Imagine merging the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the irresistible comfort of pizza — that is exactly what the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe delivers. This dish combines tender ribeye steak, sautéed veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce all atop a crispy pizza crust, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re a cheesesteak enthusiast or a pizza lover, this recipe promises to become a regular in your rotation for its perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet packed with flavor, the ingredients for this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe are straightforward but essential. Each element adds a unique texture or taste, from the juicy steak to the creamy cheese sauce to the fresh veggies, making this recipe a harmonious blend of all your favorite components.
- Frozen (fully-cooked) pizza crust: Provides a convenient and crispy base for your toppings, saving prep time without sacrificing taste.
- Ribeye steak: The star protein, known for its tenderness and rich beefy flavor perfect for Philly cheesesteak.
- Olive oil: Used in stages to sear steak and sauté veggies for that perfect caramelized texture and enhanced flavor.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the steak and vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Sweet and slightly pungent, sliced thinly for caramelization and depth.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy cheese sauce for smooth, luscious coverage on the pizza.
- Whole milk: The base for the sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky note to the sauce for extra flavor complexity.
- Provolone cheese (freshly grated): Melted into the sauce and sprinkled on top for authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- Monterey Jack cheese (freshly grated): Brings creaminess and meltability to the cheese blend.
- Button mushrooms: Thinly sliced to add an earthy counterbalance to the beef and cheese.
- Green bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a crisp, fresh bite and a pop of green color.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven as directed on the pizza crust packaging — usually around 425°F. This ensures the crust will bake to a perfect golden crisp once topped and ready.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Steak
Take your ribeye steak and slice it thinly against the grain. Season the slices with half the kosher salt and black pepper for immediate flavor infusion. Thin slices are the key to tender bites that blend beautifully on the pizza.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the steak slices until just browned but still juicy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to retain their tender texture and smoky flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the yellow onion rings, green bell pepper slices, and button mushrooms. Cook them until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful aroma.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir for about one minute — this will thicken the sauce later. Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder and half of the Provolone and Monterey Jack cheese, allowing them to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with the remaining kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Pizza
Place your frozen pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the warm cheese sauce with sautéed veggies evenly over the crust. Scatter the seared ribeye steak slices across the top, then sprinkle the remaining Provolone and Monterey Jack cheese for that irresistible, gooey finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled pizza in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and ensure the crust stays crisp.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions can brighten up the pizza with fresh color and a mild herbal note that cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs amazingly with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or oven-roasted potatoes tossed with herbs. These sides add texture contrast and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pizza sliced into small squares as finger food for parties or drizzle some hot sauce or tangy steak sauce on top for an extra flavor kick. You can also serve with individual ramekins of cheese sauce for dipping the crust!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making perfect next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pizza, wrap it carefully in foil and place it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing its delicious flavors and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy and cheese melty, far better than microwaving which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can use flank steak or sirloin as alternatives. Just slice them thinly and cook quickly to keep them tender and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use fully-cooked frozen pizza crust?
Using a fully-cooked frozen crust speeds up preparation and ensures a crispy base, but you can also use fresh or homemade dough if you prefer. Just adjust baking times accordingly.
Can I make the cheese sauce without Provolone?
You can substitute Provolone with mozzarella or fontina for a slightly different but still delicious cheese sauce. The Monterey Jack cheese adds creaminess, so the sauce remains rich and flavorful.
How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?
Make sure to sauté the vegetables well to reduce their moisture, and don’t overload the pizza with sauce. Baking on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet helps the crust crisp up nicely.
Can I turn this into a vegetarian pizza?
Definitely! Skip the steak, and add more mushrooms, bell peppers, and even caramelized onions. Incorporate some hearty plant-based protein like seitan or grilled tofu for extra substance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a pizza that offers all the savory, cheesy, and meaty satisfaction of a Philly cheesesteak, then this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an easy weeknight winner that brings excitement to your dinner table and impresses every time. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite.
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Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Pizza combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the irresistible appeal of a cheesy, savory pizza. Featuring tender ribeye steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers, topped with a creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce and a blend of Provolone and Monterey Jack cheeses on a crispy frozen pizza crust, this recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base and Toppings
- 1 frozen (fully-cooked) pizza crust
- ¾ pound ribeye steak
- 3 tbsp olive oil, separated
- 1 tsp kosher salt, separated
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ small yellow onion, sliced into ¼” rings
- ½ cup thinly sliced button mushrooms
- ½ green bell pepper, seeds and core removed, thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup freshly grated Provolone cheese, separated
- 1 ¼ cup freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese, separated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the pizza later.
- Prepare Steak: Thinly slice the ribeye steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Season with half the kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cook Steak: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced ribeye and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Season with the remaining half teaspoon of kosher salt. Sauté until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Using the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, create a roux by whisking in the all-purpose flour over medium heat until blended and bubbling, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder and cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in ¼ cup Provolone and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth and melted.
- Assemble Pizza: Place the frozen pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Evenly spread the cheese sauce over the pizza crust. Distribute the cooked ribeye steak evenly on top, followed by sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Provolone and ¾ cup Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crust is crispy. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using a fully-cooked frozen pizza crust speeds up the process, but fresh dough can be used if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the steak before cooking.
- The cheese sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to swap ribeye with sirloin or other tender cuts of beef.
- Vegetables can be customized to your liking; bell peppers and onions are classic, but add jalapeños or spinach for a twist.
