Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Easy Recipe

Make This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

Craving the iconic taste of a Philly cheesesteak but want a simpler, shareable format? This cheesy bread recipe is your answer. It transforms classic ingredients like savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey provolone cheese into a delectable loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Forget complicated rolls; we use a sturdy French bread base, making preparation straightforward and fun. This dish is designed for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing taste. It’s a comforting option that’s bound to become a new family favorite, offering all the satisfaction of a traditional cheesesteak in every easy-to-grab slice.

Quick Overview: Times and Servings

This main course recipe shines with its efficiency, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner. You’ll be delighted by how rapidly you can bring this dish to the table, allowing more time for family and less time spent in the kitchen. Here’s what you can expect:

• Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Around 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 generous portions

This straightforward timeline ensures that even on your busiest days, a delicious, homemade Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread is well within reach. It’s designed to be an easy recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss, making it a reliable addition to your weeknight rotation.

Gather Your Recipe Ingredients List

Crafting this savory Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread begins with a careful selection of ingredients. We’ve focused on components that are readily available and contribute to that authentic, comforting flavor profile. From the robust proteins to the fresh, crisp vegetables and, of course, the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, each item plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout weeknight dinner. Having everything prepped and measured before you start cooking will streamline the process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable culinary experience.

What You Need From The Pantry

• 1 large loaf French bread (sturdy, not too soft)
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (for spreading on bread)
• 8 oz sliced provolone cheese (or a blend of provolone and mozzarella)

Fresh Produce For Our Recipe

• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Prepare Your French Bread Base

The foundation of our Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread is a good quality French bread. Choosing a loaf that is somewhat dense and firm will ensure it can hold up to the hearty beef filling without becoming soggy. Preparing the bread correctly is key to achieving that perfect balance of crispy crust and tender, flavor-infused interior. This step is quick but essential, as it sets the stage for the delicious layers of flavor to come. Make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) before you begin this stage, so it’s ready when your bread is.

Scoop Out For The Filling

Carefully slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two equal pieces. Using your hands or a spoon, gently scoop out some of the soft interior bread from each half. Be careful not to go all the way through the crust. This creates a wonderful “boat” for our savory filling, allowing for a generous amount of the ground beef and cheese mixture while maintaining the bread’s structural integrity. Discard the scooped-out bread or save it for breadcrumbs later.

Add Mayonnaise To Bread

Once the bread is prepped, spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on the cut side of each bread half. This might seem like an unconventional step, but it serves a dual purpose. Firstly, the mayonnaise adds a subtle richness and helps to prevent the bread from becoming overly saturated by the beef mixture. Secondly, it contributes to a beautiful golden-brown crust during baking, creating a delicious barrier and enhancing the overall texture of your cheesy bread. Don’t skip this small but impactful detail!

Cook The Delicious Beef Filling

The heart of your Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread lies in its rich and flavorful beef filling. This is where the magic happens, as we combine aromatic vegetables with seasoned ground beef to create a truly delicious base. The cooking process is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results. Pay attention to the browning of the beef and the softening of the vegetables to build depth of flavor. If you enjoy other ground meat recipes, consider trying this ground turkey and peppers dish next!

Sauté Veggies Until Soft

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and yellow onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and started to caramelize slightly. This step is crucial for developing the sweet and savory notes that complement the beef so well. Once they are tender, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Brown The Ground Beef Mixture

In the same skillet, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s thoroughly browned, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the filling from being too oily. Once browned, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the beef. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, a sign of the deliciousness to come.

Thicken With Beef Broth Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the browned ground beef and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will create a roux that helps thicken our sauce. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. The beef filling should be rich and coated, not overly soupy. Finally, stir the sautéed vegetables back into the beef mixture, combining everything for a cohesive and flavorful filling ready for assembly.

