Garlic Butter Philly Cheesesteak Cups

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Looking for a fun, handheld appetizer that delivers all the savory satisfaction of a classic Philly cheesesteak in bite-sized form, look no further than Garlic Butter Philly Cheesesteak Cups! These crispy tortilla cups are loaded with tender, garlicky ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese, making them an ideal choice for appetizers and entertaining. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: you can prep the components ahead of time and assemble them fresh, or make the entire dish ahead and reheat it just before serving. With a combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory elements all in one bite, these cups are guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and tips to make these delicious handheld treats shine!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Philly Cheesesteak Cups

To create the perfect cheesesteak cups, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 12 soft flour tortillas, 4 inches each small flour tortillas work best for clean, sturdy cups
• 450 g raw ribeye steak, thinly sliced you can ask your butcher to slice it thin or freeze it for 30 minutes and slice it yourself
• 150 g yellow onion, thinly sliced about one medium onion
• 180 g provolone cheese, shredded or substitute with mozzarella or American cheese
• 30 g unsalted butter 2 tablespoons for sautéing
• 3 garlic cloves, minced fresh garlic adds essential flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the steak
• 1 teaspoon oil for greasing the muffin tin vegetable or olive oil works
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional garnish for color

Optional Ingredients

• Additional toppings: jalapeños, bell peppers, mushrooms, or hot sauce for extra flavor

How to Prepare the Tortilla Cups

Here’s how to shape and bake your tortilla cups:

1. Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin with 1 teaspoon of oil, using a pastry brush or paper towel to coat each cup evenly.
2. Shape the tortillas: Gently press each small tortilla into a muffin cup, allowing the edges to rise slightly above the rim to create a crispy border, about 1 inch higher than the cup.
3. Bake the shells: Bake the tortilla cups for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden, crispy, and hold their shape, watching to prevent over-browning.
4. Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the tin for 2 to 3 minutes so they set, then carefully remove them to a wire rack.

How to Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak and Onions

While the tortilla cups bake, you can prepare the filling:

1. Sauté the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and let it melt for about 30 seconds, then add the sliced onions and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized with golden edges.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then transfer the onion mixture to a clean plate.
3. Cook the steak: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute, then add the thin ribeye slices in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring to develop a light crust.
4. Finish the steak: Stir the steak, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until no pink remains, then season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the caramelized onions.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your tortilla cups and steak filling are ready, it’s time to assemble your cheesesteak cups!

1. Fill the cups: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the garlic butter steak and onion mixture into each crispy tortilla cup, distributing the filling evenly.
2. Add the cheese: Top each cup with about 15 grams (roughly 1 heaping tablespoon) of shredded provolone cheese, filling the cup generously.
3. Final bake: Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly and slightly browned at the edges.
4. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about garlic butter Philly cheesesteak cups is their versatility!

• Extra vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or green peppers alongside the onions for additional texture and flavor.
• Cheese swaps: Try American cheese for a classic deli flavor, mozzarella for a milder taste, or even cheddar for a sharper bite.
• Spicy version: Mix in sliced jalapeños when cooking the onions or drizzle finished cups with hot sauce for a kick.
• Herb boost: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or fresh thyme to the steak mixture for depth.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesesteak cups pair beautifully with crispy baked sweet potato fries for a complete, satisfying appetizer spread.

A cold beer, cola, or lemonade complements the rich, savory flavors of the steak and cheese perfectly.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created golden, crispy cups filled with tender, garlicky steak and melted cheese that will impress any crowd.

These garlic butter Philly cheesesteak cups are perfect for game day gatherings, appetizer platters, or even a fun weeknight dinner with family.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your protein selections and toppings, swapping in different cheeses or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Try it today and experience the delicious simplicity and impressive presentation for yourself!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the tortilla cups up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the steak filling up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate; simply reheat and fill the cups shortly before serving.

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Ribeye is ideal because of its tenderness and marbling, but you can also use sirloin, strip steak, or even ground beef if you prefer. Ask your butcher for a thin slice, or freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing yourself.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover assembled cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is warm and the tortilla shell is crispy again.

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