Grilled Philly Cheesesteaks: A Foreman Grill Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a Philly cheesesteak. Growing up in the Northeast, it was a staple – a quick, satisfying bite after school, a late-night craving fueled by laughter and good company. I remember the sizzle of the thinly sliced beef hitting the griddle, the aromatic dance of onions and peppers, and that perfect, gooey cheese pull. While a traditional flat-top grill is ideal, I’ve found a way to capture that iconic flavor using a George Foreman grill, making it accessible any night of the week.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 3-4
• Yield: 3-4 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be adapted to be gluten-free)

Ingredients

• 4 submarine rolls, halved
• 1/3 cup soft butter (can use more if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, well drained (or use fresh sauteed sliced mushrooms)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
• Seasoning salt (to taste) or white salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 lb thinly sliced cooked beef
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese or 8 slices provolone cheese

Equipment Needed

• George Foreman Grill (or similar electric griddle)
• Small bowl
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat both sides of your George Foreman Grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and that signature grill sear.

2. In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of soft butter with the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, if using. The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients. Make sure your butter is very soft to ensure even mixing.

3. Lightly butter all of the submarine roll halves with the garlic butter (or plain butter). This creates a delicious, golden-brown crust when toasted.

4. Place the buttered roll halves on the preheated grill, buttered side down. Toast until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the grill and place on a plate.

5. Place 2 slices of either mozzarella or provolone cheese over four of the toasted bread halves. The residual heat from the bread will start the melting process. Set aside.

6. On one side of the grill, place the mushrooms, onion slices, and bell pepper strips. Season lightly with seasoning salt or a combination of white salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking!

7. On the other side of the grill, place the 1 lb of thinly sliced cooked beef. If desired, season the beef lightly with freshly ground black pepper.

8. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. At the same time, cook the beef, separating it as it cooks, until it’s heated through, about 3-5 minutes. The Foreman grill cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on everything to prevent burning.

9. Once the vegetables are tender and the beef is hot, divide the hot beef evenly onto the cheese-covered bread slices.

10. Top the beef with the cooked vegetables, ensuring each sandwich gets a generous portion of mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

11. Top with the remaining toasted bread halves, pressing down slightly to meld all the flavors together. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For the most authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, use thinly sliced ribeye steak. You can often find this pre-sliced at your local butcher or grocery store.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the vegetables and beef in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• To get the cheese extra melty, you can place the assembled sandwiches back on the grill for a minute or two, pressing down gently.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables while they’re cooking.
• For an alternative cheese option, consider using Cheez Whiz, a classic Philly cheesesteak topping.
• Make-ahead tip: Slice the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time during meal preparation.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your grilled Philly cheesesteaks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gooey. They pair perfectly with crispy french fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can wrap the sandwich in foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the bread may become slightly soggy. For best results, reheat on the grill again for 5-7 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	600 kcal	30%
Total Fat	35g	54%
Saturated Fat	18g	90%
Cholesterol	120mg	40%
Sodium	900mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	8g	–
Protein	40g	80%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free submarine rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Replace the beef with marinated portobello mushrooms or a plant-based beef substitute.
• Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños to the sandwich for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or Swiss.
• Bread: If you don’t have submarine rolls, you can use hoagie rolls or even ciabatta bread.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as banana peppers or roasted red peppers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use thawed, thinly sliced cooked beef for even cooking and best flavor. If using frozen beef, ensure it is fully thawed before grilling.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep the vegetables and have the beef ready, but it’s best to assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: Make sure the bread is toasted before adding the cheese and toppings. This will create a barrier that prevents the moisture from the fillings from soaking into the bread.

Q: Can I use a regular grill instead of a George Foreman grill?
A: Yes, you can use a regular grill. Just make sure to preheat it to medium-high heat and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have sliced mushrooms?
A: You can use whole mushrooms and slice them yourself. Just make sure they are sliced thinly and evenly.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A delicious and easy way to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak without needing a full-sized grill. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature cheesesteak. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. Enjoy the sizzle, the aroma, and that first satisfying bite!