Philadelphia, fondly known as “The City of Brotherly Love,” is a culinary hub with a rich history that has given birth to one of the most iconic American street foods: the Philly cheesesteak. Created in the early 20th century by two brothers, Pat and Harry Olivieri, the cheesesteak quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with Philly’s cultural and gastronomic identity. It’s a simple yet soul-satisfying creation, featuring thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, and a hearty roll as its foundation. This recipe for a **Philly Cheesesteak Burger** takes that timeless classic and reimagines it as a glistening, hearty burger—a delightful fusion that celebrates both the cheesesteak’s legacy and the universal appeal of a juicy grilled patty.
The Philly Cheesesteak Burger preserves the hallmark flavors of the original sandwich while giving it a modern twist. True to the essence of a cheesesteak, the recipe incorporates sautéed onions and bell peppers, which bring sweet, smoky, and slightly charred undertones to the dish. These vibrant vegetables are lovingly caramelized in olive oil to intensify their natural flavors, mirroring the care and precision needed to make an authentic cheesesteak. A soft, creamy slice of provolone cheese, a traditional cheesesteak topping, is the crowning touch—silky, rich, and satisfying.
But what makes this burger feel particularly indulgent is its adaptation to the world of barbecues and backyard grilling. By swapping out the thinly shaved beef for thick, flavorful patties made from 80% lean ground beef, the Philly Cheesesteak Burger offers a whole new textural experience. The beef patties are seasoned simply—just salt and freshly ground black pepper—to allow the natural taste of quality meat to shine through. Shaped into generously-sized portions, the patties sear beautifully on a hot skillet or griddle, building an irresistible crust that locks in their juices.
A key part of this recipe’s charm lies in the thoughtful little details. For instance, lightly toasting the buns adds a layer of texture, giving you that soft interior while the outer edges are warmly crisped. The sautéed vegetables are piled atop the melted provolone cheese, giving each bite a balance of earthy, cheesy, and smoky flavors. This burger is not just a meal; it’s a sensory experience that combines layers of taste and texture to deliver a hearty Philadelphia-inspired delight.
While the Philly Cheesesteak Burger honors its namesake, it’s also endlessly adaptable. A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the beef mixture can add extra depth and umami, while slices of jalapeño nestled among the onions and peppers can give it a kick for those who crave heat. It’s also a fantastic conversation starter at parties and gatherings, not just for its taste but for how it beautifully blends two beloved American foods into one irresistible masterpiece.
This burger is a celebration of comfort food, nostalgia, and culinary creativity, seamlessly blending an iconic regional dish with a universally-loved classic. Whether you’re a Philly native, a cheesesteak devotee, or simply a burger enthusiast, the Philly Cheesesteak Burger is a delicious bridge between tradition and innovation that is sure to delight.
Philly Cheesesteak Burger
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef preferably 80% lean
- 1 large onion sliced thinly
- 1 medium green bell pepper sliced thinly
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced thinly
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 medium burger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Divide into four equal portions and shape them into patties, slightly larger than the buns as they’ll shrink during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they are soft and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they attain a rich brown crust.
- During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt.
- Lightly toast the burger buns on the griddle or in a toaster oven.
- Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top with the sautéed onions and peppers, then add the bun top.