
Craving the classic McDonald’s Steak, Egg & Cheese sandwich but want to skip the drive-thru? This homemade copycat brings together tender shaved steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and toasted bagels for a breakfast sandwich that is both hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy mornings or whenever you need a protein-packed start to your day.
I first made this on a weekend morning when craving that fast food comfort and now it’s become a go-to on lazy mornings for my family. The combination of perfectly cooked steak and creamy eggs keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Plain bagels: sliced for toasting choose fresh and slightly dense ones for the best texture
- Butter: to golden toast the bagels enhancing flavor and preventing sogginess
- American cheese slices: known for smooth meltability but cheddar works great for a sharper bite
- Large eggs: combined with milk for fluffiness add salt and pepper to taste for seasoning
- Oil or butter: for cooking eggs ensures they don’t stick and achieve a creamy scramble
- Shaved ribeye or sirloin steak: delivers tenderness and rich flavor pick thin slices for easy cooking
- Garlic powder: adds a savory note that complements the steak well
- Onion powder: balances the profile with subtle sweetness consider fresh sautéed onions for extra depth
- Smoked paprika: contributes a touch of warmth and smoky complexity
- Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning both eggs and steak evenly
- Tools you will need: include a nonstick skillet for cooking and toasting a whisk for beating eggs and basic utensils for assembly
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the shaved beef steak and immediately season with garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook for about three to four minutes until the steak is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl add two tablespoons of milk along with salt and freshly ground black pepper then whisk vigorously until the mixture is homogeneous and slightly frothy. Heat one tablespoon of oil or butter in the nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and gently scramble by stirring with a spatula while cooking slowly. Aim for fluffy soft curds that are just set but still moist. Divide the scrambled eggs into four portions.
- Toast the Bagels:
- Slice the bagels in half and toast them until golden brown either in a toaster or on a skillet with a little butter to add flavor and maintain a crispy exterior. Toasting is important to prevent the bagel from becoming soggy once assembled.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place one slice of cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bagel. Layer each with a portion of scrambled eggs followed by a generous spoonful of the cooked steak. Finally, top with the upper half of the bagel to close the sandwich.
- Melt & Serve:
- If you prefer extra melted cheese take the assembled sandwiches and warm them in a skillet or oven at low heat for one to two minutes until the cheese is gooey and perfectly melted. Serve immediately for the best experience.

My favorite part of this sandwich is definitely the steak. I remember making it the first time for Sunday brunch and everyone loved how tender and flavorful it was compared to a rushed fast food meal. It’s that homemade touch that turns simple ingredients into something special.
Storage tips
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or placed in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage wrap each sandwich well and freeze for up to one month. This helps maintain freshness and texture. Reheating is best done in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit wrapped in foil for about ten minutes to heat evenly without drying out. Microwave works fine for convenience but can make the bagel less crispy. A toaster oven is a good compromise to keep some crunch.
Ingredient substitutions
Feel free to swap the plain bagel for an English muffin or croissant for variety in texture and flavor. Use cheddar or provolone cheese if you prefer sharper or milder profiles. While ribeye or sirloin are preferred steak choices you can try thinly sliced roast beef for a similar experience.
Serving suggestions
Pair this sandwich with traditional hash browns for a classic fast food style breakfast. Fresh fruit adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory elements. Complement with your favorite coffee or a smoothie to round out the meal.

This recipe has quickly become a staple in my house because it offers all the comfort of fast food but with better quality and control. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it finds a happy spot in your breakfast rotation.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What steak cut works best?
Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin offers tender texture and rich flavor ideal for this sandwich.
- → How can I keep the eggs fluffy?
Whisk eggs with a bit of milk and cook gently over medium heat until just set to preserve softness.
- → Can I substitute the bagel?
Yes, English muffins or croissants add variety and complement the savory filling well.
- → What cheese options are recommended?
American cheese is classic, but cheddar or provolone provide sharper or milder alternatives.
- → How to store and reheat sandwiches?
Wrap airtight and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to a month. Reheat in microwave or oven wrapped in foil for best results.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach enhance flavor and nutrition without overpowering the sandwich.