Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe

If you’re craving the hearty, savory flavors of Philly cheesesteak and the irresistible crunch of nachos, then you are absolutely going to love this Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe. It’s the perfect comfort food mashup that combines tender, seared sirloin steak and sautéed peppers with rich melted cheese over crispy tortilla chips. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply want a fun twist on classic nachos for dinner, this dish brings all the bold flavors and satisfying textures that make Philly cheesesteak such a legendary sandwich, now in a shareable, snackable form that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer to the final dish—from the juicy, caramelized veggies and perfectly cooked steak to the gooey cheese that ties everything together, creating that iconic cheesy goodness you crave.

• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Helps sear the steak and sauté the veggies to perfection without overpowering their flavors.
• Onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds sweet, caramelized notes and a satisfying texture contrast.
• Green bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Brings a mild, slightly grassy crunch that balances the richness.
• Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Contributes color and a subtle sweetness to brighten the dish.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning each component and bringing out their full flavors.
• Sirloin steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): The star protein, tender and seared to develop that classic Philly cheesesteak taste.
• Tortilla chips (17 ounces, about one large bag): The crunchy base that holds all the cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Provolone cheese (1½ cups, freshly grated): Melts beautifully over the nachos for a mild, creamy layer.
• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, freshly shredded): Provides a sharp and tangy punch in the sauce to amp up the cheesiness.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Coats the cheddar, ensuring a smooth and luscious cheese sauce without clumps.
• Milk (¾ cup): Creates the creamy base of the cheese sauce for that rich finish.
• Worcestershire sauce (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle umami depth, perfectly rounding out the cheese sauce.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and keep the tortilla chips crisp while bubbling the cheese on top.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced onion and both bell peppers, seasoning generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to take on a golden color. The caramelization here is key—it builds a rich sweetness that complements the savory meat perfectly. Once done, remove the veggies from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Working in batches if necessary, place the thinly sliced sirloin steak in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a beautiful brown crust, then stir and cook for about 4 minutes total until the meat is browned and deliciously flavorful. Remove the steak from the pan once cooked.

Step 4: Arrange the Base

Spread your tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet. This crunchy foundation will hold all the warm, melty toppings and soak up those fantastic juices from the steak and veggies.

Step 5: Layer with Steak, Veggies, and Provolone

Distribute the cooked steak and sautéed peppers and onions evenly over the chips, then sprinkle with freshly grated provolone cheese. This cheese melts beautifully, providing a mild and creamy layer that ties all the ingredients together.

Step 6: Bake to Melt

Pop the nachos into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the provolone cheese has melted into gooey perfection. Keep an eye on them to ensure the chips remain crispy and the cheese doesn’t overcook.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

While the nachos are baking, prepare the cheese sauce. Toss the shredded cheddar cheese with cornstarch in a medium bowl, coating it evenly. This step guarantees a smooth, silky sauce free of lumps.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese Sauce

Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Gradually add the cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring constantly until fully melted before adding more. Once all cheese is melted, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. This sauce adds an irresistible depth of flavor that complements the cheesesteak elements beautifully.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Drizzle the luscious cheddar cheese sauce generously over the hot nachos straight from the oven and serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, savory indulgence.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can really elevate your Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices can add a refreshing tang and slight kick, balancing all the cheesy, meaty flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple sides like a crisp mixed green salad or crunchy coleslaw offer a fresh counterpoint to the rich cheese and steak. Roasted or grilled veggies can also work well to add some smoky warmth alongside the nachos.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or on rustic wooden boards for a rustic, inviting feel. Layering chips and toppings in clear glass dishes can also showcase all those vibrant colors and textures. Whether you’re serving at a party or a casual dinner, presentation turns this dish into a real showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cheese sauce separate if possible to prevent the chips from getting soggy. When refrigerated properly, the flavors will remain delicious and can easily be reheated.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the assembled nachos because the chips will lose their crispness. However, you can freeze any cooked steak and sautéed peppers separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, which makes it easy to whip up this recipe quickly in the future.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the steak and veggies gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Then spread over fresh tortilla chips and cover with provolone cheese, melting everything under the broiler for a few minutes. Finally, drizzle with warmed cheddar cheese sauce to recreate that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the cheese sauce?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic sharpness, you could try Monterey Jack or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cornstarch to get the perfect consistency.

Is sirloin steak the only cut that works for this recipe?

Sirloin is fantastic for its tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or ribeye can also work beautifully as long as you slice the meat thinly to mimic that authentic Philly cheesesteak texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the steak for hearty mushrooms or seasoned plant-based beef alternatives. The peppers, onions, and cheese sauce will still provide plenty of savory satisfaction.

What kind of tortilla chips work best?

Choose sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips that can hold up under the weight of the toppings without getting soggy too quickly. Restaurant-style or kettle-cooked chips are excellent choices.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicier?

This Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe is mild by default but perfect for customization. Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you want to turn up the heat without overwhelming the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Philly Cheesesteak Nachos Recipe inspires you to try a fun, flavorful spin on two classic favorites that never disappoint. It’s a dish packed with layers of tasty goodness, simple to prepare, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Get your skillet and baking sheet ready because once you take that first bite, these nachos are going to become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!

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