If you’re craving a perfect blend of juicy, tender steak, melty cheese, and crisp vegetables all atop a golden crust, you’ve got to try this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe. It captures the spirit of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich but transforms it into a fun, shareable pizza that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a comforting dinner, this recipe brings that delicious combination together with an irresistible twist that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to bring out the bold, savory flavors and satisfying textures of the Philly cheesesteak on your pizza. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender steak, and vibrant veggies.
- Frozen fully-cooked pizza crust: An easy and sturdy base that crisps up nicely in the oven for a perfect crust every time.
- Ribeye steak (¾ pound): Known for its marbling and tenderness, this cut gives the pizza its signature rich, juicy flavor.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp, separated): Used for cooking the steak and veggies, plus drizzling for added richness and a golden finish.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp, separated): Essential for seasoning the steak and veggies to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the savory ingredients.
- Yellow onion (½ small, sliced into ¼” rings): Brings a sweet, caramelized note that complements the steak perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Used to thicken the creamy cheese sauce that ties everything together on the pizza.
- Whole milk (1 ½ cups): Creates a luscious and velvety base for the sauce.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds subtle depth and a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Freshly grated Provolone cheese (½ cup, separated): Provides that classic mild, buttery cheesesteak flavor.
- Freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese (1 ¼ cups, separated): Melts beautifully, giving the pizza creamy stretch and richness.
- Button mushrooms (½ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor to elevate the toppings.
- Green bell pepper (½, seeds and core removed, thinly sliced): Delivers a bright crunch and fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven according to your frozen pizza crust’s instructions—typically around 425°F (220°C). A piping hot oven is key to getting that crust crisp and golden while melting those cheeses perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Slice the ribeye steak into thin strips. This thin cut will cook quickly and remain tender and juicy. Season the slices lightly with half of the kosher salt and black pepper, allowing the natural beef flavor to shine through.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the steak strips in a single layer and cook without stirring for about 1–2 minutes to get a nice sear. Flip and cook for another minute. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, keeping the juices in the pan—they add such delicious flavor!
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions, mushrooms, and green bell peppers. Season with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and soft, and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly—this step brings out their sweetness and depth.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Push the cooked veggies to the side of the pan and sprinkle the flour over the empty space. Stir it around briefly to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, blending it with the flour to form a smooth sauce. Stir in the garlic powder, half of the provolone cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until melted and velvety. This sauce is the heart of the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe and makes every bite irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Pizza
Lay out your frozen pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the crust, then top with the cooked steak slices and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the remaining provolone and Monterey Jack cheese over the top for that gooey, golden finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for about 8–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—this final bake melds all those layers of flavor together perfectly.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, consider sprinkling your pizza with fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of bright color and a fresh herbal lift. A drizzle of a mild hot sauce or balsamic glaze can also add a tasty zing that elevates the overall flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp, tangy Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The freshness balances the richness of the cheesesteak toppings. You might also serve some roasted garlic fries or crispy sweet potato wedges for a hearty accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe into smaller squares for a fantastic party appetizer. Or turn it into a fun lunch by serving alongside a small bowl of tomato soup for dipping. Layering it on a big wooden board with various dips allows guests to customize their bites, making it a fun centerpiece for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw briefly at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the crust crisps back up. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute bake in a 375°F oven works well too. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ribeye steak with another cut?
Absolutely! While ribeye offers great flavor and tenderness, you can use sirloin or flank steak sliced thinly as well. Just be sure to cook it quickly to avoid toughness.
Is it necessary to use a frozen pizza crust?
Not at all. You can use homemade or fresh pizza dough if you prefer. The frozen crust keeps things simple but fresh dough will provide a wonderful texture as well.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the steak and add extra mushrooms, peppers, and onions or even substitute with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as flavorful.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Provolone and Monterey Jack are classic choices for their melting quality and taste, but you can experiment with mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different twist.
How spicy is this pizza?
This Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe has a mild warmth from the black pepper and garlic but isn’t spicy. You can add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to up the heat if you like.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about turning a beloved Philly cheesesteak into a pizza that’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. This Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe is guaranteed to impress whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or to wow your friends. Grab your ingredients, warm up that kitchen, and get ready for a slice of sheer comfort and joy.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Pizza combines the savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the cheesy, crispy delight of a pizza. Featuring tender ribeye steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and green bell peppers on a fully-cooked pizza crust, topped with a creamy garlic cheese sauce and a blend of Provolone and Monterey Jack cheeses, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of hearty and indulgent flavors. Ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner, this pizza bakes in just 26 minutes, serving four.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 frozen (fully-cooked) pizza crust
Steak
- ¾ pound ribeye steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for steak)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (for steak)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for steak)
Vegetables
- ½ small yellow onion, sliced into ¼” rings
- ½ green bell pepper, seeds and core removed, thinly sliced
- ½ cup thinly sliced button mushrooms
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for vegetables)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (for vegetables)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for vegetables)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (for sauce)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for sauce)
Cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Provolone cheese, divided
- 1 ¼ cup freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the pizza to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Steak: Thinly slice the ribeye steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Season with ½ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Cook Steak: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ribeye slices and cook quickly until browned but still juicy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms along with ½ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1 tbsp flour and a bit of the 1 ½ cups whole milk to form a smooth paste. Gradually add the remaining milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Pizza: Place the frozen fully-cooked pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the crust. Distribute the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables uniformly. Sprinkle half of the Provolone and Monterey Jack cheeses over the toppings.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is crisp. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with remaining Provolone and Monterey Jack cheeses for extra cheesiness. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using ribeye steak provides a rich flavor and tenderness true to the classic Philly cheesesteak.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but whole milk yields a creamier sauce.
- For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the assembled pizza before baking.
- The frozen fully cooked pizza crust helps to cut down prep time and ensures a crispy base.
- Thinly slicing the steak and vegetables ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
