Cali Cheese Steak™ Recipe

Prepare marinade and marinate beef

In a medium bowl combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add chopped roast beef and toss until evenly coated. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor (or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Cook beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the marinated beef in an even layer and cook, stirring and chopping with a spatula, until browned and heated through, about 4–6 minutes. Remove beef to a bowl and keep warm. If excess liquid accumulates, drain most of it before removing beef.

Sauté onions and peppers

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add thinly sliced onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until translucent and beginning to caramelize. Add Greek-style peppers and continue to cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Season vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Push vegetables to the side of the skillet.

Combine vegetables and beef

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss with the onions and peppers. Stir and cook together 1–2 minutes to meld flavors and warm the peppers through.

Make creamy cheese

While beef and vegetables warm, in a small bowl beat together softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and spreadable. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, tasting and adjusting if desired. (If you prefer a looser sauce, add another teaspoon of milk.)

Combine cheese with beef mixture

Reduce skillet heat to low. Spoon the cheese mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Gently fold and stir until cheese melts and evenly coats the beef mixture, about 1–3 minutes. Keep the mixture warm on lowest heat while toasting rolls.

Toast rolls

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Split the hoagie rolls and place cut-side down in the butter until golden and toasted, about 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, brush rolls with butter and toast under broiler watching closely for 30–60 seconds.

Assemble sandwiches

Divide the warm beef-and-cheese mixture evenly among the toasted rolls (about 4 sandwiches). Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.