Okay, so listen up! If you’re anything like me, the words “Philly Cheesesteak” immediately make your stomach rumble just a little bit, right? That perfect combination of tender steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey, melty cheese… pure comfort food magic. But sometimes, you want that amazing flavor without the bun, maybe something a little lighter or just a fun twist. That’s where these **Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers** come in! I first whipped these up on a whim when I had leftover steak and a fridge full of bell peppers that needed using. Let me tell you, it was a game changer. My family devoured them, and they’ve been in regular rotation ever since. It’s all the incredible taste you crave, packed into a sweet, tender pepper shell. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these ASAP.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Seriously, these aren’t just *any* stuffed peppers. They’re a whole experience! Here’s why you’ll be totally obsessed with these:
- All the Flavor, Less Fuss: You get that incredible, savory, cheesy Philly cheesesteak taste without needing a hoagie roll.
- Super Satisfying: These are hearty and filling, making for a perfect weeknight dinner that actually feels substantial.
- Lower Carb Goodness: Ditching the bread makes this a fantastic option if you’re watching your carbs, but you still get all the deliciousness.
- Easier Than You Think: Don’t be intimidated! The steps are straightforward, and you’ll have this amazing meal on the table in no time.
- Great for Leftovers (If There Are Any!): They reheat beautifully, making them perfect for lunch the next day.
Ingredients for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy here, just good, fresh stuff to get that classic flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 4 large bell peppers (Grab whatever color you like! I usually go for a mix – they look so pretty!)
- 1 pound thinly sliced steak (Ribeye or sirloin are my go-tos. Ask your butcher to slice it super thin for you, or pop it in the freezer for 15-20 mins to make slicing easy at home.)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (Any kind you like is fine!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices provolone cheese (Gotta have that melty cheese!)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
See? Simple, right? These basic ingredients are about to turn into something amazing.
Equipment for Making Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
You won’t need a cabinet full of gadgets for this one, thankfully! Just a few kitchen basics will get the job done. Make sure you have:
- A sturdy **cutting board** (for all that slicing!).
- A **sharp knife** (seriously, makes life *so* much easier).
- A nice big **large skillet** to cook up that amazing filling.
- A **baking dish** that can hold your pepper halves snugly.
- And your trusty **measuring spoons** for the oil and seasoning.
That’s it! See? Totally doable.
How to Prepare Your Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Okay, let’s get cooking! This part is actually really simple, broken down into a few easy steps. Just follow along, and you’ll have these delicious peppers ready for the oven in no time. We’ll start with getting those peppers ready, then move on to making that glorious filling, and finally, getting everything stuffed and baked to perfection.
Preparing the Peppers for Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
First things first, we need to get the “boats” ready for our filling! Grab your beautiful bell peppers. You’ll want to slice them in half lengthwise, right down the middle. Then, use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out all those seeds and the white membranes inside. You want a nice, clean cavity ready to be filled with goodness!
Cooking the Filling for Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Now for the star of the show – the filling! Heat that tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your thinly sliced steak. Cook it until it’s nice and browned, then take it out of the skillet and set it aside for a minute. Don’t worry about cooking it through completely, it’ll finish in the oven. Next, toss your sliced onion and mushrooms into that same skillet. Cook them down until they’re soft and slightly caramelized – this brings out so much flavor! Finally, add the steak back into the skillet with the veggies. Give it a good stir and season generously with salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust if needed!
Stuffing and Baking Your Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Time to stuff! Grab your prepared pepper halves and spoon that amazing steak and veggie mixture generously into each one. Pack it in there! Once they’re all filled up, top each stuffed pepper half with a slice of provolone cheese. Lay your stuffed peppers in a baking dish (they should fit pretty snugly). Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peppers are tender and the cheese is all melty and bubbly and just begging to be eaten!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Okay, while the original recipe is pretty perfect (if I do say so myself!), sometimes you gotta work with what you have or just feel like switching things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Peppers: I used large bell peppers, but honestly, any color works! Red, yellow, orange, green – they’ll all be delicious. Green peppers have a slightly sharper taste, which some people love with cheesesteak flavors. You could even try smaller peppers for mini versions!
- Cheese: Provolone is classic, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack melts beautifully, or a sharp cheddar could add a fun bite. If you’re feeling wild, a little cheese wiz (like they do in some Philly spots!) could give it that authentic gooey factor, though it’s not my personal favorite for this recipe.
- Veggies: Onions and mushrooms are standard, but go ahead and add other favorites. Sliced green bell peppers cooked with the onions are a great addition. A little bit of finely chopped jalapeño could add a nice kick if you like heat. Just remember to cook them down until they’re soft so they blend in nicely with the filling.
Just keep in mind that swapping out ingredients *will* change the final flavor a little bit, but that’s part of the fun of cooking, right?
Tips for Making the Best Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Want to take your Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers from good to absolutely *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Steak Selection is Key: Don’t skimp on the steak quality! Ribeye or sirloin really give you that tender, flavorful bite that makes a cheesesteak sing. It’s worth the little extra.
- Thin Slices are Your Friend: Seriously, the thinner you can slice that steak, the better. It cooks faster and mixes into the filling seamlessly. Pop it in the freezer for a bit before slicing – it makes it much easier to get those super thin pieces!
- Don’t Overcook the Filling (Before Stuffing): Remember, the filling is going to cook more in the oven inside the peppers. You just need to brown the steak and soften the veggies in the skillet. This keeps everything juicy and tender.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have incredibly delicious, perfectly textured Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers every single time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Okay, I know you might have a few questions buzzing around in your head about these delicious **Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers**. Let’s tackle some of the common ones I get!
Can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can definitely make the filling ahead of time. Cook up the steak, onions, and mushrooms, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake, just stuff the peppers with the premade filling, add the cheese, and bake as directed. You might need an extra minute or two in the oven since the filling will be cold.
What kind of steak is best for Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers?
For that classic, tender texture, I highly recommend using thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak. These cuts have great flavor and cook up nice and juicy. Asking your butcher to slice it super thin is a game-changer for this recipe!
Can I use different cheese in these stuffed peppers?
While provolone gives you that authentic **Philly Cheesesteak** vibe, feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. If you like something sharper, a good quality cheddar could be tasty. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
Are these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers spicy?
As written, no, this recipe isn’t spicy at all. It’s all about those savory, classic flavors. If you *do* want some heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling while it cooks, or even finely dice a jalapeño and cook it with the onions and mushrooms.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note! The nutritional info here is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the specific brands you use and the exact cuts of meat. Think of it as a general guideline!
Enjoy Your Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
And there you have it! Your very own batch of incredible Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, hot and bubbly from the oven. I really hope you give this recipe a try – it’s a family favorite for a reason! When you make them, snap a picture and share it with me. I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations!
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Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers 1 Secret
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- Author: Barbara Holmes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bell peppers stuffed with delicious Philly cheesesteak filling.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced steak and cook until browned. Remove steak and set aside.
- Add onion and mushrooms to the same skillet and cook until softened.
- Return steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the steak mixture.
- Top each stuffed pepper with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use any color of bell peppers.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half