Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

Make weeknight dinners exciting with Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. Tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy crust. Try it tonight!

Published: Nov 7, 2025 | By Ilyas Siaghy

Some recipe ideas are so good you wonder why you didn’t try them sooner, and that’s exactly how I felt the first time I made Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. I love a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and I love homemade pizza, so combining the two seemed like a no-brainer. One bite of the cheesy, steak-loaded pizza was all it took to make it an instant favorite in my house.

What makes Philly Cheesesteak Pizza so irresistible is the combination of two comfort food classics. Tender slices of seasoned steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and plenty of melted cheese are layered over a crispy pizza crust to create a meal that’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. It has all the savory goodness of a traditional cheesesteak with the fun, shareable appeal of pizza.

I find myself making this recipe whenever I want something a little different from the usual pizza night. It’s easy enough for a casual weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends and family come over. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable depending on your favorite cheesesteak toppings.

If you’re searching for the best Philly Cheesesteak Pizza recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This easy homemade pizza is loaded with juicy steak, gooey cheese, and classic cheesesteak flavors, making it the perfect dinner for pizza lovers and sandwich fans alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

The Pizza Base:

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)

The Philly Cheesesteak Topping:

• 1 pound ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Philly Cheesesteak Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pizza (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Preheat (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up. No pizza stone? No problem, a baking sheet works perfectly. If using a baking sheet, flip it upside down and sprinkle with cornmeal for easier sliding. Pull your pizza dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature while you prep the toppings. This makes it much easier to stretch without snapping back.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak (8 minutes)

1. Here’s where it really starts. In a small bowl, combine your philly cheesesteak seasoning ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and oregano. Mix well and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted and sizzling, add your thinly sliced steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, work in batches if needed. Sprinkle with half of your seasoning blend.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving the meat (this creates a nice sear). Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Remember, it’ll cook more in the oven, so don’t overdo it here. Remove the steak to a plate and set aside.

Pro tip: The thinner your steak slices, the more authentic your Philly experience. We’re talking paper-thin if possible!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables (7 minutes)

1. In the same skillet (keeping all those delicious browned bits), add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in your sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize. There’s something magical about caramelized onions, they add a sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory steak.
2. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms (if using), along with the minced garlic. Sprinkle with the remaining seasoning blend. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight bite. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir everything together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Beginner’s note: Don’t rush the onions! Letting them cook slowly develops their natural sweetness, which is key to authentic philly cheesesteak recipes.

Step 4: Stretch Your Pizza Dough (3 minutes)

1. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch your pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. I like to use my hands rather than a rolling pin, it keeps those beautiful air bubbles intact for a lighter, airier crust.
2. Here’s a trick: Let the dough rest for a minute if it keeps shrinking back. It’s not being stubborn; the gluten just needs a moment to relax. Place your stretched dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer.
3. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, especially around the edges—this creates that gorgeous golden-brown crust everyone fights over.

Step 5: Build Your Pizza (5 minutes)

1. First layer: Sprinkle half of your mozzarella and provolone mixture directly on the dough. This creates a moisture barrier and prevents sogginess.
2. Second layer: Distribute your cooked steak evenly over the cheese. Don’t pile it all in the center, you want every slice to have its fair share of meat.
3. Third layer: Add your sautéed vegetables and mushrooms, spreading them evenly.
4. Final layer: Top with the remaining cheese blend, then sprinkle with Parmesan for that extra punch of flavor.
5. The secret: Leaving a 1-inch border around the edges gives you that authentic pizzeria-style crust that puffs up beautifully in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection (12-15 minutes)

Carefully transfer your pizza (parchment paper and all) to your preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. The parchment paper makes this so much easier and prevents sticking.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching closely. You’re looking for:

• A golden-brown crust with slight charring on the edges
• Cheese that’s melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots
• A bottom that’s crisp (lift with a spatula to check)

Oven tip: Every oven is different. If your cheese is browning too quickly but the crust isn’t done, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve (5 minutes)

1. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let your Philly cheesesteak pizza rest for 3-5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and preventing all your toppings from sliding off.
2. Slice into 8 pieces using a sharp pizza cutter or large knife. For extra authenticity, you can drizzle with a bit of cheese sauce or serve with a side of marinara for dipping.

Total Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people (or 2 very hungry people!)

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this Philly cheesesteak pizza is how well it keeps; if there are any leftovers, that is!

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Place cooled pizza slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date so you remember when you made this deliciousness!

