Ingredients:
- Bell Peppers (4 large, any color) – These are the perfect vessel for holding all of your Philly cheesesteak filling. Choose vibrant bell peppers like red, green, or yellow for a pop of color.
- Ground Beef or Steak (1 lb) – You can go classic with thinly sliced ribeye or substitute with ground beef or chicken for a healthier option.
- Onions (1 large, thinly sliced) – Caramelized onions are a staple in a Philly cheesesteak, bringing sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Green Bell Pepper (1 small, diced) – Adding a little extra veggie flavor to the stuffing.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced) – Optional, but mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
- Cheese (2 cups, shredded provolone or American cheese) – The cheese is what makes this dish feel like a true Philly cheesesteak. Feel free to use a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – A little garlic never hurts, right? It’s the flavor enhancer we didn’t know we needed.
- Olive Oil (for cooking) – You’ll need some oil to sauté the veggies and beef.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) – Adds an umami kick to the filling, giving it that authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – If you like a bit of heat, this is the perfect addition.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large Skillet or Pan – For sautéing the veggies and meat.
- Baking Dish – To bake the stuffed peppers until tender and golden.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For slicing and dicing the vegetables and meat.
- Aluminum Foil (optional) – For covering the peppers as they bake to retain moisture.
Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these stuffed peppers!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Making Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers is surprisingly easy and quick. Let’s break it down into a few simple steps so you can get this savory dish on the table in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Peppers
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, wash your bell peppers and slice off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. You want the peppers to hold the filling, so make sure the inside is clean and ready for stuffing.
Place the empty pepper shells in a baking dish. If you’re worried about them tipping over, you can trim a tiny bit off the bottom to make a flat surface. Cover the peppers with aluminum foil and set them aside for now.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Now, it’s time to make the delicious filling. Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, diced green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté these veggies until they soften and caramelize, which will take about 5–7 minutes. The sweetness of the onions combined with the savory mushrooms really takes this dish to the next level.
Once the veggies are softened, push them to one side of the skillet and add your ground beef or steak to the other side. Break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. If you’re using steak, be sure to slice it thinly, just like they do in a traditional Philly cheesesteak!
Stir everything together once the meat is fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
It’s time to stuff those peppers! Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into each bell pepper, pressing it down gently to make sure the filling is packed in. You want to stuff them to the top, leaving a little room for the cheese to melt over the top later.
Once the peppers are stuffed, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over each one. You can mix and match the cheese if you want a more complex flavor profile, but provolone and American cheese are the traditional options that pair perfectly with the beef.
Step 4: Bake and Melt the Cheese
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. The peppers should be tender by this point. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
The baking process allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt perfectly, creating a gooey, cheesy topping over the savory beef and vegetables.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthier version of the classic Philly cheesesteak or just craving something different, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With a simple cooking process and endless customization options, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.
So why not try it out tonight? Grab your peppers, cheese, and some steak, and get ready to indulge in this creative and delicious twist on a Philly classic!
