If you crave all the cozy, melty, savory magic of a classic cheesesteak but want an easy, low-carb dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes, you’re going to fall in love with these Philly Cheesesteak Bowls! It’s everything you love—tender steak, caramelized onions, colorful peppers, and oozy cheese—served up in a satisfying bowl, totally customizable for your favorite base.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan & Ready Fast: The entire dish comes together in a single skillet, and you’re ready to dig in within 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Unbeatable Philly Flavors: Each bite packs the irresistible trio of juicy steak, sweet onions & peppers, and melty cheese—just like your deli favorite!
- Low-Carb Friendly: Enjoy all that cheesesteak deliciousness without the bun; cauliflower rice means you can keep it light but still super satisfying.
- Ultra-Customizable: Swap up your proteins, cheese, or base to suit every craving or dietary need. These bowls are totally adaptable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of Philly Cheesesteak Bowls comes from just a few essential ingredients—each one brings big flavor and plays its part, making every bite unforgettable. These are fridge and pantry staples you probably already have, but together, they create pure comfort food bliss!
- Ribeye or sirloin steak (1 lb, thinly sliced): This is the star of the show! Choose well-marbled ribeye for juicy, tender bites, or sirloin for a leaner option; just make sure it’s sliced as thinly as possible for the best texture.
- Onion (1 small, sliced): A little caramelized onion brings out that classic cheesesteak sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Bright and slightly bitter, green peppers are a Philly staple and add a gorgeous pop of color and crunch.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): For an extra hint of sweetness and more rainbow appeal—use yellow or orange if you want to mix things up!
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just two cloves pack serious punch and round out the savoriness of each bowl.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing everything to golden, fragrant perfection.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds that subtle, savory “umami” depth you can’t quite put your finger on… but you’d miss if it was gone.
- Salt & black pepper (1 tsp each, or to taste): Don’t underestimate good seasoning here—salt and fresh-cracked pepper pull all the flavors together.
- Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The magic, melty topping! Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella keeps things super gooey.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): It brightens up the whole dish and adds that extra “finished” look.
- Cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or white rice (for serving): Pick your perfect base—cauli rice for low-carb, mashed potatoes for comfort, or classic rice for heartiness.
Variations
This is one of those recipes that begs to be played with! Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are honestly made for customization—don’t be afraid to swap in ingredients you have on hand, adjust for your dietary needs, or jazz up the flavors any way you like.
- Chicken or Turkey Version: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or deli turkey for steak for a lighter, equally delicious bowl.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed cremini or portobello mushrooms to the veggies or swap half the steak for mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar—choose the cheese that melts your heart!
- Spicy Kick: Mix in sliced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
- Keto or Paleo: Stick with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower and avoid any sugary steak sauces for a totally diet-friendly meal.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Bowls
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Heat that skillet up over medium-high, drizzle in your olive oil, and add the sliced steak. Sprinkle in the Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Sear for about 3–4 minutes, stirring once, until the steak gets those dreamy browned bits but stays juicy inside. Transfer to a plate—resist the urge to nibble (for now)!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in your onions, both peppers, and garlic. Let them sizzle for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies soften, the onions turn golden, and everything smells completely irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Layer your favorite base (cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or rice) in each bowl. Pile on the juicy steak and generous scoops of those sweet, savory veggies for maximum bowl happiness.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle your shredded cheese right over the hot steak and veggies. Let the heat work its magic and get everything beautifully gooey. If you love that golden, bubbly finish, pop the bowls under the broiler for a couple of minutes—just keep a close eye!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Shower the top with fresh parsley, grab a fork, and let the flavors transport you. Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are meant to be enjoyed piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Philly Cheesesteak Bowls
- Ultra-Thin Steak Slices: Partially freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing—this lets you cut ultra-thin strips that cook up tender and authentic.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear the steak in batches if necessary to get that delicious browning without steaming the meat.
- Broiler Finish: For a classic cheesesteak vibe, slide your assembled bowls under the broiler for just a minute or two to get the cheese bubbly and golden.
- Base It Your Way: Warm your base (cauliflower rice, potatoes, or rice) just before serving so it doesn’t cool down the steak and cheese.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Bowls
Garnishes
Finish your Philly Cheesesteak Bowls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that vivid pop of green and a touch of herby brightness. If you’re feeling extra, add sliced scallions, a few pickled hot peppers, or a swirl of your favorite sauce—these little touches take your bowl from good to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowls with a crisp arugula salad, some roasted broccoli, or classic kettle chips if you want to channel true Philly vibes. A quick, garlicky sautéed green like spinach or kale is also fantastic for balancing out the richness of the cheese and steak.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Philly Cheesesteak Bowls “build-your-own” style for family night—set out all the toppings and bases so everyone can customize. Or, present them in shallow pasta bowls topped with extra cheese and grilled baguette slices for a fun, upscale touch. Tiny appetizer “mini bowls” are a hit at parties, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep the steak, veggies, and base in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way, everything stays super fresh and you can build as many new Philly Cheesesteak Bowls as your heart desires over the next 3–4 days.
Freezing
The steak and veggie mixture holds up surprisingly well in the freezer for up to two months. Freeze portions in individual containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—just add fresh cheese and your warm base!
Reheating
Reheat steak and vegetables on the stove or in a microwave until hot; top with cheese and broil or microwave briefly to re-melt before assembling your bowls. For best texture, reheat the bases and steak mixture separately and combine just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of steak for Philly Cheesesteak Bowls?
Absolutely! Ribeye gives you that classic, juicy texture, but sirloin, flank steak, or even pre-sliced hot pot beef work well—just be sure to slice it very thin for the most authentic results.
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Are Philly Cheesesteak Bowls gluten-free?
They can be! As written, the bowls are naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce and base (cauliflower rice, potatoes, or rice) are certified gluten-free.
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How do I make the bowls low-carb or keto?
Simply use cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower as your base and skip the potatoes or regular rice. All other ingredients fit well into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
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Can I prep Philly Cheesesteak Bowls in advance?
You bet! Cook the steak and veggies ahead of time and store separately. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble for a speedy, delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about a bowl piled high with juicy steak, peppers, onions, and melty cheese—especially when it’s this simple and fuss-free! If you’ve been craving an easy, comforting dinner, I hope you’ll give these Philly Cheesesteak Bowls a try. They’re weeknight-friendly, wildly delicious, and always a hit with family or friends. Enjoy every savory bite!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Broil
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are a quick and delicious low-carb dinner idea that’s packed with flavor. Tender slices of steak, sautéed veggies, and melted cheese come together in a satisfying bowl meal.
Ingredients
Steak:
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
Veggies:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide your choice of cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or white rice into bowls. Add the cooked steak and sautéed veggies on top.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm ingredients and allow it to melt naturally. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg