Do you remember the warm Steak-Umm sandwich at the Woolworth’s lunch counter? Growing up in Montreal, that counter was the only place I could find one, which made it a genuine treat. When Woolworth’s closed, I learned to recreate its steak sandwiches at home, and my family has been making them ever since.
The original Steak-Umm frozen sliced steaks are the classic choice. In Canada, M&M Food Market sells a nearly identical Philly Beef Steak under its own label, and either one works in this recipe.
Quick Stats
Macros are approximate per sandwich. The recipe card does not yet have nutrition data.
Why This Recipe Works
High in protein: Thin-sliced steak and melted cheese make this a filling, protein-rich lunch that satisfies the way the lunch-counter original always did.
You control the ingredients: Making it at home lets you choose the cheese, go easy on the oil, and keep the sodium in check, rather than leaving it up to a deli counter.
Fresh vegetables add balance: Sauteed onions and sweet peppers plus a handful of crisp lettuce bring vitamins, color, and crunch to round out the sandwich.
Quick and family-friendly: The whole thing comes together in about 25 minutes with one skillet, which is exactly what made Steak-Umm a weeknight favorite in the first place.
Buying It Out vs. Making It at Home
| Feature | Deli or Takeout | This Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per sandwich | $8 to $12 | About $3 |
| Ready in | Travel plus wait | 25 minutes |
| Sodium and oil | Set by the kitchen | You control it |
| Toppings | As listed | Your choice |
Here is the full recipe with measurements and steps. Print it or pin it, and scale the servings to feed your crowd.
Woolworth’s Steak-Umm Sandwich
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Split open the roll and heat in a warm oven
- In a skillet cook the onion and pepper in the vegetable oil
- set aside
- Cook the steaks as directed on the package
- Place a slice or (to taste) of cheese on the bottom half of the bread
- Place the steak over the cheese
- Top the steak with the onion and pepper mixture
- add some lettuce and close the roll
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind Steak-Umm
Steak-Umm was invented in 1968 by food innovator Gene Gagliardi Jr., who wanted a more family-friendly sandwich steak that took the choking hazard out of a traditional Philly cheesesteak. A friend suggested the name on a quail-hunting trip, and the product launched in 1975. By 1980, it was the top-selling frozen meat product in the freezer case, and Heinz bought the company that year for $20 million. The brand is now owned by Quaker Maid Meats, a family business in Reading, Pennsylvania.
It also earned a real place in pop culture, turning up on shows like American Dad, The Goldbergs, and Saturday Night Live, with a young Peter Billingsley (Ralphie from A Christmas Story) starring in a 1981 commercial. Since 2017 the brand has built a famously witty social-media following, and it remains a nostalgic favorite, especially on the US East Coast, that bridges the generations.
Chef Tips for the Perfect Steak-Umm Sandwich
Warm the rolls: Split the submarine rolls and warm them in a low oven while you cook. A warm, slightly crisp roll holds up to the filling far better than a cold one.
Cook the vegetables first: Saute the onion and sweet pepper in the oil until soft, then set them aside. This keeps them from steaming the meat and lets you build the sandwich in the right order.
Do not overcook the steaks: The slices are thin, so they need only about 30 seconds per side in a hot skillet. Pull them as soon as they lose their pink for the most tender bite.
Melt the cheese on the meat: Lay the cheese on the bottom roll, pile the hot steak on top, and let the residual heat melt it before adding the peppers and onions.
Finish with something fresh: A little crisp lettuce added right at the end gives a cool contrast to the warm, savory filling.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked steak-and-vegetable filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and keep it separate from the rolls and lettuce so nothing goes soggy.
Freezer Storage: Keep the Steak-Umm steaks frozen until you are ready to cook. Cooked filling can be frozen for up to 2 months, though it is best enjoyed fresh.
Meal Prep Strategy: Cook the filling ahead, then reheat it in the microwave and pile it into a warm roll with fresh lettuce for a quick lunch, exactly as the recipe note suggests.
Complete the Meal: Serve it the lunch-counter way with a side of crispy smashed potatoes, and browse more cheap lunch recipes for the rest of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Steak-Umm sandwich?
A Steak-Umm sandwich is a Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich made with thin, frozen-sliced steaks that cook in seconds, piled onto a submarine roll with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers. It was a lunch-counter staple at stores like Woolworth’s and remains a nostalgic, quick favorite. This version recreates that classic at home.
Where can I buy Steak-Umm in Canada?
The original Steak-Umm brand can be hard to find in Canada, but M&M Food Market sells a nearly identical Philly Beef Steak under its own label. Either product works in this recipe, so use whichever you can get locally.
What cheese is best for a Steak-Umm sandwich?
Provolone and American cheese are the classic choices because they melt smoothly over the hot steak. You can also use mozzarella or a cheese sauce if you prefer a richer, gooier sandwich. Lay the cheese first so the warm meat melts it.
How do you cook Steak-Umm steaks?
Cook the thin slices in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side, just until they lose their pink color. They cook very quickly, so avoid overcooking, or they can turn tough. Season with a little salt and pepper as they cook.
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Final Thoughts
Some sandwiches are really about the memory, and this one carries the whole Woolworth’s lunch counter with it. It comes together in about 25 minutes with one skillet, so you can bring that nostalgic, satisfying steak sandwich to your own table any day of the week. Pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Medical Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, individual responses to foods vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian about dietary changes.
