BBQ Cheesesteak Recipe: Philly Favorite Takes a Smoky Turn

Complete BBQ Cheesesteak Recipe: Philly Favorite Takes a Smoky Turn overview image

I’m trading traditional Philly cheesesteak for a smoky BBQ twist that’s about to become your new favorite comfort food. 🔥 By combining tender steak, gooey cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, we’re elevating this classic to new heights.

What makes this BBQ cheesesteak special is the perfect balance of flavors. We’re talking tender steak, melted cheese, and a hint of smokiness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s get started on this game-changing recipe!

👨‍🍳
Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Bbq Cheesesteak

Gather these premium ingredients for a BBQ cheesesteak that’s pure comfort food bliss.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Ribeye Steak 🥩 1 ½ lb Thinly sliced against grain
White Onion 🧅 1 whole Thinly sliced
Bell Peppers 🌶️ 2 whole Any color, sliced
Provolone Cheese 🧀 8 oz Sliced, for melting
BBQ Sauce 🍯 1 cup Sweet or tangy variety
Worcestershire Sauce 💧 2 tbsp Adds depth of flavor
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced, for flavor
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp For sautéing
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Kosher or sea salt
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground preferred
Hoagie Rolls 🍞 4 whole Soft, crusty rolls
Fresh Parsley 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, for garnish

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The ribeye makes or breaks this dish. Look for well-marbled meat at your local butcher or quality grocery store. Costco often has great deals on ribeye. If you’re feeling fancy, try dry-aged ribeye for even more flavor. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

No provolone? Mozzarella or Monterey Jack works as a substitute, but provolone gives that authentic Philly vibe. For the BBQ sauce, Kansas City-style is thick and sweet, while Memphis-style is tangier. The hoagie rolls are crucial—get them from an Italian bakery if possible. Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness, but you can skip it if you don’t have it on hand.

This dish reheats beautifully—keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F. The steak can be pre-sliced and stored in airtight containers, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Cheesesteak

Let’s create this mouth-watering BBQ cheesesteak together – a perfect blend of smoky BBQ and classic Philly flavors.

🔥 Step 1: Sear the Ribeye Steak to Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons Olive Oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Ribeye Steak slices in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust. You’ll know it’s ready when the steak releases easily from the pan.

Transfer the seared steak to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. The residual heat will continue cooking the steak slightly, ensuring it stays tender. If you’re working in batches, wipe the pan clean between batches to prevent burning any remaining bits.

🍳 Step 2: Sauté Onions and Bell Peppers Until Tender

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon Olive Oil. Add the 1 whole White Onion and 2 whole Bell Peppers slices. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and lightly caramelized. The vegetables should be tender but still retain some crunch.

Add the 3 cloves Garlic Cloves during the last minute of cooking and stir constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will be incredible as the garlic mingles with the onions and peppers. Season with 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to enhance the flavors.

🥘 Step 3: Combine Steak, Vegetables, and BBQ Sauce

Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the 1 cup BBQ Sauce and 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the steak and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Let it simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

The BBQ sauce will add a sweet and tangy dimension, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a deep umami flavor. This combination elevates the dish, making it truly special. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

🔥 Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Provolone Cheese

Preheat your broiler. Slice the 4 whole Hoagie Rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon the steak and vegetable mixture onto the rolls, then top with slices of 8 oz Provolone Cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keep a close eye on the sandwiches as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, adding a creamy texture to the crispy rolls.

👨‍🍳 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the sandwiches from the oven and sprinkle with 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the rolls are warm. The freshness of the parsley adds a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.

Enjoy your BBQ cheesesteak sandwiches with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries or a fresh salad. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Protein Powerhouse Benefits

The 1.5 lb Ribeye Steak in this BBQ cheesesteak provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. A 3-ounce serving of ribeye contains about 22 grams of protein. This high protein content helps keep you full and satisfied. 💪

Iron and Mineral Content

Ribeye steak is also a good source of iron, particularly heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron. This mineral is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood. Additionally, the steak provides other essential minerals like zinc and phosphorus, supporting immune function and bone health.

Vegetable Nutritional Boost

The 1 whole White Onion and 2 whole Bell Peppers add a nutritional boost to this dish. Onions are rich in antioxidants and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation. Bell peppers, especially when various colors are used, provide a high dose of vitamin C and other antioxidants, supporting immune health and reducing oxidative stress.

Calcium from Cheese

The 8 oz Provolone Cheese not only adds a delicious flavor but also provides calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in muscle function and nerve health. While cheese is calorie-dense, it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Balancing the Meal

To make this BBQ cheesesteak even healthier, consider balancing it with some sides. A fresh salad or some steamed vegetables can add fiber and additional vitamins, making the meal more balanced. Being mindful of portion sizes can also help manage calorie intake, ensuring this delicious dish remains a healthy option.

Customization for Health

For a healthier version, you can make a few adjustments. Using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount of cheese can lower the calorie count. Opting for whole-grain hoagie rolls can increase the fiber content. Additionally, loading up on more vegetables like bell peppers and onions can enhance the nutritional profile without adding many calories.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per recipe

Amount per serving

Calories

350

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15g

19%

Saturated Fat 4g

20%

Cholesterol 65mg

22%

Sodium 580mg

25%

Total Carbohydrate 32g

12%

Dietary Fiber 4g

14%

Total Sugars 6g

Protein 25g

50%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

★★★★★5.0(15 reviews)
Chef Melanie

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