Love a good Philly cheesesteak? These Philly Cheesesteak Potato Nests take everything you love about the classic sandwich and pile it into crispy, golden mashed potato cups.
Crispy mashed potato nests piled with thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone. All the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak without the bun. Tender seared steak, sweet sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted provolone make every bite rich and satisfying. It's a hearty, low-fuss dinner that feels like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic cheesesteak flavor
- Naturally bread-free
- Hearty and filling
- Ready in about an hour
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Potato Nests
- 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 lb (340 g) ribeye or sirloin steak, very thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (75 g) mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Steak: Ribeye is classic and tender; sirloin is a leaner option.
- Provolone: Mild and melty. White American or Cheez Whiz are fun alternatives.
- Vegetables: Peppers, onions and mushrooms add sweetness and texture.
Full measurements and printable instructions are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Potato Nests
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Mash the potatoes with the butter, then stir in the egg yolks, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
Step 4
Divide the mash into 8 mounds on the baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to press a deep well in the center of each to form a nest with tall sides.
Step 5
Bake the empty nests for 15 minutes until they start to firm up and turn lightly golden.
Step 6
Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak 2-3 minutes, then remove.
Step 7
Sauté the onion, pepper and mushrooms 5-6 minutes until soft. Return the steak, add Worcestershire, salt and pepper.
Step 8
Fill the nests with the steak mixture and top each with a slice of provolone.
Step 9
Bake 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 10
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Results
- Slice the steak paper-thin for tender bites.
- Sear quickly over high heat so the steak doesn't get tough.
- Pre-bake the nests for crispy edges.
Variations to Try
- Use thinly sliced chicken for a chicken cheesesteak version.
- Add jalapeños for heat.
- Swap provolone for pepper Jack.
What to Serve With It
Serve with a crisp side salad, pickles or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing to get paper-thin slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to keep the edges crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shaved steak from the store?
Yes, pre-shaved steak saves a lot of time.
Can I make these ahead?
Prepare the nests and filling ahead; assemble and bake when ready.
Are these low-carb?
Not with potatoes, but you can use mashed cauliflower nests for a lower-carb option.
Final Thoughts
If you love cheesesteaks, these potato nests are a must-try. Cheesy, meaty and full of flavor!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Potato Nests
Crispy mashed potato nests piled with thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone. All the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak without the bun.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 nests) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 lb (340 g) ribeye or sirloin steak, very thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (75 g) mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes with the butter, then stir in the egg yolks, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Divide the mash into 8 mounds on the baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to press a deep well in the center of each to form a nest with tall sides.
- Bake the empty nests for 15 minutes until they start to firm up and turn lightly golden.
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak 2-3 minutes, then remove.
- Sauté the onion, pepper and mushrooms 5-6 minutes until soft. Return the steak, add Worcestershire, salt and pepper.
- Fill the nests with the steak mixture and top each with a slice of provolone.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing to get paper-thin slices.