Slow-Cooked Beef Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef strips slow-cooked with sweet onions and melted provolone on toasted hoagie rolls, finished with a hint of fresh parsley. This american-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs flank steak, yellow onion, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Return 1 lb cooked flank steak to the skillet with the onions, stir to combine, and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced provolone cheese and cook, stirring, until melted. Spoon mixture onto 4 split hoagie rolls and top with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Beef Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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