Philly Cheesesteaks, think tender beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese all stuffed into a warm, pillowy hoagie roll - it's comfort food at its finest, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your family table.
Today, we’re bringing the iconic flavors of Philly Cheesesteak straight to your kitchen with our freezer-friendly twist on this classic dish. Think tender beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese, all stuffed into a warm, pillowy hoagie roll – it’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Say goodbye to mealtime stress and hello to convenience with our Philly Cheesesteak freezer meal recipe! With just a little prep work upfront, you can have a stash of these delicious sandwiches ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table after a long day or looking to simplify mealtime for a friend in need, this make-ahead meal solution is here to make life easier for your busy self
Join me in this blog post as we walk through the ins and outs of creating homemade Philly Cheesesteak freezer meals together. From slicing the beef to perfecting the cheese-to-onion ratio, I’ll share all my tips and tricks for making these sandwiches a staple in your meal rotation. So let’s get cooking – deliciousness awaits!
Why you’ll love this Easy Freezer Meal: Philly Cheesesteak
Stress-free cooking: Eliminates the need for last-minute meal planning.
Comfort food: Offers a satisfying and hearty meal option.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, parties, or potlucks.
Freezer space saver: Compact storage solution for busy households.
Healthier option: Control over ingredients and portion sizes.
Philly Cheesesteaks Freezer Meal Recipe
Philly Cheesesteaks, think tender beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese all stuffed into a warm, pillowy hoagie roll – it's comfort food at its finest, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your family table.
Add all ingredients, except for serving ingredients, to a labeled freezer bag.
Seal bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Slow cooker directions:
Thaw overnight in fridge( meal may not 100% thawed but thats okay)
Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into slow cooker.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Separate beef, mix, remove beef and peppers with a slotted spoon.
Using a baking sheet, topped with parchment paper, spread open rolls onto baking sheet, top with meat and veggies, top with cheese, and broil on high for 1-2 minutes, then serve!
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Equipment Needed to make Best Philly Cheesesteaks Recipe
Slow cooker
Gallon Freezer bag
Ingredients for your Philly Cheesesteak Freezer Recipe
2 lbs shaved beef
1 onion, cut into 1-inch slices
1 green pepper, cut into 1- inch slices
1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch slices
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth or beef broth
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp garlic
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp italian seasoning
For serving
4-6 hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or french bread
2 cups mozzarella cheese
How to make a Philly Cheesesteak
Prep/freezer directions:
Label freezer bag according to preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except for serving ingredients, to a labeled freezer bag.
Seal bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Slow cooker directions:
Thaw overnight in fridge( meal may not 100% thawed but thats okay)
Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into slow cooker.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Separate beef, mix, remove beef and peppers with a slotted spoon.
Using a baking sheet, topped with parchment paper, spread open rolls onto baking sheet, top with meat and veggies, top with cheese, and broil on high for 1-2 minutes, then serve!
What to serve with your Make Ahead Philly Cheesesteak
Vegetarian Option: Replace the shaved beef with sliced portobello mushrooms. Marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning before sautéing them until tender. Proceed with the recipe as usual, using the marinated mushrooms as a flavorful alternative to beef.
Chicken Cheesesteak: Substitute the shaved beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or chicken tenders. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. Sauté the seasoned chicken with onions and peppers until cooked through, then proceed with the recipe as usual, assembling the sandwiches with the chicken and cheese.
Vegan Cheesesteak: Replace the shaved beef with strips of seitan or tempeh for a plant-based alternative. Marinate the seitan or tempeh in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning before cooking. Sauté the marinated seitan or tempeh with onions and peppers until heated through, then assemble the sandwiches with vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
Additions:
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or banana peppers to the sandwich for a spicy twist. Sauté the peppers along with the onions and peppers for added flavor and heat. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the sandwich before serving for an extra kick.
Caramelized Onions: Take your cheesesteaks to the next level by caramelizing the onions before adding them to the sandwich. Cook the onions low and slow in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until they turn golden brown and sweet. The caramelized onions will add depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the sandwiches.
Mushroom Medley: Enhance the flavor and texture of your cheesesteaks by adding a medley of sliced mushrooms to the filling. Use a combination of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for variety. Sauté the mushrooms with the onions and peppers until they are tender and golden brown, then assemble the sandwiches as usual, layering the mushroom mixture with the beef and cheese.
These substitutions and additions will enhance the flavor and versatility of your Cheesesteak while ensuring that each ingredient is freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep.
How to Reheat and Store Philly Cheesesteaks
Best way to store Convenient Philly Cheesesteaks leftovers?
This Philly cheesesteak is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In order to get to the point of being able to store in the fridge, allow the recipe to cool completely to room temperature. Make sure to wrap your cheesesteaks tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. Label and date the storage device for optimal freshness of leftovers. If you need a longer storage option than what is suitable for the fridge, the freezer is a great option.
How long will Philly Cheesesteaks last in the fridge?
When stored properly, and allowed to cool to the appropriate temperature, this meal is good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze Family-Friendly Philly Cheesesteaks?
We recommend freezing before cooking, and preparing this recipe as a raw freezer meal because the end of having a fresh meal is better than freezing a leftover meal. To create this as a raw freezer meal, simply label a gallon freezer bag, add all ingredients, except for the bun and cheese, into that freezer bag, remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
If you have already prepared the meal, and are not able to consume the leftovers in a suitable time frame for fridge storage, you can absolutely store leftovers in the freezer. Just follow the same cool down and wrapping procedure as you would to store in the fridge.
