When you combine the heartiness of a Philly cheesesteak with the irresistible aroma of garlic bread, you get something truly extraordinary: the Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf. This dish is gooey, buttery, and packed with savory flavor — the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves a good, melty sandwich. Imagine tender strips of beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers all tucked inside a crusty loaf of garlic bread, then baked until the cheese bubbles and the edges crisp perfectly. The first time I made this, I used provolone and a touch of mozzarella for extra stretch — the result was beyond satisfying. It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a meal that’s both impressive and easy to pull together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf brings together two classics — cheesesteak and garlic bread — in one glorious dish. It’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to please a crowd. The bread bakes up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the filling melts into a creamy, flavorful center. The best part? It’s simple to make and customizable to your taste. You can use ribeye for traditional flavor, or try thinly sliced sirloin for a leaner option. Whether served as a main dish or sliced into appetizer portions, it’s a showstopper every time.
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Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf – A Bold, Buttery, Cheese-Laden Feast
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf is the ultimate comfort food mashup — tender, juicy beef and sautéed peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese stuffed inside a crispy, buttery garlic bread loaf. Perfect for game day, parties, or a hearty family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 large French bread loaf
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Slice the French bread loaf in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Scoop out some of the bread from the center to create space for the filling.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir to combine with the veggies.
- Place the bottom half of the bread on the baking sheet. Layer with half of the provolone cheese slices, then spoon the steak and pepper mixture evenly over the top.
- Top with the remaining provolone slices, then place the top half of the bread loaf over it.
- Mix melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the loaf.
- Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly, then slice into pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced deli roast beef for a quicker version.
- Try mozzarella or white American cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of au jus or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
French bread loaf – A sturdy loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior works best. It holds the filling without becoming soggy.
Ribeye steak (thinly sliced) – The traditional cut for cheesesteaks, known for its tenderness and marbling. I’ve also tried sirloin, and it works beautifully for a lighter version.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes.
Green bell pepper – Brings freshness and a slight crunch that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Garlic – Used both in the filling and for the buttery spread on the loaf, adding aromatic warmth.
Butter – The base for the garlic spread; it soaks into the bread for that signature flavor.
Provolone cheese – Classic cheesesteak cheese that melts smoothly and offers mild, creamy flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – Adds stretchiness and helps bind the filling together.
Salt and pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning both the meat and vegetables.
Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the flavor of the beef with savory, umami richness.
Parsley – Freshly chopped for a bright, herby finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Slice the French loaf in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Hollow out a little of the soft bread inside to make room for the filling.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the thinly sliced steak to the same skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Stir the onions, peppers, and minced garlic back in, mixing everything until well combined.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly inside both halves of the loaf. Layer half of the provolone slices inside, spoon in the cheesesteak mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Close the loaf and wrap it tightly in foil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, then unwrap and bake another 5 minutes to crisp the crust. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm — the melted cheese and buttery aroma are simply irresistible.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 40 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking and baking.
Storage/reheating
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy. You can also freeze the stuffed loaf (before baking) for up to 1 month — just thaw before baking as directed.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Jalapeño Cheesesteak
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bold, spicy kick.
Mushroom Melt Version
Sauté mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for extra umami richness.
BBQ Cheesesteak Loaf
Swap Worcestershire sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
Chicken Philly Style
Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of beef for a lighter option.
Three-Cheese Explosion
Combine provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar for maximum gooeyness.
Bacon Lover’s Loaf
Add crispy bacon bits to the filling for smoky, salty crunch.
Garlic Herb Butter Upgrade
Mix Italian herbs into the garlic butter for even more flavor.
Open-Faced Cheesesteak
Skip the top half of the loaf and bake it open-faced for an easy sandwich bake.
Pepper Jack Twist
Use pepper jack instead of provolone for a touch of spice.
Veggie Delight
Skip the meat and stuff with caramelized onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheese for a vegetarian take.
FAQs
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
A crusty French or Italian loaf holds up best without getting soggy.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, or American cheese all work well.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, wrap tightly, and bake when ready.
What kind of meat should I use?
Ribeye is ideal for tenderness and flavor, but thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works too.
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?
Absolutely — mushrooms, red peppers, or spinach all make delicious additions.
Can I make this on the grill?
Yes, wrap it in foil and grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes per side.
What sides go well with it?
It pairs perfectly with fries, a side salad, or coleslaw.
How do I keep the bread crispy?
Bake uncovered for the last few minutes to help the crust crisp up.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, just warm it with the vegetables before assembling.
Can I make mini versions?
Definitely — use small rolls or baguettes for individual servings.
Conclusion
Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf is the ultimate indulgence — a rich, cheesy, buttery creation that combines everything you love about comfort food into one showstopping dish. With juicy beef, melted cheese, and golden garlic bread, it’s a meal that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether served as a hearty main course or sliced into party-sized portions, this recipe is pure, melty perfection — the kind of dish that disappears the moment it hits the table.
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