When it comes to iconic American sandwiches, few can rival the legendary Philly cheesesteak. Born in the streets of Philadelphia in the 1930s, this beloved sandwich has captured hearts and taste buds across the nation. Today, we’re putting a fresh spin on this classic with our mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Wrap – all the flavors you love, wrapped up in a convenient, portable package.
What Makes a Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Wrap?
The beauty of a Philly cheesesteak wrap lies in its ability to capture the essence of the original while offering enhanced portability and a slightly lighter feel. The key is maintaining the perfect balance of tender, seasoned beef, sautéed onions, melted cheese, and peppers, all wrapped in a soft tortilla that won’t fall apart in your hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak:
1 pound ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Vegetables:
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inches)
6-8 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Hot sauce or peppers (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Steak
Start by placing your steak in the freezer for 30 minutes – this makes it much easier to slice thinly. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cooking the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes until they become golden and caramelized. Add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still have a slight crunch. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
Cooking the Steak
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and increase heat to high. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The meat should be browned but still tender. Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute. Return the vegetables to the pan and toss everything together. Remove from heat.
Assembly Time
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds to make them more pliable. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each tortilla if desired. Place cheese slices down the center of each tortilla, then top with the hot steak and vegetable mixture. The heat will help melt the cheese.
Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Wrap each completed wrap in aluminum foil or parchment paper to help hold its shape.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Wrap
Choose the Right Cut: Ribeye is traditional and offers the best flavor and tenderness, but sirloin works well too and is more budget-friendly. Avoid lean cuts like round steak, which can become tough.
Don’t Overcook the Meat: The key to tender cheesesteak meat is high heat and quick cooking. Overcooking will result in tough, chewy meat.
Cheese Matters: While provolone and American cheese are traditional, don’t be afraid to experiment with sharp cheddar or even a cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
Warm Your Tortillas: Cold tortillas are prone to cracking. Warming them makes them more flexible and easier to wrap.
Variations to Try
Mushroom Lovers: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mix for an earthy flavor boost.
Spicy Kick: Include jalapeños or banana peppers, or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat while cooking.
Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs to create a hearty breakfast wrap that’s perfect for meal prep.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat tortillas and add fresh lettuce or spinach for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Philly cheesesteak wraps are fantastic on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
Pickle spears for that classic deli experience
A cold beer or soda
Storage and Reheating
These wraps are excellent for meal prep. Store wrapped portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 45-60 seconds, or heat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
The Perfect Comfort Food
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made Philly cheesesteak wrap. It combines the nostalgic flavors of the classic sandwich with the convenience of modern eating. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a quick dinner solution, this wrap delivers on all fronts.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can adjust the vegetables, cheese, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Some purists might argue that nothing beats the original sandwich, but we think this wrap version offers the best of both worlds: authentic Philly flavors in a format that’s perfect for our busy lives.
So next time you’re craving that classic cheesesteak experience, skip the trip to Philadelphia and make these incredible wraps right in your own kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy this American classic.