Consider double wrapping for extra protection against freezer burn by placing it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Then label the freezer bags with recipe and date. Place the wrapped sandwiches in the coldest part of the freezer.
How to Reheat quick and delicious Philly Cheesesteaks leftovers?
Our preferred method of reheating for this recipe is in the oven or toaster oven. Make sure to allow the leftovers to thaw in the fridge. Thawing ensures gradual thawing, which helps maintain the texture and flavor. Preheat oven to 350. Remove wrapping, place directly on oven rack or baking sheet and heat the sandwich for 10-15 minutes, or until its heated through and cheese is melted.
If you need a quicker reheating method, the microwave is a great choice. This method however, may result in a slightly different texture compared to the oven method. Remove any wrapping, place the sandwich on a microwave safe plate, and cover it loosely with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
Heat on high for 1-2 minutes depending on the microwave strength and thickness of the sandwich. Check the sandwich halfway through the heating process to ensure it is heated thoroughly.
Easy Philly Cheesesteaks Freezer Meal FAQs
What is the secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak?
The secret to a good Philly Cheesesteak lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients, particularly the thinly sliced beef. Traditional, ribeye steak is favored for its tenderness and flavor.
Additionally, the way the beef is cooked is crucial. Another key element is the bread; a soft, crusty Italian roll is the preferred choice, providing a sturdy-yet pillowy base for the meat and cheese. Finally, the cheese choice is also crucial. While Cheez Whiz is iconic, provolone and American cheese are also popular options.
What was the original Philly Cheesesteak ingredients?
The original Philly Cheesesteak ingredients consisted of thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and melted cheese. These ingredients are traditionally cooked together on a griddle and served in a long, crusty roll. The simplicity of the original recipe allows the flavors of the beef, onions, and cheese to shine through.
How do people from Philly order a cheesesteak?
People from Philly often order a cheesesteak by specifying their choice of cheese and any traditional toppings on condiments. For example, one might order a “Whiz wit” to indicate that they want a Cheese Whiz and onions, or a “Provolone without” indicating a Provolone cheese without the onions.
The specific terminology can vary slightly depending on the establishment, but most locals are familiar with the common shorthand used to order the sandwich to their liking.
What are the two famous Philly Cheesesteak places?
Two famous Philly Cheesesteak places that have garnered widespread acclaim are Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. Located across the street from each other in South Philadelphia, these iconic establishments have been serving up authentic Cheesesteak sandwiches for decades. Visitors flock to these restaurants from around the word and try out both sandwiches to decide which restaurant reigns supreme in the Philly Cheesesteak category.
Who is Philly cheesesteaks rival?
The Philly Cheesesteak rival is considered to be the Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich. The Chicago Beef sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef soaked in a flavorful au jus, served on an Italian roll and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers. While both sandwiches have passionate fan bases, the rivalry between the two is mostly friendly, enthusiasts enjoying the unique characteristics of both sandwiches.
Are there healthier versions of a Philly Cheesesteak?
Yes, there are healthier versions of a philly cheesesteak available for those seeking a lighter option. One popular substitution is taking the ribeye out for a leaner cut of beef, such as a sirloin. Additionally, some recipes call for a whole wheat or multigrain roll instead of the traditional white rolls. Another option is to load up extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to add extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the sandwich.
What is Philly Cheesesteak named after?
The Philly Cheesesteak is named after its city of origin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It originated in the early 20th century and has since become synonymous with the city’s culinary identity. Today the Philly cheesesteak is enjoyed worldwide as a beloved comfort food and iconic American sandwich.
Who won the best cheesesteak in Philly?
The title of the best cheesesteak in Philly is highly contested and subjective, with numerous establishments vying for the top spot. However, one notable winner of the title Is Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies, a family owned restaurant located in Roxborough neighborhood or Philly.
They have garnered widespread acclaim for its delicious cheesesteaks. The restaurant’s commitment for quality ingredients, generous portions, and friendly service has earned it a loyal following from locals and numerous accolades in the department for years.
What restaurant invented the Philly Cheesesteak?
While the exact origin of the Philly Cheesesteak are debated, one restaurant often credited with the invention of the iconic sandwich is Pat’s King of Steaks. Founded by Pat Olivieri in 1930, Pat’s began serving up thinly sliced ribeye steak sandwiches on crusty Italian rolls to hungry patrons in South Philly. Legend has it that the cheesesteak was born when Olivieri decided to add grilled onions to the sandwich and a passing cab driver requested one with cheese. From these humble beginnings, the cheesesteak quickly gained popularity and became a staple in the culinary scene in the state. Today, Pat’s remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike seeking an authentic taste of Philly culinary history.
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Philly Cheesesteak turned out!
Comments
Erin says:
I used pork instead of beef (beef is outrageously priced right now) and made it in my instant pot instead of crockpot. Super delicious! and my kids loved it!
I am so glad to hear that your family loved it! Great thing about this recipe is it is very versatile and customizable! I’ll have to try it with Pork next time 🙂
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
Erin says:
I used pork instead of beef (beef is outrageously priced right now) and made it in my instant pot instead of crockpot. Super delicious! and my kids loved it!
Hannah Stewart says:
I am so glad to hear that your family loved it! Great thing about this recipe is it is very versatile and customizable! I’ll have to try it with Pork next time 🙂
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