
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of Italian bread (or French bread)
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak work best)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (mixed colors for extra flavor and color)
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 3 tablespoons garlic butter (see note below)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Garlic Butter Note:
Combine 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Optional: add a bit of chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the Cheesesteak Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a splash of oil, then cook the thinly sliced beef until just browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, another 6–8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bread
- Slice the top off the loaf lengthwise (like a lid), and set the top aside.
- Carefully hollow out the center of the bottom half of the bread using your hands or a spoon, leaving about a ½-inch shell on all sides.
- Brush the inside of the hollowed bread with garlic butter, including the lid if you’re using it.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Loaf
- Sprinkle half of the provolone cheese evenly inside the hollowed loaf.
- Spoon in the cooked beef, peppers, and onions.
- Top with the remaining provolone cheese.
- If using the lid, place it gently back on top.
5. Bake
- Place the assembled loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden and crisp on the outside.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Let the loaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and added flavor.
- Slice into thick portions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a hearty main dish with a salad or roasted potatoes.
- Slice into smaller portions for game-day snacks or party platters.
- Serve with extra garlic butter, hot sauce, or a side of marinara for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust is crisp again—about 10–12 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use pre-shaved beef or thinly sliced deli steak to save time.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella, white American, or pepper jack for a different cheese pull.
- Want to add heat? Toss in sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes with the filling.
Final Note
This Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf is everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak—wrapped in buttery, garlicky bread that gets crisped to perfection. It’s a showstopper, whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself to a comfort food classic.