If there’s one iconic sandwich that captures the essence of comfort food, it’s the classic Cheese Steak. Originating from the streets of Philadelphia, this hearty delight has found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. Today, even though I’m not from the city of brotherly love, I am thrilled to share my take on this beloved sandwich, cooked to perfection in a trusty cast iron pan.

The Art of Cast Iron Cooking

The cast iron pan, a cornerstone of culinary tools, offers a unique combination of durability, versatility, and consistent heat distribution, making it ideal for a myriad of recipes, including this chicken in mushroom sauce dish. From searing to simmering, this kitchen stalwart is key to achieving the deep flavors and perfect textures that elevate a dish from good to unforgettable.

Cast Iron Cheese Steak: The Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the heart of today’s post: a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make Cheese Steak. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. And, it all comes together in under an hour, in one cast iron pan.

Cast Iron Cheese Steak

Recipe by Victor Mikell

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

800

kcal

Ingredients

1 top sirloin steak, partially frozen
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, sliced
3 bell peppers, sliced
1 large Italian loaf, sliced lengthwise
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 slices deli sliced provolone cheese

Directions

Prepare the Steak:
- Place the top sirloin steak in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes until it's partially frozen. This will make it easier to slice thinly.
- Once partially frozen, remove the steak from the freezer and slice it thinly against the grain. Season the slices with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers:
- Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan, cooking until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Bread:
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter and minced garlic to make a garlic butter spread.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over the sliced Italian loaf.
- Place the bread under the broiler for a few minutes until lightly toasted.
Cook the Steak:
- In the same cast iron pan used for the onions and bell peppers, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the thinly sliced steak to the pan, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Toss steak with the onions and bell peppers.
- Top the bread with the steak, onion and pepper mixture.
- Top everything with the slices of provolone.
Melt the Cheese:
- Place the assembled sandwich back under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Serve:
- Carefully remove the sandwich from the broiler and let it cool for a minute.
- Using a pizza wheel, slice the sandwich into portions and serve immediately as an open-face sandwich.

Culinary Reflections

With its tender steak, flavorful onions and peppers, gooey melted cheese, and garlicky toasted bread, this Cast Iron Cheese Steak Sandwich is a cheat if I ever heard of one. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing party snack, this sandwich is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. So fire up your cast iron pan, channel your inner psuedo-Philly chef, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Cheese Steak right in your own kitchen. Cheers to good food and good company!

Tagged Cast Iron, One Pan Meals, Onions, Peppers, Steak