Assemble Your Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

With your French bread prepared and the beef filling perfectly cooked, it’s time for the exciting assembly phase. This is where your individual components come together to form the satisfying cheesy bread everyone will adore. The key here is to distribute the filling evenly and generously, ensuring every bite offers that quintessential Philly cheesesteak experience. Get ready for a delicious aroma to waft from your kitchen as this dish takes shape!

Spoon Beef Mixture Onto Bread

Carefully spoon the warm beef and vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out sections of both French bread halves. Make sure to spread it from end to end, creating an even layer. Don’t be shy; load it up! The sturdy nature of the French bread will hold the filling beautifully. Gently press the mixture down slightly to ensure it’s nestled snugly into the bread, ready to be enveloped by melted cheese.

Top Generously With Cheese

Now for the best part: the cheese! Layer the provolone slices generously over the entire surface of the beef mixture on both bread halves. If you’re using a blend of cheeses, such as provolone and mozzarella, layer them alternately for a more complex flavor and gooey texture. The more cheese, the better for that authentic “cheesy bread” experience. The cheese will melt down, creating a delicious blanket that seals in the flavors and provides that irresistible stretch when pulled apart.

Bake Until Golden And Bubbly

The final step before indulgence is baking your assembled Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread to perfection. This stage not only melts the cheese into a glorious, bubbly topping but also warms the bread through and creates a delightful crispness on the crust. The aromas filling your kitchen during this time will be utterly irresistible, signaling that a fantastic meal is almost ready to be enjoyed. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.

1. Place the two assembled bread halves on a large baking sheet. You might want to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
3. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.

How To Get Crispy Top

To achieve an extra crispy top and a beautifully browned cheese crust, consider these tips:

• Broil Briefly: In the last 2-3 minutes of baking, if your cheese isn’t as golden as you’d like, you can switch your oven to broiler mode. Keep a very close watch, as cheese can burn quickly under the broiler. Just a minute or two is often enough to achieve a perfectly crisp and golden finish.
• Preheat Thoroughly: A fully preheated oven ensures even cooking and promotes better browning from the start.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your bread halves enough space on the baking sheet for even air circulation.

Once baked, carefully remove the cheesy bread from the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly and makes for cleaner cuts. Serve warm and enjoy!

Best Tips For Philly Cheesesteak Bread

While our recipe for Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread is designed to be straightforward and delicious, there are always ways to elevate your creation or tailor it to specific preferences. These expert tips can help you achieve an even more authentic flavor or simply make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Think of these as enhancements that take your cheesy bread from great to absolutely unforgettable.

Try Thinly Sliced Ribeye

For a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, consider replacing the ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye steak. You’ll need about 1 lb of good quality ribeye, flash-fried on a hot griddle or in a skillet until just cooked through. The rich marbling of ribeye offers a tender texture and deep flavor that is characteristic of traditional cheesesteaks. Slice it against the grain into very thin pieces for the best results, ensuring it’s easy to eat within the bread. This modification elevates the dish to a gourmet level, perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving that classic steakhouse taste.

Add Caramelized Onions Later

While our recipe calls for sautéing onions with bell peppers, taking the time to truly caramelize onions separately can add an incredible depth of sweetness and umami to your cheesy bread. This process involves cooking thinly sliced onions slowly over low heat for a longer period (30-45 minutes), allowing their natural sugars to brown and intensify. Add these deeply flavored caramelized onions to your beef mixture just before spooning it onto the bread. The rich, sweet notes provide a fantastic contrast to the savory beef and sharp provolone cheese, making each bite even more complex and satisfying.

Delicious Sides For Your Meal

While Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with a complementary side can enhance the dining experience and balance the richness of the dish. Choosing the right accompaniment can add freshness, texture, or an extra layer of flavor to your spread. Here are some simple and delightful options that go wonderfully with your savory cheesy bread.

Pair With A Fresh Salad

A crisp, fresh salad is an excellent counterpoint to the hearty and cheesy bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness and provide a refreshing bite. Consider adding some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and perhaps a sprinkle of croutons for texture. For a more adventurous option, check out this beet salad with feta for a vibrant and flavorful choice that adds a pop of color and earthy notes to your meal.

