Philly Cheese Steak Pizza: A Slice of Cheesesteak Heaven

The aroma of sizzling onions, peppers, and thinly sliced beef always transports me back to my college days. Late-night cravings, fueled by study sessions and the thrill of independence, often led to a pilgrimage to our local cheesesteak joint. That’s why this Philly Cheese Steak Pizza holds such a special place in my heart. It’s a culinary mashup that perfectly captures the essence of that iconic sandwich, transformed into a shareable, cheesy masterpiece that’s just as satisfying as those late-night feasts.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 pizza
• Dietary Type: Not Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 frozen pizza dough (or dough of your choice)
• 2 – 2 ½ cups provolone cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• ½ green pepper, sliced thin
• 1 medium onion, sliced thin
• ½ lb chipped rare roast beef (from the deli)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices havarti cheese
• Ranch dressing
• McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning

Equipment Needed

• Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone
• Large Skillet
• Pizza Cutter or Knife

Instructions

1. Begin by thawing the frozen pizza dough on the counter. Lightly spray it with Pam or another cooking spray, and cover with Saran wrap to prevent it from drying out. The thawing process usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
2. While the dough is thawing, prepare the toppings. In a large skillet, lightly sauté the sliced onion, mushrooms, and green pepper with a small amount of butter or margarine and garlic. You can use minced garlic from a jar or fresh garlic cloves. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; you want them to be slightly tender but still have some texture.
3. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, drain them to remove any excess moisture and set aside. This will prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
4. Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispy crust.
5. Once the dough has thawed, press it onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. If the dough is too elastic and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to stretch it.
6. Lightly drizzle the dough with ranch dressing, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula. The ranch dressing adds a tangy creaminess that complements the other flavors.
7. Next, place the Havarti cheese slices on the dough. It will not completely cover the dough, but that’s perfectly fine. The Havarti will melt and create pockets of creamy richness.
8. Spread the shredded provolone cheese evenly on top of the Havarti cheese. The provolone adds a sharp, savory flavor that’s essential to a Philly cheesesteak.
9. Spread the chipped roast beef evenly over the provolone cheese. Make sure to distribute it evenly so that every slice of pizza has a generous portion of beef.
10. Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the roast beef.
11. Cover the top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella provides a classic pizza cheese pull and a mild, milky flavor that balances the other ingredients.
12. Lightly sprinkle the McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning over the entire pizza. This seasoning adds a savory, slightly spicy kick that really elevates the flavor profile.
13. Bake in the preheated oven at 475°F (246°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent the crust from burning.
14. Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, try brushing the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking.
• If you don’t have McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning, you can substitute it with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• To prevent the bottom of the crust from becoming soggy, try par-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• If you want to add a little heat to your pizza, try adding some sliced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Consider using a cast iron skillet instead of a baking sheet for a super crispy crust. Just be sure to preheat the skillet in the oven before placing the pizza dough inside.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Pizza hot, sliced into wedges. It pairs well with a side salad or some crispy fries. Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice or two on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may become a bit soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Reheat frozen pizza in the oven for best results.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	550 kcal	28%
Total Fat	30g	46%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	90mg	30%
Sodium	1000mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	35g	70%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Crust: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza dough. You can also try making your own crust from scratch using almond flour or cauliflower.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
• Beef: If you don’t have roast beef, you can use thinly sliced steak, ground beef, or even shredded chicken.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as banana peppers, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions.
• Sauce: Instead of ranch dressing, try using a garlic aioli, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a pre-made pizza crust instead of frozen dough?
A: Yes, absolutely! A pre-made crust is a great time-saver. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as pre-made crusts may cook faster than frozen dough.

Q: Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can sauté the onions, mushrooms, and green peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pizza. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
A: The best way to reheat leftover pizza is in the oven. This will help to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop for a crispy crust.

Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
A: Yes, you can freeze this pizza. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Reheat frozen pizza in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I use different seasoning other than McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, like Italian herbs, garlic powder, or a blend of salt, pepper, and onion powder, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheese Steak Pizza is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game day, movie night, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of your favorite soda for the ultimate pizza experience. Happy cooking!