Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe (Cast Iron Style)

If there’s one meal that always brings a crowd running, it’s a hot, cheesy Philly cheesesteak. While most people think of it as a sandwich shop classic, you can easily make a Philly cheesesteak skillet dinner at home with just a few ingredients and a good cast iron pan. The result? Tender beef strips simmered in broth, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melty cheese—all ready to pile high on toasted hoagie rolls.

This recipe uses london broil or tip roast instead of pricier ribeye, making it hearty and affordable. Cooked low and slow in cast iron, the beef turns out perfectly tender, soaking up the savory flavors of beef bouillon, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Top it with your favorite cheese, melt it under the lid, and you’ve got a skillet full of cheesesteak perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic flavor – loaded with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and beef.
Budget-friendly – uses london broil or tip roast instead of ribeye.
Feeds a crowd – easily doubles for 5 pounds of beef.
One-skillet meal – everything cooks in cast iron for maximum flavor.
Perfect for sandwiches – just add hoagie rolls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lbs london broil or tip roast – thinly sliced into strips.
1 large sweet onion – sliced.
3 bell peppers (red or yellow) – sliced.
8–16 oz mushrooms (fresh or 1 cup dried).
2 Tbsp Knorr beef bouillon (or preferred brand).
Salt & pepper to taste.
8 oz sliced cheese – cheddar, provolone, or American all work.
Hoagie rolls – for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep vegetables. Slice onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Set aside.
Sauté veggies. In a cast iron skillet, melt a little beef fat trimmed from the roast (or use oil). Add onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook beef. Add beef strips to the skillet. Sprinkle with bouillon, salt, and pepper. Pour in enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 1–2 hours until beef is tender.
Combine. Return sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Simmer together another 10 minutes.
Cheese it. Layer cheese slices over the beef and veggies. Cover with a lid to melt.
Serve. Spoon mixture onto toasted hoagie rolls and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Beef too tough? Slice thin and simmer longer for tenderness.
Too much liquid? Simmer uncovered to reduce.
Want more flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce.
Cheese melt trick: Place the lid on for 2–3 minutes—perfect gooey cheese every time.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Classic Philly Style: Use provolone and top with sautéed onions.
Cheez Whiz Fans: Swap sliced cheese for authentic melted Cheez Whiz.
Garlic Lovers: Add extra minced garlic when sautéing veggies.
Low Carb Option: Skip the roll and serve in a bowl or over cauliflower rice.
Game Day Platter: Serve cheesesteak filling with slider buns for a party-friendly version.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Store in freezer bags up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave covered.
Make-Ahead: Slice meat and veggies a day in advance to save prep time.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best?
London broil or tip roast works beautifully when thinly sliced. Ribeye is traditional but more expensive.

Do I have to use cast iron?
Not required, but cast iron holds heat better and gives authentic flavor.

What cheese is best?
Provolone for classic, American for creamy, or Cheez Whiz for Philly-style.

Can I make this ahead for parties?
Yes, make the filling ahead, then reheat and melt cheese right before serving.

Conclusion

This homemade Philly cheesesteak skillet recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding family or friends. Cooked in cast iron with tender beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Serve it piled high on fresh hoagie rolls for a sandwich shop experience right at home.

Do you love your cheesesteak with provolone or Cheez Whiz? 🥩🧀 Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!