EASY PHILLY CHEESESTEAK BOWLS RECIPE

Imagine juicy, tender steak mingling with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and crisp bell peppers, all nestled in a comforting bowl – that’s exactly what you’re about to experience with these incredibly easy Philly Cheesesteak Bowls. Ditch the bread, keep the flavor, and get ready for a satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes; I promise, you’ll absolutely love this!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)

For the Veggies:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or provolone for a more authentic flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

• Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, hot sauce, your favorite steak sauce

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak

1. In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the steak is evenly coated with the seasonings. This is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp on the spices!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t rush this step; those caramelized onions and peppers are key to the classic cheesesteak flavor! Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

1. In the same skillet, add the seasoned steak. Cook in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. We want it tender and juicy!
2. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce, so don’t skip this step.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese (or provolone) and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more milk.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice among bowls.
2. Top with the cooked steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and plenty of cheese sauce.
3. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions or hot sauce.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Bowls!

Tips and Tricks for Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Perfection

• Steak Selection is Key: While ribeye is traditional, sirloin is a leaner (but still delicious) option. Just make sure whatever you choose is sliced THINLY. Ask your butcher to do it for you if you don’t have a slicer.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, work in batches to ensure it sears properly instead of steaming. This will give you that delicious browned crust we all crave.
• Spice it Up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the veggies or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Choices: Cheddar is great for a classic creamy sauce, but provolone will give you that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. You can even use a blend!
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the steak and veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. The cheese sauce is best made fresh, but you can reheat it gently on the stovetop with a little extra milk if needed.

Customize Your Bowl: Endless Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack.
• Add a Sauce Swirl: A drizzle of sriracha mayo or a tangy horseradish sauce can add a delicious finishing touch.
• Go Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice as a base and load up on the veggies for a healthy and satisfying low-carb meal.
• Consider other recipes! Have you ever tried a Street Corn Chicken Bowl? Or maybe you’d prefer a Taco Rice Bowl. The possibilities are endless!

The Perfect Sides to Complete Your Meal

While these Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are a complete meal on their own, you might be wondering what to serve alongside them. Here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bowls.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with cheesesteak flavors.

More Delicious Bowl Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of bowl-style meals, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Tender and flavorful steak bites in a garlic butter sauce, served over rice or mashed potatoes.
• Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: Grilled chicken with a flavorful street corn topping, perfect for a summer meal.
• Garlic Butter Steak: A classic steak recipe elevated with a rich garlic butter sauce.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, served over rice or noodles.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Cheese Sauce Too Thin: If your cheese sauce is too thin, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer until thickened.
• Cheese Sauce Too Thick: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Steak is Tough: Make sure you’re using thinly sliced steak and that you don’t overcook it. Overcooking will make the steak tough and chewy.
• Veggies are Soggy: Sauté the veggies over medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will ensure they caramelize properly and don’t become soggy.

The Delicious Conclusion

These Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, customizable to your liking, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Philly in a bowl! You’ve got this!