Introduction
Hey there, kitchen friend! Let’s talk comfort food. Is there anything quite like a classic Philly Cheesesteak? That savory steak, those tender onions and peppers, and all that melty cheese? Pure bliss! But let’s be real, sometimes you want all that incredible flavor without the bread, or maybe you’re just looking for a quicker, weeknight-friendly way to get your fix. That’s where these Easy Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Bowls come in! They capture all the deliciousness you love in a simple, cozy bowl that’s ready before you know it. This recipe is truly a weeknight hero in my house, bringing big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously quick to pull together, perfect for busy nights.
- Easy: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps. No fancy techniques here!
- Giftable: Okay, maybe not gifting the whole bowl, but it’s a crowd-pleaser if you’re cooking for friends or family. Everyone loves these flavors!
- Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike seem to devour these bowls.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these yummy bowls. Nothing too fancy, just good, honest ingredients!
- 1 pound ground beef: The base of our hearty bowl. I usually go for 80/20 for good flavor.
- ½ cup beef broth: This adds moisture and deepens the savory beef flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami! Don’t skip this if you can help it.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essential flavor boosters!
- 2 tsp olive oil: For sautéing our veggies to perfection.
- 1 medium onion, diced: A classic Philly pairing.
- 2 green bell peppers, diced: Adds that signature sweetness and freshness.
- 8 mushrooms, diced: Earthy and delicious, they soak up all the flavors. (If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can leave them out or add more pepper/onion!)
- 4 slices provolone cheese: The glorious, melty cap to our bowl! Provolone is traditional, but feel free to get creative here.
How to Make It
Ready to get cooking? It’s super simple, I promise!
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them cooked but still with a little structure. Remove the cooked veggies from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Brown the Beef. Add the ground beef to the same skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important to keep the bowls from being oily.
Step 3: Combine and Flavor. Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese. Divide the beef and veggie mixture evenly among four bowls. Lay a slice of provolone cheese over the top of each bowl. You can let the residual heat from the mixture melt the cheese, or for extra melty goodness, you can pop the bowls under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden. (Just make sure your bowls are oven-safe if you do this!)
Step 5: Serve! Grab a fork and dig into your delicious, cozy Philly Cheesesteak Bowl! Enjoy all that amazing flavor.
Substitutions & Additions
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese Swaps: Not a provolone fan? Try slices of white American cheese, mild cheddar, or even a dollop of cheese wiz for that authentic Philly dive feel!
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap green peppers for red or yellow, or add other veggies like a little minced garlic (cook it with the onions!) or even some chopped spinach towards the end.
- Protein Power: While this recipe uses ground beef for ease, you could totally slice up some thin steak (like ribeye or sirloin) and cook that instead for a more traditional texture. Just cook it quickly over high heat.
- Make it a Meal: While they’re great on their own, you could serve these bowls over rice, quinoa, or even some egg noodles if you’re not worried about carbs.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When sautéing the veggies, make sure your skillet is large enough. If you overcrowd it, the veggies will steam instead of getting that nice tender-crisp texture.
- Drain the Grease: Ground beef can release a lot of fat. Taking a moment to drain it off after browning keeps the finished dish from being greasy.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving! Add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire if you think it needs it.
- Prep Ahead: You can dice your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge in an airtight container to save a few minutes during dinner prep.
How to Store It
These bowls are great for leftovers! Let them cool completely, then transfer the mixture (without the cheese melted on top) to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual portions and then add a fresh slice of cheese to melt on top.
FAQs
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes! Without the bun, this bowl is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option if you’re following a low-carb lifestyle.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced steak (like ribeye or sirloin) is the most traditional for Philly Cheesesteaks and works wonderfully here. Ground turkey or chicken could also be used, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make a big batch for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just cook the beef and veggie mixture, portion it into containers, and add the cheese fresh when you reheat each portion.
Easy & Comforting Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Bowls
Equipment
- Large skillet
- bowl for holding cooked vegetables
- Broiler optional, for melting cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 suggested
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 green bell peppers diced
- 8 mushrooms diced (optional)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them cooked but still with a little structure. Remove the cooked veggies from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
- Brown the Beef. Add the ground beef to the same skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's fully browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important to keep the bowls from being oily.
- Combine and Flavor. Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cheese. Divide the beef and veggie mixture evenly among four bowls. Lay a slice of provolone cheese over the top of each bowl. You can let the residual heat from the mixture melt the cheese, or for extra melty goodness, you can pop the bowls under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden. (Just make sure your bowls are oven-safe if you do this!)
- Serve! Grab a fork and dig into your delicious, cozy Philly Cheesesteak Bowl! Enjoy all that amazing flavor.