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Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This Philly cheesesteak bowl delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic sandwich in a mess-free format. Made with ground beef, sweet peppers, and onions over a bed of rice, it's topped with a homemade cheese sauce that brings rich, creamy balance to the dish. Ready in just thirty minutes, this meal is great for busy weeknights and meal prep alike. Customize it with different meats or vegetables and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s easier to eat and just as flavorful as the original sandwich.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:34:05 GMT
A bowl of food with rice, meat, and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of food with rice, meat, and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

This Philly cheesesteak bowl is everything I crave about the original sandwich but without the mess and hassle of bread. It started as a weeknight experiment and quickly turned into a go to dinner when I want something fast comforting and filling. Tender beef sautéed peppers and onions layered over fluffy rice and finished with a homemade cheese sauce that ties everything together perfectly.

I first served this at our book club potluck and it was an instant hit. My friend Jennifer begged me for the cheese sauce instructions and told me it changed her entire dinner routine.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: rich and flavorful use 80 20 for the best balance of fat and taste
  • White cheddar: sharp and creamy melts beautifully in the cheese sauce
  • Red and green bell peppers: add sweetness and a little crunch with gorgeous color
  • Red onion: mildly sweet with a bit of bite perfect balance in the sauté
  • Half and half: makes the cheese sauce silky without being too heavy
  • All purpose flour: used to make the roux gives body to the cheese sauce
  • Butter: use unsalted to control seasoning adds richness to both vegetables and sauce
  • Minced garlic: brings depth to the sauce and blends smoothly
  • Cooked white rice: neutral base that holds up to toppings and absorbs flavors
  • Ground mustard: enhances the cheese and adds a gentle tang

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Ground Beef:
Cook ground beef in a hot cast iron skillet until fully browned and crispy on the edges stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to build flavor
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add butter to the skillet then cook sliced onions and bell peppers over medium heat for just a few minutes stir frequently to soften while maintaining some texture and color
Create the Cheese Sauce:
In a separate saucepan melt butter over medium heat then whisk in flour and garlic to form a smooth roux gradually pour in half and half whisking continuously once thick remove from heat and stir in cheddar ground mustard salt and pepper until smooth
Build the Bowl:
Place warm rice into serving bowls spoon over ground beef and sautéed vegetables arranging them so all components are visible and inviting
Finish with Sauce:
Pour hot cheese sauce generously over each bowl and serve immediately while the cheese is still velvety and warm
A bowl of food with meat, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. Bookmark
A bowl of food with meat, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. | ioanacooks.com

You Must Know

I love how the sharp cheddar in the sauce transforms this from simple to special. My kids actually request this version more than the original sandwich now.

Storage Tips

Cool all ingredients before refrigerating. Store beef vegetables and rice separately for best results. Reheat in a skillet or microwave and make cheese sauce fresh for ideal texture. You can reheat the sauce gently with a splash of milk if needed.

A bowl of food with meat, cheese, and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of food with meat, cheese, and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. For plant based swap with lentil or soy crumbles and dairy free cheese. Jalapeños or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor. Provolone also works well in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli. A cold drink like iced tea or beer pairs perfectly. This bowl stands alone well but cornbread or garlic toast could be added for heartier appetites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use steak instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin works great. Just cook it quickly over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until just done.

→ What if my cheese sauce gets lumpy?

If lumps form, remove from heat and whisk vigorously. You can also strain it through a fine mesh sieve or blend it smooth.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk, and substitute the cheddar with your favorite dairy-free cheese that melts well.

→ What rice works best for this bowl?

White rice is classic, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb work great too.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and make fresh cheese sauce if needed, as it doesn't reheat well.

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

All the classic cheesesteak flavors in a satisfying rice bowl with melty cheese and crisp peppers.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 individual bowls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Components

Ingredient 01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
Ingredient 02 2 cups cooked white rice
Ingredient 03 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Ingredient 04 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Ingredient 05 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

→ Cheese Sauce

Ingredient 06 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Ingredient 07 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Ingredient 08 1 clove garlic, minced
Ingredient 09 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
Ingredient 10 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Ingredient 11 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
Ingredient 12 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For Cooking

Ingredient 13 1 tablespoon butter, for sautéing vegetables
Ingredient 14 Salt and black pepper, to season beef

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove using a slotted spoon.

Step 02

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then red onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 03

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and garlic to form a roux. Gradually whisk in half-and-half. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 04

Divide cooked rice between four bowls. Top with beef, then sautéed vegetables, arranging for visual appeal.

Step 05

Drizzle cheese sauce generously over each bowl. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Extra Tips

  1. Do not overcook vegetables to preserve texture.
  2. Make cheese sauce off heat to prevent graininess.
  3. Use a cast iron skillet for optimal beef browning.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter, half-and-half)
  • Contains gluten (flour)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 610
  • Total Fat: 39 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 38 grams
  • Protein Amount: 31 grams