When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and cheesy but don’t want the heaviness of bread, this Philly Cheesesteak Bowl hits every craving perfectly. It’s got tender beef, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and melty cheese — all piled high in a bowl for the ultimate comfort meal that’s easy, fast, and totally satisfying.
The first time I made this, it was one of those “I have steak but no buns” kind of nights. I threw together everything I love about a classic Philly cheesesteak — just without the roll — and it turned out so good, my family asked for it again the next day. Now, it’s a regular on our dinner rotation right alongside my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake and Macaroni and Hamburger Soup.
Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Freeze steak for 20 minutes for easier slicing. Slice thinly against the grain. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Add garlic in the last minute. Transfer to a bowl.
- In the same pan, sear steak strips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd.
- Return veggies to the pan with the beef. Toss to combine and heat through.
- To make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until smooth.
- Assemble bowls: Spoon steak and veggie mixture into bowls. Top with cheese sauce or shredded cheese. Garnish with parsley or green onion.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
This dish gives you all the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak — tender meat, melted cheese, and caramelized veggies — but without the carbs or extra fuss. It’s quick to make, meal-prep friendly, and customizable to your taste.
You can make it classic with provolone, creamy with cheese sauce, or even spicy with jalapeños and pepper jack. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity.
If you love quick, high-protein meals like my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes, you’re going to love this one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef & Veggies:
- 1 lb ribeye steak (or flank steak, thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce (optional):
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
Toppings & Add-Ins:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Jalapeños (for heat)
- Shredded provolone, American, or white cheddar
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Freeze the steak for about 20 minutes for easier slicing, then cut it into thin strips against the grain. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Add garlic during the last minute. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
In the same skillet, cook the steak strips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan — this helps get that nice sear.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked peppers and onions back into the pan with the beef. Toss together until well mixed and heated through.
If you’ve tried my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you know that layering flavors is key — this step is where all that magic happens!
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce (Optional)
In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon the beef and veggie mixture into bowls. Drizzle with the cheese sauce or top with shredded provolone. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak Bowl
Use Thinly Sliced Beef: It cooks quickly and stays tender.
Don’t Skip the Onions: Caramelized onions are the heart of that classic Philly flavor.
Melt the Cheese Directly: Cover the pan for a minute to let the cheese melt perfectly.
Make It Your Way: Add mushrooms, hot peppers, or even a fried egg on top for extra flavor.
If you love simple one-pan meals like this, you’ll also enjoy my Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder — the slow cooker version of cozy comfort.
How to Serve It
Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Bowl just as it is, or over your favorite base:
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
- White rice for something heartier
- Mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting meal
- Toasted garlic bread if you want to add a little indulgence
Pair it with a side of Christmas Bread or a crisp salad for balance.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Freezing:
Freeze without the cheese sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Cheesesteak Bowl: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Mushroom Lover’s Bowl: Add plenty of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Garlic-Parmesan Bowl: Finish with a drizzle of garlic butter and grated Parmesan.
- Breakfast Cheesesteak Bowl: Add scrambled eggs and serve over hash browns.
If you love bold twists like this, my Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls prove how fun it is to reimagine classic flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?
Yes! Brown it in a skillet and follow the same steps — it’s just as delicious and budget-friendly.
2. What’s the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak bowls?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella or white American work great too.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — skip the cheese sauce and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
4. How do I meal prep it?
Cook everything ahead and store in meal containers. Reheat and top with cheese just before serving.
The Final Bite: Melty, Meaty & Totally Satisfying
This Philly Cheesesteak Bowl gives you everything you love about the original sandwich — juicy beef, sautéed veggies, and melted cheese — in a lighter, easier-to-eat bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even game day dinners.
So grab your skillet, sizzle up some steak, and get ready to serve a bowl of pure comfort that everyone will devour.
For more cozy bowl-style meals, try my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes next — it’s another fast favorite that never disappoints.
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