Vegan Philly Cheesesteak (Printable)

A flavorful plant-based take with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and creamy vegan cheese sauce nestled in toasted rolls.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 14 oz portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

→ Vegan Cheese Sauce

11 - 1 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk
12 - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
13 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
14 - 1 tablespoon vegan butter or olive oil
15 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
18 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Bread

19 - 4 soft hoagie rolls or sub rolls

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
02 - Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute more. Return the sautéed onions and peppers to the pan. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
04 - In a small saucepan, whisk together soy or oat milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, vegan butter, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, and salt. Place over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
05 - Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through. Toast lightly if desired.
06 - Fill each roll with the mushroom-pepper mixture. Generously spoon vegan cheese sauce over the filling. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get all the savory, messy satisfaction of a classic cheesesteak without needing meat or dairy to deliver the flavor
  • The cheese sauce comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to a week
02 -
  • Don't rush the mushroom cooking step or they'll release water and steam instead of brown
  • Whisk the cheese sauce constantly once it hits the heat or cornstarch will clump up
03 -
  • Slice your mushrooms as thin as possible, they will cook more evenly and develop better texture
  • Add a splash of liquid smoke if you want even more smoky depth