A quick, flavorful, and versatile skillet meal that brings the classic Philly cheesesteak experience right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a large skillet ensures even cooking and plenty of room for the ingredients to meld together. A cast iron skillet will provide excellent heat distribution and a lovely sear on the beef.
Step 2: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Breaking the beef apart ensures it cooks evenly and creates smaller, more manageable pieces for the skillet. Drain excess fat if needed. Excessive grease can make the final dish feel heavy, so removing it will enhance the flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Cooking the vegetables until tender is key to developing their sweetness and creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Sautéing them in the beef fat, even after draining a bit, adds richness.
Step 4: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth and umami flavor, while the salt and pepper season the dish perfectly. The Italian seasoning provides an additional layer of aromatic complexity.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed so every bite is cheesy! Provolone offers a traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor, while mozzarella provides a milder, meltier experience.
Step 6: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Covering the skillet traps the heat and steam, ensuring the cheese melts quickly and evenly without overcooking the beef or vegetables.
Step 7: Serve hot on its own, with toasted bread, or over rice or pasta. This skillet is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it straight from the skillet for a quick and easy meal, or serve it with your favorite accompaniments for a more complete dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This skillet meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it as is, with bread, over rice, pasta, or even in hoagie rolls.
- Family-Friendly: The cheesy, savory flavors are a hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup is always a win!
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Cheesesteak: Serve in hoagie rolls with a side of your favorite cheesesteak toppings (onions, peppers, mushrooms, cheese sauce).
- Over Rice or Pasta: A hearty and comforting meal.
- With Toasted Bread: Perfect for dipping into the cheesy beef mixture.
- As a Nacho Topping: Spread over tortilla chips for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
- Stuffed into Bell Peppers: A low-carb option.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef will be tough and dry. Cook it just until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Use a Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this recipe, so use a good quality cheese that melts well.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Add a Splash of Beef Broth: Adding a splash of beef broth when cooking the vegetables can help to deglaze the pan and add extra flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Conclusion:
The Philly Cheese Beef Skillet is a winner for its speed, flavor, and adaptability. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the fuss. Get creative with your toppings and serving options, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Q&A:
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter version. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as poultry tends to cook faster than beef. You might also consider adding a little extra olive oil or butter to the skillet, as poultry has less fat than ground beef.
- What other vegetables can I add to the skillet?
- Mushrooms, particularly cremini or button mushrooms, are a great addition. Sliced jalapeños can add a kick of heat. Other options include zucchini, yellow squash, or even spinach, added towards the end of the cooking time.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in the skillet and add the cheese.
- What kind of bread is best for serving this as a sandwich?
- A hoagie roll or a sturdy sub roll is ideal. Look for a roll that is soft on the inside but firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart. You can also toast the roll lightly for added texture.
- Can I freeze this skillet meal?
- While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese and vegetables might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Consider adding fresh cheese when reheating for the best results.
