If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal, these Philly cheesesteaks with jalapeños are a perfect choice. They’re packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of sliced steak, melty cheese, and fresh vegetables, all nestled in a warm hoagie. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also sure to please the whole family at your next meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is great for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks, yet loaded with flavors that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the addition of jalapeños gives it a delightful kick, making it exciting without overwhelming your taste buds. With such straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cheesesteaks on the table in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these tasty cheesesteaks, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 oz strip steak (or ribeye)
- 2 hoagies (or other large deli subs)
- 1/3 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 poblano pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup French fried onions
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. You can use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone, for a different twist. If you want to add more veggies, consider including mushrooms or spinach. For a slightly sweeter taste, try caramelizing the onions for a few extra minutes. You can also swap the hoagies for whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed.
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Foil for wrapping hoagies
- Mixing bowl
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Prepare the Steak
Begin by placing the steak in the freezer for about an hour. This makes it easier to slice thinly. Once it’s firm, take it out and slice it as thin as possible against the grain. Set it aside while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2 – Cook the Veggies
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper, poblano pepper, onion, shallot, and jalapeño. Sprinkle with a healthy pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and starting to brown.
Step 3 – Combine Steak and Cheese
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute. Then stir in the brown sugar and soy sauce, cooking for an additional two minutes. Mix in the sliced steak and a smaller pinch of salt and pepper, cooking until the steak is just browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
Next, stuff the hoagies generously with the cheesesteak mixture. Sprinkle the French fried onions on top and add the remaining cheese. Wrap each hoagie tightly in foil and bake at 375°F for 6-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Finally, carefully unwrap the cheesesteaks and serve them warm.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, thin slices of steak.
- Don’t rush the cooking of the vegetables; their sweetness adds flavor.
- Make sure to preheat the oven so the cheesesteaks bake evenly.
- For extra crunch, you can add more fried onions on top before serving.
Flavor Variations
- For a spicy twist, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Swap the pepper jack cheese for a spicier cheese like spicy cheddar.
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These cheesesteaks pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Crispy sweet potato fries
- Classic potato chips
- A fresh green salad
- Coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing side
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat the cheesesteaks in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For meal prep, you can slice the vegetables and steak in advance and store them separately. Then, just combine and cook when you’re ready to enjoy your meal.
Philly Cheesesteaks with Jalapeños
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz strip steak (or ribeye) Can use ribeye if preferred.
- 2 pieces hoagies (or other large deli subs) Substitutions may include whole wheat or gluten-free.
- 1/3 cup shredded pepper jack cheese Can substitute with other cheeses.
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with other cheeses.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 piece poblano pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 piece jalapeño, thinly sliced Increase for more heat.
- to taste Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup French fried onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the steak in the freezer for about an hour to firm it up for thin slicing.
- Slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced red bell pepper, poblano pepper, onion, shallot, and jalapeño. Cook for 13-15 minutes, seasoned with salt and pepper, until tender and starting to brown.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for one minute.
- Add brown sugar and soy sauce, cooking for an additional two minutes.
- Mix in the sliced steak, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until steak is just browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted.
- Generously stuff hoagies with the cheesesteak mixture and sprinkle French fried onions on top. Add remaining cheese.
- Wrap each hoagie tightly in foil and bake at 375°F for 6-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Carefully unwrap the cheesesteaks and serve them warm.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While hoagies are great, you can use any type of sub or sandwich bread, according to what you prefer or have on hand.
How do I make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the steak with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers or even use tempeh or tofu for a meaty texture.
What’s the best way to slice the steak thinly?
Chilling the steak in the freezer for about an hour before slicing helps you achieve thin slices easily. Cut against the grain for the most tenderness.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked cheesesteaks. Wrap them tightly in foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
What can I do if I don’t have some of the vegetables?
Don’t worry! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli would work well in this recipe. Just sauté them until tender.