Reheating for Best Results:

• Oven method (best for crispy crust): Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place slices directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until heated through and the bottom is crispy again.
• Skillet method (my personal favorite): Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place your slice in the dry pan, cover with a lid, and heat for 3-4 minutes. The bottom gets crispy while the trapped steam melts the cheese perfectly.
• Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 350°F and cook for 3-4 minutes. This gives you crispy crust with melted cheese in record time.
• Microwave method (when you’re desperate): Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate with a cup of water beside it. Microwave for 30-60 seconds. The water prevents the crust from getting too chewy, though it won’t be crispy.
• From frozen: Let slices thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat using any method above. In a hurry? Add 2-3 minutes to your reheating time.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Chicken Philly Pizza: Swap the steak for thinly sliced chicken breast seasoned with the same philly cheesesteak seasoning. It’s lighter but equally delicious.
• Extra Cheesy Version: Add a layer of cheese sauce (mix cream cheese, milk, and provolone) under your toppings for an ultra-indulgent experience.
• Spicy Philly Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. The heat pairs beautifully with the rich cheese.
• Veggie Philly Pizza: Use thick-sliced portobello mushrooms as your “steak” along with extra peppers and onions. Add some smoked paprika for depth.
• White Pizza Version: Skip traditional sauce and use a garlic-herb olive oil or alfredo base instead. Top with your philly ingredients for a rich, creamy variation.
• Breakfast Philly Pizza: Add scrambled eggs to your toppings and swap provolone for American cheese for a breakfast-meets-dinner mashup.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza crust or store-bought dough?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and there’s zero shame in using store-bought dough. Look for fresh pizza dough in your grocery store’s bakery section or refrigerated aisle, it’s usually better quality than the pre-baked crusts. Brands like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and many local grocery stores carry excellent fresh dough. If you prefer pre-baked crusts like Boboli, just reduce your baking time by 3-4 minutes since the crust is already cooked.

What’s the best cheese for authentic Philly flavor?

Traditional philly cheesesteak recipes use either provolone or American cheese, sometimes both! For this pizza, I recommend a combination: provolone for authentic Philly flavor, mozzarella for that perfect cheese stretch, and a touch of Parmesan for depth. If you want to go full traditional, use all provolone or even add a drizzle of cheese whiz (yes, really, don’t knock it till you try it!). White American cheese is another excellent option that melts beautifully.

Can I make this philly cheesesteak pizza ahead of time?

Yes, with some strategy! You can prep your toppings (cook the steak and vegetables) up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake. However, I don’t recommend assembling the entire pizza ahead of time, the moisture from the toppings will make the crust soggy. If you want to fully prep ahead, freeze the unbaked assembled pizza for up to 1 month, then bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

What cut of beef works best for Philly cheesesteak pizza?

Ribeye is the gold standard for authentic philly cheesesteak recipes because of its marbling and flavor, but it’s pricier. Sirloin is an excellent budget-friendly alternative that still delivers great taste. Top round or eye round work too, especially if you slice them super thin. The key is slicing against the grain and as thin as possible. Some people even use shaved steak or sandwich steaks from the frozen section, totally acceptable for a weeknight meal!

How do I prevent my philly cheesesteak pizza from getting soggy?

Great question! Here are my tried-and-true tips: First, always pre-cook your toppings to remove excess moisture. Second, don’t overload the pizza, more isn’t always better. Third, create a cheese barrier by putting cheese directly on the dough before adding wet toppings. Fourth, make sure your oven is fully preheated (at least 475°F). Finally, if your toppings seem particularly moist, pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the pizza. These steps ensure a crispy, not soggy, crust every time.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Definitely! Chicken Philly pizza is a delicious lighter alternative. Use thinly sliced chicken breast and season it with the same philly cheesesteak seasoning. Cook it in the skillet just like you would the steak. The cooking time might be slightly longer (4-5 minutes) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Some people also enjoy using ground beef as a budget-friendly option, just brown it well and drain excess fat before adding to your pizza.

What should I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Pizza?

This pizza is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but if you want sides, keep them light! This simple & Authentic Thai Cucumber Salad would be just great. Looking for something fresh to serve on the side? Check out our delicious salad recipes, the perfect light pairing to enjoy with your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza!. Garlic bread might be overkill since you already have bread, but a side of marinara or garlic aioli for dipping the crust is always welcome. For a complete Philly experience, serve with crispy french fries or onion rings. Complete your meal with one of our easy and flavorful side dish recipes, the perfect match for your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza!

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