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I created this Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread recipe after years of making regular cheesesteaks for my family. One busy weekend I had a loaf of French bread that needed using up and this magical dish was born. Now it's become our favorite way to enjoy all those classic cheesesteak flavors without the fuss. Every time I serve it at gatherings my friends beg for the recipe.
My Favorite Kitchen Shortcut
Using ground beef instead of sliced steak started as a money-saving trick in my kitchen but turned into something we actually prefer. The meat gets so flavorful mixed with those tender veggies and when it all melts together with the cheese on that crusty bread... pure heaven. Plus I can whip this up in no time when the kids have friends over or we're hosting game day.
Ingredients You'll Need
- French Bread: 1 large loaf, fresh and crusty for the best base.
- Mayonnaise: Regular mayo spread on the bread for added flavor and moisture.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sweet Onion: 1 small, finely chopped for sweetness.
- Green Pepper: 1, diced small for classic cheesesteak flavor.
- Mushrooms: 1 cup, chopped for a savory touch.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean for a hearty filling.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for a deep, savory flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the filling.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with beef broth to thicken the filling.
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup, for juiciness without making the bread soggy.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded provolone or Monterey Jack for gooey topping.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a spicy kick.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the French bread lengthwise and scoop out some of the interior to create a cavity. Spread mayonnaise evenly on both halves.
- Sauté Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef
- Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break it into small pieces and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Season and Thicken
- Stir Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Mix cornstarch with beef broth, then pour into the skillet. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Assemble Bread
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread halves. Top generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Pure Comfort Food Magic
What makes this recipe so special is how everything comes together. The bread gets toasty on the outside while staying soft inside and soaks up all those amazing flavors from the meat and veggies. My husband says it's like a cheesesteak but better because you get the perfect ratio of toppings in every single bite.
My Secret Tips
The bread makes all the difference here so grab the freshest French loaf you can find. Make sure to drain that beef really well nobody likes soggy bread. That splash of Worcestershire sauce might seem small but trust me it makes everything taste amazing. Watch the cheese carefully while baking you want it golden and bubbly but not burnt.
Make It Your Way
My family loves trying different versions of this bread. My spice loving son adds extra jalapeños while my daughter prefers it with chicken instead of beef. Sometimes I'll mix up the cheese using pepper jack when we want extra heat. Fresh basil from my garden adds amazing flavor in the summer months.
Keeping It Fresh
If you end up with leftovers which rarely happens in my house they'll keep in the fridge for a couple days. Just wrap them up tight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until everything's warm and melty again. Skip the microwave though it'll just make the bread sad and soggy.
Perfect Pairings
I love serving this with a bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes it feel like a complete meal. When I'm hosting parties I slice it into smaller pieces and watch them disappear in minutes. The kids always grab them first but the adults aren't far behind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes, while Provolone is traditional, you can use Monterey Jack or any good melting cheese. Sharp cheddar or mozzarella would also work well in this recipe.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover cheesy bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the bread and bake until the cheese is melted.
- → What's the best bread to use?
- French bread works best because it's sturdy enough to hold the filling. Italian bread or a crusty baguette would also work well for this recipe.
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Yes, you can add extra red pepper flakes, use spicy peppers instead of bell peppers, or include hot sauce in the beef mixture for more heat.