Can You Use Deli Roast Beef for a Philly Cheesesteak?

This Philly Cheesesteak is a meaty, cheesy HEAVEN. Tender beef pairs perfectly with peppers, onions and lots of cheese. You will love how easy they are to make!.

When you don’t have much time but want something hearty, filling, and tasty for dinner, these Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are the best choice. The tender roast beef soaks up flavorful juices and tastes delicious with thinly sliced peppers and onions. Once you put a lot of buttery cheese on soft hoagie bread and warm it up under the broiler, you have a warm and tasty sandwich that will fill you up. If you make these sandwiches and serve them with French fries, potato chips, or veggies and dip, the whole family will love it. Some of my kids don’t like peppers and onions, so I put as many as I can on my sandwich. It is the best sandwich for our family! They are also great for parties or game day!.

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania It typically consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese (usually processed cheese like Cheez Whiz), and an Italian roll Many people wonder if you can substitute deli roast beef for the traditional ribeye steak in a Philly cheesesteak. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using deli roast beef and provide tips for making the best possible Philly cheesesteak with this alternative ingredient.

Overview of the Classic Philly Cheesesteak

To understand if deli roast beef can stand in for ribeye, let’s first look at what makes an authentic Philly cheesesteak:

Ribeye steak: This cut of beef provides tenderness, rich flavor, and juiciness from the marbling. It is sliced paper-thin.
Onions: Thinly sliced onions are cooked until caramelized and piled high on the steak.
Cheese: The classic choice is Cheez Whiz, providing creamy, indulgent flavor as it melts over the hot steak and onions. Provolone is another popular option.
Rolls: A long, crusty Italian roll holds all the tasty ingredients and soaks up the delicious juices.

When crafted well, you get an amazing balance of textures and robust flavors in each bite. The simple combination of savory beef and onions with melted cheese is hard to beat.

Can Deli Roast Beef Work?

Now let’s examine the pros and cons of using deli roast beef instead of ribeye

Pros

Convenience: Deli roast beef is pre-sliced and ready to use. This saves significant prep time.
Consistency The slices of deli roast beef tend to be uniform in size and thickness This can make cooking easier and more consistent
Cost: Deli roast beef is typically cheaper per pound compared to quality ribeye steak. Using it can make cheesesteaks more budget-friendly.

Cons

Leaner meat: Deli roast beef is very lean, without much marbling. This can make it dry out more easily and have less beefy flavor.
Texture: The deli slices tend to be soft and can become mushy during cooking. Ribeye has more bite and chew.
Flavor: While delicious, roast beef has a different taste profile than ribeye steak. The cheesesteak may seem “off”.

Consensus: It Can Work in a Pinch

The consensus is that deli roast beef can work in a pinch, but ribeye steak is ideal for the best authentic flavor and texture. The marbling and meatiness of ribeye is hard to replicate. However, with the right techniques, deli roast beef can be a decent substitute when you’re in a time crunch.

Tips for Using Deli Roast Beef

If you want to use deli roast beef, here are some tips to maximize its flavor and texture:

Choose high-quality roast beef from the deli counter rather than pre-packaged. It will taste fresher.
Use strongly flavored cheese like Cheez Whiz, provolone, or aged cheddar. This boosts overall flavor.
Load up on toppings like extra onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. More toppings help make up for any lack of beefiness.
Add seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper to increase flavor.
Cook thoroughly so the meat doesn’t seem dry or rubbery.
Use rolls with sesame seeds, garlic, or herbs rather than plain ones.
Drizzle with jus or steak sauce to mimic the savory quality of ribeye marbling.

Master the Cooking Method

Proper technique also makes a major difference when using deli roast beef. Follow these steps:

Thinly slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Watch for sinew to remove.
Use a very hot skillet or griddle with enough oil to generously coat the surface. You want good sear.
Cook onions first for 1-2 minutes until starting to soften. Move them toward the side.
Add the roast beef in an even layer. Brown for 1-2 minutes per side.
Mix the beef and onions. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes until beef is no longer pink.
Melt cheese on top. Cover to melt thoroughly.
Toast rolls on the skillet while cheese melts.
Construct sandwich with extra toppings as desired.

