Philly Recipe

Sandwich

1. 1

   Prepare ingredients

   If using sirloin: pat the meat dry and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch). If using chicken: slice thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic. Measure out seasonings and Cheez Whiz.

2. 2

   Toast rolls

   Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge if desired. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and spread 1/2 tablespoon butter on the cut sides of each roll. Toast buttered cut sides down 1–2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   Sauté peppers & onions

   Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. Add sliced onions and bell peppers in an even layer. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last 60 seconds, stir to combine, then transfer peppers and onions to a bowl and keep warm.

4. 4

   Cook the meat

   Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter to the same skillet and return to medium-high. Add the chopped sirloin (or sliced chicken) in a single layer if possible. Season with remaining salt, remaining black pepper, paprika and oregano. Let meat sear without moving for 1–2 minutes to develop color, then stir or toss and continue cooking until cooked through and browned, about 3–5 minutes more for sirloin (less for thin chicken). Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. 5

   Combine meat with vegetables

   Return the sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet with the cooked meat. Toss together and heat for 30–60 seconds so flavors meld. If mixture seems dry, add up to 1 tablespoon water or beef/chicken stock to loosen.

6. 6

   Warm and melt cheese

   Spoon the Cheez Whiz into a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and gently warm until pourable (microwave 20–30 seconds, stirring). Alternatively, place the warmed cheese over the meat-and-veg mixture in the skillet and stir to coat, or spoon cheese directly onto toasted roll halves and return to skillet, cut-side up, for 30–60 seconds to soften.

7. 7

   Assemble sandwiches

   Divide the meat and pepper mixture evenly between the two toasted hoagie rolls. Spoon or drizzle the warmed Cheez Whiz over the filling to your liking (about 3 oz per sandwich). Close the rolls and press gently. Optionally return the assembled sandwich to the skillet, seam side down, and press for 30 seconds to meld.

8. 8

   Serve

   Slice sandwiches in half if desired and serve immediately while hot. Provide extra Cheez Whiz or hot sauce at the table if desired.