There’s something special about biting into a classic Philly cheesesteak—the juicy steak, melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions all tucked inside a warm hoagie roll. But what if you could enjoy those same bold, satisfying flavors in a lighter, more flexible way? That’s where the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl comes in.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, looking for a quick dinner option, or simply want a fresh take on a timeless favorite, this bowl gives you everything you love about the original sandwich—without the bread.
What Is a Philly Cheesesteak Bowl?
A Philly Cheesesteak Bowl is a deconstructed version of the traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, served without the roll. Instead of piling the ingredients into bread, you layer them in a bowl for a hearty, low-carb meal that still delivers on flavor.
In this bowl, you get tender slices of steak, sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms (if you like), and plenty of gooey melted cheese. It’s simple, filling, and incredibly satisfying. And best of all—you can make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesesteak Bowl
All the Flavor, None of the Carbs
This bowl is perfect if you’re cutting back on carbs but still want to enjoy the rich, savory taste of a Philly cheesesteak. You won’t miss the bread because every bite is packed with bold flavor.
Quick and Easy to Make
When you’re pressed for time, this is a go-to meal you can pull together in under 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough for a weekend treat.
Endlessly Customizable
You can mix and match toppings, swap out the cheese, or even add your favorite sauce. Whether you like provolone, mozzarella, or classic cheese sauce, this bowl works for your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this bowl to life:
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin for a leaner option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: cheese sauce, hot peppers, mustard
How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and mushrooms (if you’re using them). Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and caramelize slightly. This step builds the sweet and savory base of your bowl.
Cook the Steak
Season the thinly sliced steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet or transfer them to a separate plate. Add the steak to the hot skillet and cook quickly over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Cooking the steak fast helps keep it tender.
Assemble the Bowl
Divide the sautéed vegetables and cooked steak into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with slices of provolone cheese. Let the cheese melt naturally from the heat of the steak, or place the bowl under the broiler for 1-2 minutes if you want it extra melty. Add optional toppings like cheese sauce, hot peppers, or mustard if you like.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
- Use Thinly Sliced Steak: Ribeye works best, but sirloin is a good lean alternative.
- High Heat Is Key: Cooking the steak quickly keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If needed, cook the steak in batches to avoid steaming.
- Customize Your Cheese: You can use provolone, mozzarella, or go for the classic Cheez Whiz if you prefer.
Delicious Variations
Keto Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
Skip any high-carb sauces and add extra cheese or avocado for a keto-friendly version.
Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl
Add a base of brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice for a more filling option.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bowl
Toss the steak and veggies with cooked pasta for a creative twist on the classic.
Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wrap Bowl
Serve over crisp romaine or butter lettuce for a fresh, crunchy variation.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
- Serve with low-carb chips or sweet potato fries for added crunch.
- Top with pickled hot peppers or jalapeños if you like extra heat.
- Add a drizzle of cheese sauce for a classic Philly vibe.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate:
Store cooked steak and vegetables in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm the steak and veggies in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh cheese after reheating for best results.
Meal Prep:
You can pre-slice all your vegetables and portion out the steak in advance to make quick assembly even easier.
FAQs
Can I Make Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Ahead of Time?
Yes, this bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just store the cooked ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the Best Steak to Use for Philly Cheesesteak Bowl?
Ribeye is the most traditional and flavorful choice. Sirloin or flank steak can also be used for a leaner alternative.
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Steak?
Absolutely! Chicken is a great substitute if you want a lighter version with similar flavors.
How Can I Make a Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Keto-Friendly?
Skip the rice, use plenty of cheese, and stick with low-carb sauces. You can also add healthy fats like avocado.
Can I Serve Philly Cheesesteak Bowl with Rice or Pasta?
Yes, adding rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta is a great way to make the bowl even more filling.
Recipes You May Like
The Philly Cheesesteak Bowl is more than just a low-carb option—it’s a delicious, fast, and flexible meal that gives you all the flavors you love without the heaviness of bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or a healthier way to enjoy a Philly classic, this bowl is a perfect choice.
So, grab your skillet, load up your bowl, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite. You’ll love how easy it is to bring big Philly flavor to your table in no time.
Philly cheesesteak bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak or sirloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 4 slices provolone cheese or shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cheese sauce, hot peppers, mustard Optional
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Cook the Steak: Season thinly sliced steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet or transfer to a plate. Add steak to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide steak and vegetables evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl with provolone cheese. Let cheese melt from the heat or broil for 1-2 minutes until melty.
- Serve: Garnish with optional toppings like cheese sauce, hot peppers, or mustard. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ribeye gives the most authentic flavor, but sirloin or flank steak are great lean alternatives.
- You can make the bowl keto-friendly by skipping high-carb toppings and adding avocado.
- For meal prep, store steak and vegetables separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
