This Authentic Philly Cheesesteak captures all the mouthwatering goodness of the iconic sandwich—thin-sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melty cheese—served on a warm roll. It’s everything you love about the Philly classic, made with simple, balanced ingredients that let you enjoy bold flavor without going overboard. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day eats, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, satisfying sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Flavor: Thin steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, just like the original.
Balanced Ingredients: Made with lean steak and light cheese options.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Choose your favorite roll or go low-carb with lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean sirloin or flank steak, very thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for a modern twist)
- 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices reduced-fat provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 4 light sandwich rolls (or whole wheat hoagie rolls)
Instructions
1. Prep the Steak
Freeze steak for 20–30 minutes to make slicing easier. Then, slice very thinly across the grain.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In a nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions (and peppers if using) and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, add the steak and cook for 3–4 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until browned and cooked through.
4. Combine & Melt Cheese
Return the onions and peppers to the skillet with the steak. Lower heat and place slices of cheese on top. Cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted.
5. Assemble Sandwiches
Split and lightly toast the rolls if desired. Divide the steak mixture evenly among the rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich, Approximate)
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Tips for Success
- Thin Slicing is Key: The thinner the steak, the more authentic the texture.
- Skip the Oil: Use cooking spray to cut down on fat if preferred.
- Make It Low-Carb: Swap the bun for lettuce wraps or serve over a bed of greens.
- Try Different Cheeses: Provolone is classic, but reduced-fat mozzarella or even a light cheese spread works well.
Why This Recipe Works
This version keeps the soul of the classic Philly Cheesesteak intact—tender meat, gooey cheese, warm bread—while simplifying the ingredients and trimming excess fat. You still get all the flavor and comfort, just with a lighter approach.
This Authentic Philly Cheesesteak brings iconic street food flavor straight to your kitchen in a way that’s fast, flavorful, and easy to enjoy as part of a balanced meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or cooking for one, it’s a satisfying choice that never feels like a compromise.
Authentic Philly Cheesesteak – Lighter Take on a Classic Favorite
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes320
kcal25
minutesThis Authentic Philly Cheesesteak captures all the mouthwatering goodness of the iconic sandwich—thin-sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melty cheese—served on a warm roll. It’s everything you love about the Philly classic, made with simple, balanced ingredients that let you enjoy bold flavor without going overboard. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day eats, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients
1 lb lean sirloin or flank steak, very thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for a modern twist)
1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 slices reduced-fat provolone or mozzarella cheese
4 light sandwich rolls (or whole wheat hoagie rolls)
Instructions
- Prep the Steak
Freeze steak for 20–30 minutes to make slicing easier. Then, slice very thinly across the grain. - Sauté the Veggies
In a nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions (and peppers if using) and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, add the steak and cook for 3–4 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until browned and cooked through. - Combine & Melt Cheese
Return the onions and peppers to the skillet with the steak. Lower heat and place slices of cheese on top. Cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted. - Assemble Sandwiches
Split and lightly toast the rolls if desired. Divide the steak mixture evenly among the rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Thin Slicing is Key: The thinner the steak, the more authentic the texture.
Skip the Oil: Use cooking spray to cut down on fat if preferred.
Make It Low-Carb: Swap the bun for lettuce wraps or serve over a bed of greens.
Try Different Cheeses: Provolone is classic, but reduced-fat mozzarella or even a light cheese spread works well.