Does a real Philly cheesesteak have Cheese Whiz?

Some people argue that Cheez Whiz is the best cheese for Philly cheesesteaks; others say provolone. So what’s the best cheese for Philly cheesesteaks? We’re in the provolone camp, but you must decide for yourself!

Kitchen Tested

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Name: Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted; 2 medium onions, sliced; 1 lb. boneless beef round steak (1 inch thick), trimmed of fat, cut into 1x1/4-inch strips; 2 teaspoons garlic-pepper blend; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large green bell pepper, cut into rings; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon beef-flavor instant bouillon; 4 hoagie buns, split; 4 (1-oz.) slices provolone cheese, halved

Prep time:25 min
Total time:8 hr 25 min
Ingredients:10
Servings:4
Calories per serving:425

By Pillsbury Kitchens(Opens in a new tab)Updated 02/09/2024

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Prep time:25 min
Total time:8 hr 25 min
Ingredients:10
Servings:4
Calories per serving:425

There’s nothing quite like steak and cheese in a big, hearty sandwich! A good Philly cheesesteak is made with fork-tender beef, rich melted cheese and toasted hoagie buns. The best cheese for cheesesteak is provolone, but if you don’t have any you can swap in creamy mozzarella. A bun swap is okay, too, but try to get hoagie buns if you can. The best Philly cheesesteaks are even more perfect with this classic sandwich bun.

Prepping this classic sandwich is a cinch. Try it on weeknights, leisurely weekends or game days — it’s delicious no matter when you have it!

What’s our secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak?

Tender, slow-cooked beef, lots of melty cheese and a perfectly toasted hoagie bun. If you have those three elements in your Philly cheesesteak, you’ll make an all-star sandwich.

If you’re not using a slow cooker, use ribeye, sirloin or flank steak. You'll want to cut the steaks very thin on the bias, against the grain, for the most tender slices.

For extra flavor, add jalapeños or use jalapeño-cheddar cheese in place of the provolone.

More tips for a best-ever Philly Cheesesteak: don’t skimp on the cheese and if you’re cooking for a crowd — say for a big watch party or dinner for your extended family — double the recipe!

What gives Philly Cheesesteak its flavor?

In our easy Philly Cheesesteak recipe, we use bell peppers, garlic- pepper, onions, and beef bouillon to infuse the meat with flavor. When the meat comes out of the slow cooker, it is fork-tender and packed with savory flavor.

How should I store Philly Cheesesteak?

To store in the refrigerator:
Cover and refrigerate any leftover beef and vegetable mixture, with cooking juices, for up to 3 days.

To store in the freezer:
The beef and vegetable mixture, with cooking juices, can be kept frozen for 2 to 3 months. Cool completely in the refrigerator before freezing, then place individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Allow 1/4- to 1/2-inch headspace for expansion as the mixture freezes.

To thaw:
Place the beef and vegetable mixture in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or microwave the mixture on the defrost setting. Use within one day of thawing.

To reheat:
Place refrigerated or frozen, thawed beef mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming, or reheat in the microwave.

More About This Recipe

The slow cooker makes this Philly cheesesteak recipe extra easy, and the hearty, flavorful sandwiches are guaranteed to please the whole family. Try them for an easy weeknight meal, a special weekend treat or a game day special!

Craving even more Philly cheesesteak meals? Try our Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Rolls and our Sheet-Pan Philly Cheesesteaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

To be considered a Philly cheesesteak, your sandwich needs three key elements — provolone cheese, good-quality beef steak, and a hoagie bun.

If you substitute any of these, traditionalists will say that you’ve strayed from making a classic Philly cheesesteak. Acceptable toppings for a Philly Cheesesteak include mushrooms, fried onions and hot or sweet peppers, but if other toppings sneak onto your sandwich (like lettuce or mayo), it stops being a Philly cheesesteak and turns into a regular steak and cheese sandwich!

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Prep time:25 min
Total time:8 hr 25 min
Ingredients:10
Servings:4
Calories per serving:425

Ingredient

1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted
2 medium onions, sliced
1 lb. boneless beef round steak (1 inch thick), trimmed of fat, cut into 1x1/4-inch strips
2 teaspoons garlic-pepper blend
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large green bell pepper, cut into rings
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon beef-flavor instant bouillon
4 hoagie buns, split
4 (1-oz.) slices provolone cheese, halved

Instructions

Step 1
In medium bowl, combine butter and onions; mix to coat. Sprinkle beef with garlic-pepper blend and salt.

