The Ultimate Pat’s King of Steaks Style Philly Cheesesteak

I’ll never forget my first trip to Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell was impressive, sure, but the real revelation was the cheesesteak. The aroma alone – a symphony of sizzling beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese – drew me in. It was at Pat’s King of Steaks, naturally, and the moment I took that first bite, I understood what all the fuss was about. The perfectly balanced flavors, the satisfyingly greasy texture, the sheer unapologetic indulgence of it all…it was a culinary experience I’ve chased ever since. This recipe aims to bring that iconic taste right to your kitchen, no plane ticket required.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 large onion, sliced
• ½ lb fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 small green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 ½ lbs beef rib eye steaks, thinly sliced
• 4 crusty Italian rolls, split
• Processed cheese sauce (Kraft Cheez Whiz)
• Ketchup (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet
• Spatula or Tongs

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your vegetables. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, and if using, the sliced mushrooms, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
2. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside, keeping them warm.
3. Now it’s time to cook the beef. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of canola oil. Increase the heat to high.
4. Add the thinly sliced rib eye steak to the hot skillet. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than seared beef.
5. Sauté the beef for just 45-60 seconds per side. The goal is to quickly sear the beef and get some browning without overcooking it. It should still be slightly pink in the center.
6. While the beef is cooking, have your Italian rolls ready. Split them open and prepare for assembly.
7. Once the beef is cooked, assemble the cheesesteaks. On each roll bottom, layer the sautéed beef.
8. Top the beef with the onion and pepper mixture. Be generous!
9. Now for the all-important cheese. Generously slather the beef and vegetables with processed cheese sauce (Cheez Whiz). This is the traditional cheese sauce used at Pat’s, and it’s essential for capturing that authentic flavor.
10. If desired, add a squirt of ketchup to each cheesesteak. While some purists might scoff at this addition, it’s a common request and adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
11. Replace the tops of the Italian rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy the taste of Philadelphia!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Thinly Slicing the Beef: The key to a great cheesesteak is thinly sliced beef. If you don’t have a meat slicer, ask your butcher to slice the rib eye for you, or partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing it yourself. This makes it much easier to achieve thin, even slices.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef will be tough and dry. Sauté the beef quickly over high heat to sear it and keep it tender.
• Preheat the Rolls: For an extra touch, warm the Italian rolls in a low oven or toaster oven before assembling the cheesesteaks. This will make them even more delicious.
• Cheese Whiz Alternative: While Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice, you can use other cheeses like provolone or American cheese if you prefer. Just make sure it melts well.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Philly Cheesesteaks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Leftovers, if you have any, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the cheesesteak in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, but the bread may get a bit soggy. Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively impact the texture of the bread and cheese sauce.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	772 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	541 g	70%
Total Fat	60.2 g	92%
Saturated Fat	17.2 g	86%
Cholesterol	115.7 mg	38%
Sodium	289.4 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	22.6 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	1.7 g	6%
Protein	33.5 g	66%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Cheesesteak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion and pepper mixture for a spicy kick.
• Pizza Cheesesteak: Top the cheesesteak with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
• Mushroom Cheesesteak: Increase the amount of mushrooms for a more pronounced mushroom flavor.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, American cheese, or even a sharp cheddar.
• Roll Substitutions: While the crusty Italian roll is essential, you could use a hoagie roll.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While rib eye is the traditional choice for its flavor and tenderness, you can use other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the onion and pepper mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before assembling the cheesesteaks.

Q: Can I grill the beef instead of sautéing it?
A: Yes, grilling the beef is another great option. Just make sure to cook it quickly over high heat to sear it and keep it tender.

Q: What’s the best way to melt the cheese?
A: The heat from the beef and vegetables should melt the Cheez Whiz sufficiently. You can also place the assembled cheesesteak under a broiler for a few seconds to melt the cheese.

Q: What kind of onions are best?
A: Yellow onions are traditionally used but sweet onions work well too.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a taste of Philadelphia, right in your own kitchen! This Pat’s King of Steaks style cheesesteak is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy every bite! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! Perhaps pair it with some crispy french fries and a cold soda for the full Philly experience.