Homemade Philly Cheese Burgers

This Philly Cheese Steak Burger brings together two American classics into one incredible meal. The rich flavors of a traditional Philly cheese steak top a juicy beef patty creating the ultimate handheld comfort food experience. Perfect for grilling season or anytime you want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort.

I first made these burgers for a backyard gathering and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now they've become our go to choice whenever we want to elevate burger night without complicated techniques.

Ingredients

• Ground beef Use 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness
• Ribeye steak The traditional cut for Philly cheese steaks adds authentic flavor
• Provolone cheese Mild and melty perfect for capturing that classic cheese steak experience
• Green bell pepper Adds freshness and slight crunch
• Yellow onion Becomes sweet and caramelized when properly grilled
• Brioche buns Their buttery softness stands up perfectly to the hearty filling
• Worcestershire sauce Adds depth and umami to the beef patties
• Mayonnaise Creates a moisture barrier between the bun and juicy fillings
• Canola oil Has a high smoke point ideal for grilling at higher temperatures

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Toss thinly sliced green peppers and onions with canola oil to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization. This coating helps them develop beautiful char marks on the grill.

Cook the vegetables

Heat your cast iron grill or griddle to high heat and add the oiled vegetables. Cook until they develop a slight crispness while also showing beautiful caramelization marks. This usually takes about 5 minutes with occasional tossing.

Cook the steak

Add your thinly sliced ribeye to the hot surface and sear quickly on both sides. The meat should just barely cook through as overcooking will make it tough. This typically takes only 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Prepare burger patties

Gently mix Worcestershire sauce into ground beef being careful not to overwork the meat which can make burgers tough. Form into four equal patties and press your thumb into the center to prevent doming during cooking.

Season and cook burgers

Season patties generously with kosher salt and pepper then cook on high heat for exactly 3 minutes per side for medium doneness. After flipping add provolone cheese to each patty so it melts perfectly during the final cooking minutes.

Toast the buns

After removing the cooked patties reduce heat to low and press bun halves cut side down onto the cooking surface. The residual heat and meat juices will create beautifully toasted buns with enhanced flavor from the cooking surface.

Assemble burgers

Spread mayonnaise on both bun halves then layer lettuce topped with the cheese covered patty. Add portions of the ribeye steak slices and top with the caramelized peppers and onions before closing with the top bun.

Bookmark

The Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon in these burgers. It contains anchovies which add a subtle umami flavor that most people cant identify but makes a huge difference in the final taste. My father taught me this trick when I was learning to cook and its elevated every burger Ive made since.

Make Ahead Options

These Philly Cheese Steak Burgers offer excellent preparation flexibility. You can slice all vegetables and steak up to 24 hours ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The burger patties can be formed and stored with parchment paper between them up to 8 hours before cooking. This advance preparation makes these burgers perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute work.

Perfect Pairings

The robust flavors in these burgers call for equally satisfying sides. Try serving with crispy sweet potato fries which provide a nice contrast to the savory meat. A simple coleslaw with a vinegar based dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. For beverages a cold craft beer particularly an amber ale or IPA complements the flavors wonderfully while iced tea provides a refreshing nonalcoholic alternative.

Authentic Touch

While this recipe takes inspiration from Philadelphia's famous sandwich the traditional cheese steak actually uses thinly sliced ribeye without a burger patty and typically features Cheez Whiz though provolone is also common. This fusion version gives you the best of both worlds. For maximum authenticity source rolls with a slightly crusty exterior and soft interior similar to the Amoroso rolls used in Philadelphia.

Leftover Magic

Transform any leftover ingredients into a completely new meal. The cooked steak peppers and onions make an excellent breakfast hash topped with a fried egg. You can also chop everything finely and mix with cream cheese for an incredible dip or spread. The possibilities extend to quesadillas stuffed omelets or even topped baked potatoes.

Recipe Q&A

→ What cut of steak works best for these burgers?

Ribeye steak is ideal because it offers excellent marbling and flavor that complements the burger perfectly. Slice it as thinly as possible for the authentic cheesesteak texture. If ribeye isn't available, sirloin or strip steak can work as alternatives, though they may be slightly less tender.

→ Can I make these burgers on a regular grill?

Absolutely! While a cast iron griddle provides ideal heat distribution for the vegetables and thin steak slices, a regular grill works well too. For the vegetables and steak, you might want to use a grill basket or aluminum foil with small holes to prevent them from falling through the grates.

→ What can I substitute for provolone cheese?

Traditional alternatives include American cheese or Cheez Whiz for an authentic Philadelphia style. Swiss cheese offers a nuttier flavor, while mozzarella provides excellent meltability. White American or fontina cheese are also excellent choices that complement the beef and vegetables well.

→ How can I prepare these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare components up to a day ahead: slice and store vegetables in the refrigerator, form and season burger patties (keeping them separated with parchment paper), and slice the ribeye steak. Store everything separately in airtight containers. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What sides pair well with these burgers?

Classic pairings include crispy french fries, onion rings, or potato chips. For lighter options, consider a simple green salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. Potato salad or macaroni salad also complement these burgers nicely, creating a complete meal with balanced flavors.

→ Why add an indent to the burger patties?

Creating a thumb indent in the center of each patty prevents the burgers from puffing up and becoming dome-shaped during cooking. This technique helps them cook evenly and maintain a flat surface, which is ideal for adding toppings and creating a structurally sound burger that's easier to eat.