Best Philly Recipes from A Local Home Cook

Read on as we discuss some of our favorite recipes from experienced Philly culinary experts. We have chosen hearty meals that can be perfect for lunch or dinner time. So, let's take a quick look! 

Tangy Mini Meat Loaves

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup sliced onion
• 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 3 tablespoons steak sauce

Method

1. Shape the beef into four small loaves – taking care to keep it 1/4- to 1/2-inches thick. Cook the beef over medium-high flame for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, taking care that it's no longer pink. Remove immediately from the skillet, and transfer it to a serving plate. Make sure that the beef remains warm.
2. Drain off any excess leaving only the one tablespoon droppings. Start sautéing onions in drippings until they get tender.
3. Add the steak sauce, consider, and mustard to the onion, and bring it to a boil. Pour this over the meatloaves, and serve immediately.
4. Enjoy!

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Philly Beef and Pepper Strata

Ingredients 

• 3/4 pound cooked roast beef, cut into thin strips
• 8 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 7 cups cubed Italian bread
• 3 3/4 cups julienned sweet red, yellow, and/or green peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Method

1. Take a 9-inch – greased – baking dish, and place one-third of your bread cubes in it. Layer a third of the dish with onion, roast beef, peppers, and cheese. Repeat the layers twice. While it isn't necessary, make sure that the layers are even, so you get a similar taste with every bite. 
2. Whisk your eggs, mustard, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and then pour it over the dish. Cover and refrigerate the baking dish for eight hours, preferably overnight.
3. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
4. Bake at 325°F for about an hour – covered. Once done, bake again – uncovered – for 15 to 20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
5. Finally, let the stand rest for 10 minutes before serving.
6. Enjoy with friends and family!

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Philly-Style Steak Sandwiches with Grilled Onions and Provolone

Ingredients

• 2 8 to 10 ounces boneless rib-eye steaks (about 1 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground 
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ciabatta rolls, split
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 8 thin slices of provolone cheese, about 1 ounce each

Method

We have divided the recipe into three different parts considering the sandwiches have separate processes before the final assembly.

For the Vegetables:

1. Start by preparing the grill for direct cooking over high heat – 450° to 550°F. Additionally, you'll have to preheat a grill pan as well. 
2. Take a large bowl, and add the onions, garlic, peppers, oregano, and oil. Season this with salt and pepper, and keep tossing to create an even coating.
3. Spread the vegetables on the grill pan, taking care to line them in a single layer. Grill over direct heat with a lid closed until they start to brown and get tender. They should take you about six minutes, taking care to keep stirring occasionally.
4. Transfer the vegetables to a medium bowl, and it on the grill pan to the grill.

For the Steak Slices:

1. Cut the steak across the grain into 1/8-inch slices, and then place them in a medium bowl. Add enough oil, so every steak slice is coated lightly, and season with salt and pepper as per your taste. Turn the slices for an even coating.
2. Grill the steak slices on the grill pan over direct heat – closed – until the meat begins to brown and curl. This should take about 4 to 6 minutes.

For the Sandwich Buns:

1. Cut the sides of the rolls and lightly brush with oil. Grill them over direct high heat until Tuesday for about 30 seconds.
2. Rub the garlic onto the toasted rolls.
3. Divide your cheese among the rolls.
4. Place your rolls on the grill with the cheese side up, and grill – closed – until the other side gets toasty and the cheese begins to melt. This should take about 30 minutes.
5. Finally, assemble the vegetables, steak slices, and buns. Serve warm.

There, all done! These are our top three Philly staples that are bound to remind you of the city's exquisite food and flavor right within the confines of your kitchen.

About the author: This week's guest article was written by author Annabelle Carter Short, a Philly-based food writer, blogger, and photographer. She loves cooking, sewing, creating recipes, and making healthy food that tastes delicious.