Extra Flavor Ideas

If the deli roast beef still seems underwhelming on flavor, try these ideas:

Sauté peppers, mushrooms etc. for a cheesesteak hoagie
Spread spicy mustard, mayo, or cream cheese on the roll
Add hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or steak sauce
Use provolone cheese and everything bagel seasoning
Top with crispy fried onions
Serve with au jus or gravy for dipping
Make it a cheesesteak melt by leaving the roll open-faced

The Verdict

While deli roast beef may not completely replicate the indulgent decadence of a classic Philly cheesesteak, with the right techniques and flavors you can still create a tasty sandwich. The keys are using high-quality ingredients, amping up seasonings and toppings, and proper cooking methods. If you follow the guidance provided, your roast beef cheesesteak can still hit the spot.

However, for the true iconic experience, ribeye steak remains the best choice. If you want the full authentic Philadelphia taste, the concentrated beefiness and texture of ribeye is unmatched.

So next time a cheesesteak craving strikes, consider splurging on fresh ribeye for the full effect. But in a time crunch, don’t hesitate to improvise with some deli roast beef. With care and finesse, you can still make an awesome sandwich.

How you adapt this classic recipe is up to you and your preferences. Now get out there, fire up the griddle, and sink your teeth into a mouthwatering cheesesteak! Just have plenty of napkins on hand.

can you use deli roast beef for philly cheesesteak

More Subs and Sandwiches

If you like this Philly Cheesesteak recipe, you will love any of these delicious sandwich options:

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Ingredients

Take your favorite Philly cheesesteak recipe to your kitchen with this authentic recipe that never fails. It is so simple to make and using the right ingredients only makes it even better. Get ready to wow your taste buds with these ingredients layered together.

Beef broth gets the beef tender and makes it taste even more like beef.
This onion soup mix gives the meat and vegetables an extra flavor from the onions and spices.
It’s Black Angus roast beef. I like to get thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter at my grocery store, but you could also use deli meat that has already been sliced or roast beef from Sunday dinner. Don’t worry about how thick the beef is; the juices will soak in better if it’s that way.
Green bell pepper: Make the peppers very thin so they cook all the way through. You want them tender but not mushy.
Onion—A white onion is great for both smell and taste. These will be sliced into thin slices.
Cream cheese: Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on top of the bread. It gives things a whole new dimension that I can’t live without. When the hot meat and vegetables melt into the cream cheese, it’s just right.
There are many great cheeses that can be used in this cheesesteak recipe.
The hoagie rolls can be bought at almost any grocery store. If you’d rather make your own bread, you can use our Homemade Subway Bread recipe.
Optional Additions: mushrooms, hot peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles

can you use deli roast beef for philly cheesesteak

Easy Dinner Recipes: Simply Dellicious Cheesesteak (deli roast beef, cheese, peppers, onions….)

FAQ

What cuts of beef can be used for Philly Cheesesteak?

Ribeye steak is the only choice for a real Philly cheesesteak. You can substitute flank, skirt, top round, sirloin, or any other cut that cooks into tender, thin strips, but ribeye is the original choice.

What cut of meat is used for deli roast beef?

There is a little debate about the best cut for deli roast beef. The main contenders are top sirloin, the eye of round, and top loin (also called strip loin). (Some might argue for chuck or brisket, but for plain roast beef, those aren’t the right answer.

How do you thinly slice beef for Philly Cheesesteak?

The first is to slice it yourself with the following technique: Take a boneless rib eye and slice it into roughly three-inch-wide pieces. Then, partially freeze the beef for about one hour to firm it up, which will make slicing it thinly much easier.