prepared Philly cheesesteaks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Alternatively, transfer the individual components (steak, sautéed vegetables, rolls, and cheese) to airtight containers.
- Label and Date:
- It’s always a good practice to label and date your containers to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerator Shelf Life:
- Leftover Philly cheesesteaks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this period, the quality may start to degrade.
- Reheating:
- To reheat, place the wrapped or containerized Philly cheesesteaks in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F or 163°C) until they are heated through. This helps maintain the integrity of the bread and prevents it from becoming too crispy.
- Freezing:
- If you want to extend the storage time, you can freeze the individual components separately.
- For steak and sautéed vegetables, allow them to cool completely before placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- For rolls and cheese, it’s generally better to freeze them separately or assemble the cheesesteak before serving.
- Freezer Shelf Life:
- Frozen steak and vegetables can be stored for 2-3 months. Rolls and cheese may have a shorter freezer life, so it’s best to check the packaging for guidance.
- Thawing and Reheating from Frozen:
- Thaw frozen components in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat the thawed components in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Popular Questions and Answers:
here are some popular questions and answers related to Philly cheesesteaks:
- Q: What’s the traditional cheese for Philly cheesesteaks? A: The most traditional cheese for Philly cheesesteaks is Cheez Whiz, but provolone and American cheese are also commonly used.
- Q: Can I use a different type of bread for Philly cheesesteaks? A: While traditional Philly cheesesteaks are served in a long roll, you can use other bread options such as hoagie rolls, baguettes, or even soft sandwich rolls.
- Q: What are some common toppings for Philly cheesesteaks? A: Common toppings include sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and sometimes pickles or hot peppers for added flavor.
- Q: Can I make Philly cheesesteaks ahead of time for a party? A: Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the cheesesteaks just before serving. Keep the steak, vegetables, and rolls separate until ready to serve.
- Q: Is it necessary to use liquid smoke in the recipe? A: No, liquid smoke is optional and can be omitted if you prefer. It adds a smoky flavor, but the cheesesteaks will still be delicious without it.
- Q: Can I use a different type of meat for Philly cheesesteaks? A: While shaved beef is traditional, you can use chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives if you prefer a different protein.
- Q: How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy when making Philly cheesesteaks? A: Toasting the rolls slightly before assembling the cheesesteaks can help prevent them from becoming too soggy, especially if you’re making them ahead of time.
- Q: Can I freeze leftover Philly cheesesteaks? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Philly cheesesteaks, but it’s recommended to freeze the components separately for better texture preservation.
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Q: Are there variations of Philly cheesesteaks from different regions? A: Yes, there are variations, and preferences can vary by region. Some areas may have specific cheese choices or additional toppings that are unique to their local interpretation of the classic Philly cheesesteak.
