Grandpa Joe's
Philadelphia Style Cheese Steak

I doubt this version will win a side-by-side tasting contest with an authentic Cheese Steak sandwich from Geno's or Pat's in Philadelphia, but it will be a close second.

About this recipe

Dining at iconic restaurants has been a special interest of mine for what seems like forever.  One particularly memorable experience was holding a Cheese Steak sandwich from Geno's in one hand and another from Pat's in the other – enabling the ideal side-by-side tasting test.  Pat's had the best overall sandwich (in my not so humble view), but I preferred the provolone cheese over the Cheez Whiz.  For the record, both cheeses are available at both restaurants, but I ordered the Cheez Whiz at Pat's. 

This recipe is my attempt to create the best of both outstanding Philadelphia originals.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces boneless rib-eye steak, thinly sliced
  • provolone cheese, thinly sliced
  • 2 large hoagie rolls
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, and cover the bottom with olive oil.  Add  the onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until caramelized, 6 to 8 minutes. 
  2. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds.  Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the meat to the pan and cook, continuously flipping the meat over and slightly chopping the meat into slightly smaller pieces with 2 spatulas, until the meat is not pink, about 2 minutes. 
  4. Add the onions and peppers and mix well.
  5. Divide into 2 portions, and top each portion with 2 or 3 slices of the cheese.
  6. Cut the rolls in half, lengthwise.  When the cheese has melted, and using a spatula, remove each meat and cheese portion to the bottom halves of the rolls.
  7. Add the top halves and serve immediately.
Philadelphia Style Cheese Steak.

Notes

  • I always ask my butcher to slice the rib-eye steak for me.  He has the best equipment for the job!
Posted: February 2015.