Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with crispy, buttery garlic bread for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal. The recipe features seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, savory sauce, provolone cheese layers, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley all baked on a toasted Italian loaf.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Butter
- 1 Italian loaf, cut lengthwise
- 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder (divided use)
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, can use dried as well)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350° F to preheat. This will ensure the bread toasts properly and the final bake melts the cheese perfectly.
- Prepare the bread: Place the Italian loaf cut lengthwise on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the softened salted butter evenly on both sides of the loaf, then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of garlic powder over the buttered surfaces for a flavorful garlic crust.
- Toast the bread: Bake the buttered loaf in the preheated oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly toasted. This step helps create a crispy base that holds all the toppings well.
- Cook the beef and veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper for approximately 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Make the sauce: Add the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the skillet. Stir and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables.
- Assemble the first layer: Spoon half of the meat mixture evenly onto one half of the toasted bread loaf.
- Add the first cheese layer: Place 6 slices of provolone cheese over the meat mixture on the loaf half.
- Layer the remaining meat: Spread the remaining half of the meat mixture over the provolone cheese layer for a hearty filling.
- Add the final cheese layer: Top the assembled meat with the remaining 6 slices of provolone cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake to melt and meld: Return the assembled loaf halves to the oven and bake at 350° F for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese melts. For a golden brown top, optionally broil on high for 1 to 3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish before serving.
Notes
- The garlic powder is divided to season both the buttered bread and the meat sauce for layered flavor.
- Using low-sodium beef broth helps control saltiness while adding richness.
- Optional parsley garnish adds freshness and color but can be omitted.
- Broiling step is optional; watch carefully as it can burn quickly.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