Step 2
In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, layer half of the onions, all of the beef and the bell pepper. Top with remaining half of onions. In measuring cup, combine water and bouillon; stir until dissolved. Pour over mixture in slow cooker.

Step 3
Cover; cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours.

Step 4
About 10 minutes before serving, place bun halves, cut side up, on ungreased cookie sheet. With slotted spoon, place beef mixture on bottom halves of buns. Top each with 2 pieces of cheese. Broil 2 to 3 inches from heat until cheese is melted and top halves of buns are toasted. Place top halves over cheese.

Recipe Tips

These cheesy beef sandwiches are full of possibilities! You can substitute mozzarella cheese for the provolone, and if you don't have hoagie buns, use crusty French bread or kaiser rolls instead.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
425
Total Fat
17g
Protein
36g
Total Carbohydrate
35g
Sugars
5g

Servings: 4

Serving Size: 1 Sandwich

Amount Per Serving Calories : 425

Nutrition Facts
Food Component / Nutrient	Amount	% , Daily Value*
Total Fat	17g	26%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	85mg	28%
Sodium	1240mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	% Value Not Available
Protein	36g	% Value Not Available
Calcium	Value Not Available	28%
Iron	Value Not Available	22%
Vitamin A	Value Not Available	12%
Vitamin C	Value Not Available	32%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Exchanges

Starch 2,
Other Carbohydrate 2,
Vegetable 1,
Lean Meat 4,
Fat ½

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What’s our secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak?

Tender, slow-cooked beef, lots of melty cheese and a perfectly toasted hoagie bun. If you have those three elements in your Philly cheesesteak, you’ll make an all-star sandwich.

If you’re not using a slow cooker, use ribeye, sirloin or flank steak. You'll want to cut the steaks very thin on the bias, against the grain, for the most tender slices.

For extra flavor, add jalapeños or use jalapeño-cheddar cheese in place of the provolone.

More tips for a best-ever Philly Cheesesteak: don’t skimp on the cheese and if you’re cooking for a crowd — say for a big watch party or dinner for your extended family — double the recipe!

How should I store Philly Cheesesteak?

To store in the refrigerator:
Cover and refrigerate any leftover beef and vegetable mixture, with cooking juices, for up to 3 days.

To thaw:
Place the beef and vegetable mixture in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or microwave the mixture on the defrost setting. Use within one day of thawing.

To reheat:
Place refrigerated or frozen, thawed beef mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming, or reheat in the microwave.

More About This Recipe

Craving even more Philly cheesesteak meals? Try our Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Rolls and our Sheet-Pan Philly Cheesesteaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

To be considered a Philly cheesesteak, your sandwich needs three key elements — provolone cheese, good-quality beef steak, and a hoagie bun.

Nutrition Facts

Food Component / Nutrient

Amount

% , Daily Value*

Total Fat

17g

26%

Saturated Fat

35%

Cholesterol

85mg

28%

Sodium

1240mg

52%

Total Carbohydrate

35g

12%

Dietary Fiber

12%

Sugars

% Value Not Available

Protein

36g

% Value Not Available

Calcium

Value Not Available

28%

Iron

Value Not Available

22%

Vitamin A

Value Not Available

12%

Vitamin C

Value Not Available

32%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

What’s our secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak?

What gives Philly Cheesesteak its flavor?

How should I store Philly Cheesesteak?

More About This Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a cheesesteak?

Does a real Philly cheesesteak have Cheese Whiz?

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Ingredient

Instructions

Recipe Tips

Nutrition Facts

Exchanges

Loading component...

Related Products

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Try These Next

Loading component...

Family-friendly meals made easy!

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

What’s our secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak?

What gives Philly Cheesesteak its flavor?

How should I store Philly Cheesesteak?

More About This Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a cheesesteak?

Does a real Philly cheesesteak have Cheese Whiz?

Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Ingredient

Instructions

Recipe Tips

Nutrition Facts

Exchanges

Related Products

Try These Next

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