Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe

This irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread transforms the classic sandwich into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes! Featuring savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and gooey melted cheese on crispy French bread, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something substantial and delicious. The familiar flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in an easy-to-make, fun-to-eat format will have your family reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight Wonder: Gets on your table in about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need something satisfying fast.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of meat, vegetables, and cheese on crispy bread appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s a guaranteed hit!
• Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, game day snack, or main dish depending on how you slice it.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef instead of expensive ribeye steak, making this a wallet-friendly way to enjoy cheesesteak flavors.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• French Bread: Provides the sturdy foundation for all those delicious toppings. The slight hollowing creates the perfect “boat” for holding all that cheesy goodness.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy while adding richness and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Sweet Onion: Brings natural sweetness and classic cheesesteak flavor. When caramelized, it adds wonderful depth to the filling.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and vegetable goodness to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Mushrooms: Contribute a savory, earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
• Ground Beef: The star protein that makes this dish satisfying and hearty. Using lean ground beef keeps it from becoming greasy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that umami depth and tangy flavor that makes the beef taste incredibly rich and savory.
• Cornstarch and Beef Broth: Work together to create a light gravy that binds the filling and adds moisture.
• Provolone or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey topping that makes this dish irresistible.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional garnish that adds a hint of heat and visual appeal.

Variations

Try These Delicious Twists:

• Chicken Philly: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef for a lighter option.
• Italian Twist: Add Italian seasoning to the beef mixture and substitute mozzarella for the provolone.
• Tex-Mex Style: Include some jalapeños in the vegetable mix and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and double up on mushrooms, adding zucchini and extra bell peppers for a hearty meatless option.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the inside, leaving a 1-inch border. Spread mayonnaise over both halves and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, sautéing until tender, about 2 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks until no pink remains, approximately 3 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Season and Thicken

Stir Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and beef broth, then add to the skillet. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Divide the filling evenly between the two bread halves, spreading it to cover the surface. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut into portions and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve while still warm and melty!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Hollow Wisely: When scooping out bread, don’t go too deep – you need a sturdy base to hold the filling.
• Drain Thoroughly: Taking time to drain excess fat from the beef prevents soggy bread.
• Even Distribution: Spread the meat mixture evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Cheese Strategy: Save a small handful of cheese to sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking for that picture-perfect finish.
• Rest Before Cutting: Let the bread rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

How to Serve

Main Dish:

Cut into larger portions and serve with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Appetizer:

Slice into 2-inch pieces for easy handheld bites perfect for game day or gatherings.

Family Style:

Present the whole loaf on a wooden cutting board and let everyone slice their preferred portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves slightly as the ingredients meld together!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but the bread won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced ribeye is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks. Cook it quickly over high heat just until no longer pink for the most tender results. You’ll need about 1 pound, just as with the ground beef.

My bread got soggy on the bottom. What went wrong?
This can happen if the filling has too much moisture. Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly after cooking and allow the thickened mixture to cool slightly before adding to the bread. The mayonnaise layer also helps create a moisture barrier.

What’s the best cheese to use for authentic flavor?
Provolone is one of the traditional cheeses used in authentic Philly cheesesteaks, along with white American cheese or Cheez Whiz. Any of these will give you that classic taste, though Monterey Jack makes a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the meat filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the filling, assemble the bread, and bake. This makes it perfect for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread is what comfort food dreams are made of! It captures all the flavors of the beloved sandwich in a format that’s fun to share and even easier to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for the perfect game day snack, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The crispy bread, savory filling, and gooey cheese create an irresistible combination that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

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