Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
If you’re craving a sandwich that’s equal parts hearty, cheesy, and packed with big bold flavors, these Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches are here to steal the show. Juicy steak, caramelized onions and bell peppers, melty provolone, and a whisper of garlicky goodness—it’s all piled onto toasted hoagie rolls for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This classic American comfort food is a true weeknight hero, coming together in just about 30 minutes but tasting like something you’d order at your favorite sandwich shop!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes these Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches so irresistible: simple, honest ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each element adds just the right flavor, texture, or eye-catching color.
- Ribeye or sirloin steak (1 ½ pounds): The star of the show—thinly sliced for fast, tender cooking and maximum flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the vegetables and steak just right.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): For an extra touch of decadence and to boost the flavor of your sauté.
- Small onion (thinly sliced): When caramelized, it brings mild sweetness and depth.
- Green bell pepper (thinly sliced): Fresh crunch and color that balance the richness of the steak and cheese.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The secret weapon—infuses everything with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Delivers umami punch and complexity to every bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the steak and veggies.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough heat to round out the savoriness.
- Hoagie rolls or sub buns (4): Soft and sturdy, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
- Provolone cheese (8 slices): Melts like a dream for that signature sandwich gooeyness.
- Garlic butter (2 tablespoons, for toasting rolls): Creates a crisp, golden base infused with more garlicky personality.
- Optional mayo or steak sauce: Add creaminess or a tangy kick to finish, if you like.
How to Make Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat up your olive oil and butter in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter’s melted and sizzling gently, toss in the onions and bell peppers. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize at the edges. That’s the magic spot where everything smells amazing and those veggies turn naturally sweet.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, sprinkle in your minced garlic. Stir it into the veggies and cook for just 30 seconds or until fragrant—don’t let it burn! The quick hit of garlic makes the whole kitchen smell mouthwatering and lays the foundation for bold flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Push the veggies to the side of your skillet, then add the thinly sliced steak to the open space. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until the steak browns and is cooked through. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors mingle and the steak picks up some of the lovely onion-and-garlic goodness.
Step 4: Toast the Rolls
While the filling finishes up, preheat your broiler. Split each hoagie roll down the middle (but don’t cut all the way through), then generously brush the inside with garlic butter. Place the rolls open-side up on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully—they should come out golden and lightly crisp, not burnt!
Step 5: Build and Melt
Load each toasted roll with the steak and veggie mixture, then top it all off with two slices of provolone cheese per sandwich. Return the open sandwiches to the broiler for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts into spectacular, gooey perfection. Serve right away, with a side of mayo or steak sauce if you’re in the mood.
How to Serve Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches
Garnishes
A handful of fresh herbs—like chopped parsley or chives—can add a burst of color and freshness to these Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches. For a spicy kick, try sliced pickled jalapeños or a shake of red pepper flakes right on top. If you’re a fan of zing, a quick drizzle of garlic aioli or sriracha mayo over the melted cheese is next-level delicious.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with just about anything casual and comforting. Think hot, crisp French fries or sweet potato fries, a simple green salad for balance, or even a cup of creamy tomato soup. For picnics or game day, classic potato chips, coleslaw, or fridge pickles keep things easy and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice your Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches into mini portions for sliders—perfect finger food! You can also wrap each sandwich in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic look (and easy cleanup). For an over-the-top platter, serve open-faced with extra garnishes and ramekins of different sauces for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the steak and veggie mixture cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store the rolls and cheese separately to prevent sogginess. Everything will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making lunchtime re-dos a breeze.
Freezing
The steak filling freezes beautifully—just scoop it into a freezer-safe bag or container and press out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling fresh toasted sandwiches with cheese to melt.
Reheating
To revive your Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches, reheat the steak mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot, or zap it in the microwave in short bursts. If making ahead for a crowd, warm the filling in a baking dish covered with foil at 300°F until heated through. Add the filling to fresh toasted rolls, top with provolone, broil briefly, and enjoy as if just made!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for these sandwiches?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are classic for Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches thanks to their tenderness and flavor, you can use flank steak or even deli-sliced roast beef in a pinch. Just slice thinly for the best results.
What’s the best way to get thin steak slices at home?
The trick is to place your steak in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing; it firms up just enough to let you cut super-thin without fuss. A sharp knife works wonders here!
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms add a lovely earthy flavor that works perfectly with the steak, onions, and peppers. Red bell peppers or a handful of baby spinach are also great additions to mix things up.
What other cheeses work in Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches?
Provolone is the classic, but you can try Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little pepper jack for heat. Mix and match to discover your own signature sandwich style.
How can I make these sandwiches ahead for a party?
Prepare the steak and veggie mixture in advance and keep it warm in a slow cooker or on low heat in the oven. Toast the buns and have the cheese ready, so you can assemble and melt everything quickly just before serving—easy and stress-free for entertaining!
Final Thoughts
With every bite of these Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches, you get juicy steak, golden veggies, melty cheese, and a garlicky kick—all wrapped up in a warm, toasty bun. They’re a total weeknight win or party hit, so don’t wait to try them out. Fire up your skillet and make your kitchen smell amazing—these sandwiches are about to become a family favorite!
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Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these savory Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches, a flavorful twist on the classic cheesesteak. Thinly sliced steak, sautéed with garlic, onions, and peppers, then topped with melted provolone cheese and served in a toasted hoagie roll.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables:
- 1 ½ pounds ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (for toasting rolls)
- Optional: mayonnaise or steak sauce for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sauté onions and bell peppers until caramelized. Add garlic.
- Cook Steak: Push veggies aside, add steak, season, and cook until browned. Mix with veggies.
- Toast Rolls: Preheat broiler. Brush rolls with garlic butter, toast until golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Fill rolls with steak mixture, top with provolone. Broil until cheese melts.
- Serve: Enjoy hot sandwiches with optional condiments.
Notes
- Enhance with mushrooms or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
- For easier slicing, freeze the steak briefly before cutting thin slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
