Next, I like to add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and crank up the heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced steak and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. The sound of sizzling meat is music to my ears, and that aroma is just divine! After the steak is ready, return the sautéed onions and peppers to the skillet, mixing everything together well.
Now, let’s prepare the garlic bread! Grab your loaf of Italian or French bread and slice it in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Spread this delicious buttery garlic mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Then, it’s time to pile on the steak and veggie mixture. Make sure to distribute it evenly for every bite to be packed with flavor. Finally, sprinkle the provolone and mozzarella cheese on top, and place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Cover the bread with another sheet of aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that, remove the top foil and let it bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When you take it out, the gooey cheese and the crunchy edges will be calling your name! Let it cool slightly before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways, and the secret to getting perfectly sautéed veggies is in the timing! If you add the onions first and let them caramelize a bit, and then throw in the bell peppers, you’ll get that lovely sweet flavor from the onions. But don’t overcook the peppers, or they’ll lose their vibrant color and crunch!
Also, using thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin makes a huge difference in tenderness. I learned this from a couple of less-than-ideal attempts where the meat was a bit too chewy. Trust me, a good butcher or the deli counter can help you get the right cut for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Lastly, don’t shy away from experimenting with the cheeses! While provolone and mozzarella are my favorites, I once tried it with a mix of cheddar and gouda, and let’s just say it was a hit in my house. It’s all about finding that perfect cheesy delight that makes your heart sing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time around was not slicing the bread all the way through. It’s tempting to just cut it partially for presentation, but trust me, it makes serving a bit of a hassle. Full slices not only look better but ensure everyone can dig in easily! (See the next page below to continue…)