If you’re looking to wow your friends and family during your next big sports event, let me introduce you to the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the Game Day Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe. This dish offers tender, juicy steak slices perfectly seared and combined with sweet, caramelized peppers and onions, all smothered in melty provolone cheese. The buttery garlic-toasted hoagie rolls add that irresistible crunch and flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. Easy to prep yet packed with bold, comforting flavors, it’s the sandwich you’ll want to make again and again for any game day gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the juicy steak to the crispy, garlic-infused rolls.
- 1½ lbs flank steak or ribeye (thinly sliced): Choose a tender cut to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the steak and sautéing veggies smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses additional garlic punch into the steak seasoning.
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced): Provides sweetness and soft texture once caramelized.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Adds fresh color and slight crispness.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant hue.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and aroma.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to create that classic cheesesteak gooeyness.
- 4 hoagie rolls: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): For brushing the rolls and infusing richness.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic to boost that unmistakable game-day flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Game Day Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Preheat your stove’s skillet to medium-high and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the thinly sliced steak along with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in the steak’s juicy flavors and creates those irresistible caramelized edges.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Use the same skillet to keep all the steak’s flavors. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for 5–6 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. This creates a lovely sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory steak. Then, return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir everything together so the flavors blend perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic-Toasted Hoagie Rolls
While the steak and veggies finish cooking, mix melted butter with minced garlic. Generously brush the inside of each hoagie roll with this garlic butter. Place the rolls cut side up on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated 400°F oven for 4–5 minutes until they turn lightly golden and fragrant. This simple step adds a buttery crunch with a fresh garlic aroma that’s truly delightful.
Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Divide the steak and pepper mixture evenly among the toasted rolls. Then top each filled hoagie with a slice or two of provolone cheese. Pop the sandwiches back into the oven for another 3–5 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese into a creamy, gooey topping that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Serve Game Day Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of brightness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sandwiches just before serving. It adds a subtle fresh note that cuts through the richness and enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic game day sides like crispy potato wedges, crunchy coleslaw, or even a simple mixed green salad to lighten things up. For an extra snack crowd-pleaser, tossing in some pickles or spicy jalapeños on the side gives a nice kick.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve them on a large platter with toothpicks to hold them together. You can also offer a small bowl of extra garlic butter on the side for dipping. Serving alongside colorful napkins and cold drinks completes that perfect game day vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Game Day Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will remain rich, and the steak doesn’t lose its tender juiciness.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the steak and pepper mixture separately in a freezer-safe container. You can also freeze the hoagie rolls wrapped in plastic. Avoid freezing the fully assembled sandwiches to maintain the best texture. When ready, thaw both components overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the steak and peppers gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Toast the rolls again with a bit of butter in the oven or on a griddle. Then assemble and briefly bake just enough to melt the cheese again. This method keeps the sandwich deliciously fresh while saving you time on game day.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and complements the steak, mozzarella or white American cheese are excellent alternatives that offer a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Is flank steak the best cut for this recipe?
Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, flavorful, and slices easily for sandwiches. Ribeye is a tastier but fattier option. Either works well depending on your preference and budget.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian-friendly?
You can swap out steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or a mix of hearty sautéed vegetables. Adding extra cheese and garlic butter toast will keep the indulgent flavors close to the original.
What’s the best way to slice the steak thinly?
Freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing; this firms it up, making it easier to cut thin, even slices against the grain for tenderness.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and marinate the steak, and even sauté the veggies a few hours in advance. Just store them separately and assemble right before serving to keep rolls crisp and cheese perfectly melted.
Final Thoughts
The Game Day Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to bring everyone together with amazing flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cheering on your team or simply craving a hearty, garlic-packed sandwich, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to game day treat!
Print
Game Day Garlic Steak and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These game day garlic steak and cheese sandwiches are packed with bold flavors, making them the perfect crowd-pleasing meal for watching the big game. Juicy slices of seared steak are smothered in melted provolone, sautéed peppers and onions, and tucked into buttery, garlic-toasted hoagie rolls. Easy to prep and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1½ lbs flank steak or ribeye (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
Additional Ingredients
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the rolls and melting the cheese later.
- Cook Steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced steak, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Steak and Veggies: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss with the sautéed vegetables until well combined.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush this mixture onto the inside of each hoagie roll. Place the rolls cut side up on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Divide the steak and veggie mixture evenly among the toasted rolls. Top each with one or two slices of provolone cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the sandwiches with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, sprinkle additional garlic powder directly onto the rolls before toasting.
- Swap provolone cheese with mozzarella or white American cheese for a different taste.
- The steak can be sliced and prepped ahead of time for quicker assembly on game day.