Roasted Veggies Or Potato Wedges

If you’re looking for something more substantial than a salad, roasted vegetables or potato wedges make fantastic companions. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots, providing a healthy and flavorful addition. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and slightly caramelized. Alternatively, crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries offer a comforting side that echoes the hearty nature of the cheesy bread, providing a satisfying crunch and a touch of indulgence.

Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Variations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt and personalize recipes to suit your taste or dietary needs. This Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous delicious variations. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses to make this dish uniquely your own. These ideas will help inspire new culinary adventures and ensure this cheesy bread remains a fresh and exciting option for your dinner table.

Steak or Chicken Options

While our recipe features ground beef, you can easily substitute it with other proteins. For a truly authentic Philly experience, as mentioned before, thinly sliced ribeye steak is the go-to. Alternatively, shredded or diced cooked chicken breast or even ground chicken can make for a lighter, yet equally flavorful, “chicken cheesesteak” version. Consider seasoning chicken with poultry spices and a touch of smoky paprika. If you enjoy chicken-based dinners, our cheesy chicken and rice casserole is another comforting family meal you might like.

Boost With Extra Veggies

Beyond bell peppers and onions, there are many other vegetables that can add nutrition, flavor, and texture to your cheesy bread. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth, spinach for a touch of green, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a subtle kick. Corn, zucchini, or roasted red peppers can also be fantastic additions, bringing sweetness and vibrant color. Simply sauté them with your primary vegetables until tender, then combine with the beef filling. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and cater to different vegetable preferences within your family.

Storing Cheesy Bread Leftovers

One of the great things about this Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread is that it often yields fantastic leftovers, making meal prep for the next day or two a breeze. Proper storage ensures that your cheesy bread remains delicious and safe to eat. Whether you’re planning to enjoy it tomorrow or save it for a future craving, these tips will help you preserve its taste and texture effectively. This makes it an even more convenient family meal option.

Reheating Instructions For Freshness

To reheat leftover cheesy bread, the best method is usually the oven or a toaster oven. This helps to re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese without making it soggy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place individual slices or smaller portions of the cheesy bread directly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it may result in a softer bread and less crispy cheese. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing Unbaked Bread Halves

For future convenience, you can prepare the French bread base and filling, then freeze the unbaked halves. After scooping out the bread and spreading mayonnaise, fill each half with the beef mixture (do not add cheese yet). Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1-2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the bread halves in the refrigerator overnight. Add cheese and bake as directed, potentially adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the filling will be cold. This is an excellent way to prepare for a quick weeknight dinner down the line.

Nutritional Info Per Serving Slice

While specific nutritional values can vary significantly based on ingredients, brands, and exact portion sizes, this Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread is a hearty and satisfying meal. When prepared as directed with ground beef and provolone cheese, a single serving slice generally offers a good source of protein, along with carbohydrates from the French bread. It’s a flavorful option that provides substantial energy. For precise dietary information, it’s recommended to calculate based on the exact products you use in your kitchen. This dish is definitely a comforting choice for those seeking a fulfilling weeknight dinner.

Easy Recipe Instructions Summary

Bringing this mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread to life is simpler than you might think, making it a fantastic easy recipe for any home cook. Follow these summarized steps to create a hearty and memorable family meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. For more delicious recipe ideas and kitchen inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page and follow us on Instagram!

1. Prepare Bread: Slice French bread lengthwise, scoop out some interior, and spread with mayonnaise.
2. Sauté Veggies: Cook bell peppers and onions in olive oil until soft, then set aside.
3. Brown Beef: Cook ground beef, drain fat, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Thicken Filling: Stir in flour, then beef broth, simmering until thickened. Reincorporate sautéed veggies.
5. Assemble: Spoon beef mixture into bread halves and top generously with provolone cheese.
6. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let cool briefly, then slice and enjoy your delicious cheesy bread!