Easy Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks: Your Go-To Recipe for a Flavorful Family Dinner
Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks offer a delightful and straightforward dinner solution that the entire family will adore! My secret ingredient, Head Country Bar-B-Q Seasoning, provides an exceptional flavor boost to the tender beef, sweet peppers, and savory onions. This recipe proudly serves 4.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
Hello, friends! It’s wonderful to be back in the kitchen after a much-needed break. The time spent with Babycakes was exactly what I needed to recharge, and now I’m excited to dive back into creating delicious meals for you all. Establishing a new routine means finding recipes that are not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly efficient. And when it comes to efficiency without sacrificing flavor, my absolute favorite kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot, always takes center stage.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving a wholesome, cheesy, and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes, especially when you don’t have to hover over the stove. This convenience is a game-changer for busy evenings, allowing more time for family and less time for fuss.
Imagine getting dinner on the table with minimal effort, even when juggling a household, two energetic dogs, and a two-month-old baby! That’s the kind of win we’re all looking for, and these Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks deliver every time.
table of contents
Toggle
The Joys of Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners
These Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks are a simplified yet incredibly authentic take on a beloved classic. Forget complicated steps or lengthy cooking times – here, you get nothing but the absolute highlights: succulent, thinly sliced beef, perfectly sautéed peppers and onions, and a generous layer of melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a perfectly toasted hoagie bun. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made accessible for even the busiest weeknights.
The real game-changer in this recipe, the secret ingredient that truly elevates it, is a dash of Head Country Bar-B-Q Championship Seasoning. This isn’t just any seasoning; it’s a blend that brings a remarkable depth of flavor to the entire dish.
If you’ve been a longtime follower, you’re likely familiar with my love for Head Country Bar-B-Q’s outstanding sauces. Their commitment to quality and rich flavors makes them a staple in my pantry. However, you might not be as acquainted with their versatile range of seasoning mixes, which are equally impressive and deserving of a spot in your spice rack.
On an almost weekly basis, I find myself reaching for one of the three incredible Head Country Bar-B-Q Championship Seasonings: Original, Sweet & Spicy, or High Plains Heat. Each blend offers a complex and perfectly balanced profile of flavors that can transform almost any dish. These aren’t one-trick ponies; they are truly all-purpose powerhouses.
I regularly use them to season everything from chicken and seafood to various cuts of meat, adding a layer of smoky, savory goodness. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle some into your macaroni and cheese for an unexpected kick! They’re also fantastic for roasted vegetables, offering a far more exciting alternative to just salt and pepper. Don’t stop there – I even incorporate them into my soups and stews to build a more robust and inviting base flavor.
For these Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks, the Sweet & Spicy blend is particularly outstanding. A little goes a long way, and that harmonious combination of sweetness and a gentle warmth provides the perfect “bonus element” that truly pushes these cheesesteaks from great to unforgettable. It adds a subtle BBQ-inspired twist that complements the traditional flavors beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for another savory sandwich experience, you absolutely must try a classic French dip sandwich, ideally served alongside a rich and flavorful au jus for dipping. Both are fantastic options for a satisfying meal!
More Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot is a marvel for quick and delicious meals. If you enjoyed these cheesesteaks, you’ll love exploring more of its capabilities with these other fantastic recipes: Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili | Instant Pot Mac and Cheese | Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos | Spicy Pork Instant Pot Ramen. Each offers unique flavors and the same great convenience.
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Your Cheesesteaks
To embark on this culinary adventure, a few key items will ensure your Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks turn out perfectly. First and foremost, grab your favorite Head Country Bar-B-Q Championship Seasoning. While I personally gravitate towards the Sweet & Spicy blend for its unique depth and kick, the Original blend also works beautifully in this recipe, offering a more classic BBQ flavor profile.
For prepping your fresh bell peppers and onion, a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are indispensable. Thin, uniform slices are key for even cooking and the authentic cheesesteak texture.
The star appliance, of course, is your Instant Pot. My personal preference is the Instant Pot Ultra, known for its precision and ease of use. However, rest assured that this recipe is designed to work seamlessly with any Instant Pot model, regardless of size. No adjustments to cooking times or ingredients are typically necessary, making it incredibly adaptable for whatever model you own.
Beyond these, ensure you have quality sirloin steak – or even ribeye if you prefer a richer cut – fresh bell peppers and onion, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, provolone cheese, and sturdy hoagie rolls. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect cheesesteak.
Crafting Your Tasty Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks!
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into making these incredible Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks. The process is remarkably simple, broken down into just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Sauté Peppers and Onion
Begin by activating the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the inner pot. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, introduce your thinly sliced bell peppers and yellow onion. This is where our secret ingredient comes into play: sprinkle them generously with Head Country Bar-B-Q Championship Seasoning. As mentioned, I particularly love the Sweet & Spicy blend here, as it infuses the vegetables with a beautiful aromatic depth, but the Original blend will also yield fantastic results.
Stir the vegetables occasionally as they cook, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness. This typically takes about 5 minutes. The goal is tender-crisp, not mushy. Once they reach this stage, turn off the Instant Pot’s Sauté function to prepare for the next step.
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Next, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Be sure to use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. This crucial step, known as “degazing,” prevents any browned bits from sticking and helps avoid a “burn” notice during pressure cooking. It also adds a rich, concentrated flavor to your sauce.
Carefully arrange your thinly sliced sirloin steak on top of the sautéed vegetables. Season the meat lightly with additional salt and pepper to taste. Now, securely close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Set your Instant Pot to the Manual (or Pressure Cook) setting and cook on High pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This natural release helps tenderize the meat even further. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the venting knob to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, you can safely remove the lid.
Step 3: Top with Cheese and Melt
With the lid removed, give the beef, peppers, and onions a good stir to combine all the savory juices and flavors. Then, evenly layer your slices of provolone cheese directly over the hot mixture. Close the Instant Pot lid again, but do not turn it on. The residual heat from the pot will be sufficient to perfectly melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible blanket over the meat and vegetables. This takes only about 1 to 2 minutes.
While the cheese is melting, prepare your hoagie rolls. For the best experience, lightly toast them – this adds a pleasant crunch and helps them stand up to the juicy filling. Once the cheese is gloriously melted, scoop generous portions of the hot, cheesy mixture onto your toasted hoagie rolls and serve immediately. Prepare for rave reviews!
Beyond Cheesesteaks: More Sandwich Inspirations
If you’re a sandwich aficionado and enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of these cheesesteaks, I highly recommend exploring my dedicated sandwich recipes page. You’ll find a wide array of creative and classic sandwich ideas perfect for any meal or craving!
Pro Tip: How to Achieve Perfectly Thin Steak Slices
Achieving those signature, super-thin slices of steak for your Philly Cheesesteaks can sometimes be a challenge if the meat is at room temperature. A softer, warmer steak tends to squish rather than slice cleanly, making it difficult to get the desired delicate strips.
My top tip for this is to partially freeze your steak before slicing. Simply pop the sirloin into the freezer for about 30 minutes prior to slicing. This short stint in the cold will firm up the meat considerably without actually freezing it solid. The slightly stiffer texture will allow your knife to glide through more easily, enabling you to create those perfectly thin, melt-in-your-mouth slices that are essential for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience. This technique makes a world of difference in both texture and cooking consistency.
Cheese Choices: Customizing Your Cheesesteak ExperienceWhile provolone is a classic choice for Philly Cheesesteaks, the beauty of homemade cooking is that you can always customize it to your personal preference!
Are you a devoted fan of gooey Cheez Whiz, or do you prefer the sharp tang of cheddar on your cheesesteaks? Perhaps American cheese offers the perfect meltiness for you. My philosophy is always: go with whatever makes your taste buds sing happiest!
If you’re opting for a different kind of sliced cheese, such as cheddar or American, simply substitute it directly for the provolone in the recipe. Follow the steps exactly as outlined, topping the hot meat and veggie mixture with your chosen cheese slices and allowing the residual heat to melt them into a luscious, savory blanket.
For those going the Cheez Whiz route (and more power to you for embracing that iconic flavor!), you’ll want to skip the cheese melting step in the Instant Pot. Instead, load up your delicious meat and vegetable mixture onto the toasted hoagie buns, and then generously drizzle or spread your desired amount of warm Cheez Whiz or cheese sauce over the top. Devour immediately and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks
equipment
-
Wooden Spoon & Scraper
-
Utility Cutting Board
-
Wusthof Knife Set
-
Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt
ingredients
- 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 small yellow onion sliced
- 1 1/2 tsp Head Country Seasoning you can use your favorite flavor!
- 1 Tbsp beef broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb sirloin steak thinly sliced*
- Salt & pepper
- 6 slices provolone
- 4 hoagie rolls toasted
instructions
-
Add oil to the Instant Pot insert and set to Sauté. Once hot, add peppers, onion, and Head Country Bar-B-Q Seasoning. Cook until onions and peppers are soft, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
-
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, making sure you scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to get up any browned bits on the bottom.
-
Add beef on top of the veggies and season with salt and pepper. Close lid and set to Manual. Cook on High pressure for 8 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
-
Remove the lid and stir everything together briefly. Top with cheese slices in an even layer. Close the lid again and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Scoop mixture onto toasted hoagie rolls and serve immediately.