The Philly Cheesesteak Bowl takes everything you love about the iconic sandwich—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and creamy cheese sauce—then serves it over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty, comforting twist. It’s a one-bowl wonder that blends classic flavors with modern convenience, perfect for weeknight dinners or laid-back gatherings. This recipe hits all the right notes, from the vibrant veggies to that luscious homemade cheese sauce, giving you a fuss-free way to satisfy those cheesesteak cravings.

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe has a purpose: from the rich ground beef and sweet bell peppers to the velvety cheese sauce, each ingredient builds layers of flavor. Don’t overlook the staples like rice or flour—these little touches transform the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl into a complete, craveable meal!

Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose lean for less grease, or a little fattier for extra flavor—they both work deliciously in this bowl.
Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that wake up all the beefy, savory goodness.
Butter (1 tablespoon, plus 2 for sauce): Adds richness to both the veggies and the creamy sauce—plant-based butter works too!
Red Onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Brings a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
Green Bell Pepper (thinly sliced): Classic cheesesteak flavor—don’t skip this one if you want an authentic taste.
Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced): Pops of sweetness and a vibrant hue keep things lively.
Cooked Rice (4 cups): White, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice—whatever you prefer as your base.
All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): This is the key to thickening your cheese sauce so it’s lush and pourable.
Garlic, Minced (1-2 teaspoons): Adds a fragrant punch to the cheese sauce (adjust to your garlic-loving preferences).
Half-&-Half or Dairy-Free Creamer (1½ cups): This brings the sauce together, making it creamy and dreamy—choose dairy-free for an allergy-friendly bowl.
White Cheddar Cheese, Shredded (1 cup): Sharp and melty, white cheddar is the heart of your cheese sauce.
Ground Mustard (½ teaspoon): A little zing keeps the sauce lively and rich.
Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and deepens the flavors in your sauce.
Ground Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough to round out the cheese sauce without overpowering it.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef—you’ll hear that enticing sizzle—and immediately begin breaking it up with your spoon. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper, then keep things moving so it browns evenly. When cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer the juicy beef to a bowl, letting any extra fat drip away. Removing the grease now keeps the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl hearty, but not heavy.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Keep the party going in your same skillet! Melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then toss in your thinly sliced red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir them around for 2–3 minutes (or longer, if you like them super soft). The veggies should still have a little bite and bright color—just the way they’re done in a classic cheesesteak. Once they’re perfect, scoop them onto a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

For the ultra-creamy cheese sauce, grab a separate saucepan. Melt the remaining butter over medium-high, then sprinkle in the flour and garlic. Whisk, whisk, whisk, creating a smooth roux—it’ll get a bit fragrant and blonde in color. Slowly pour in the half-&-half (or your favorite non-dairy creamer), whisking constantly so you get a silky base. Off the heat, swirl in the shredded white cheddar, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until melty and smooth; your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Bring it all together: divide the fluffy cooked rice among your bowls, pile on the savory beef, then heap the sautéed peppers and onions on top. Spoon over as much of that luscious cheese sauce as your heart desires. The Philly Cheesesteak Bowl is all about building your perfect bite—grab a fork and dig in while everything is piping hot!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

Garnishes

Personalize each Philly Cheesesteak Bowl with fresh garnishes that add both color and flavor! Try chopped fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of extra white cheddar. A few crunchy fried onions or sliced pickled jalapeños take things to another level if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Since the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl is hearty on its own, keep sides light but satisfying—a crisp green salad, some roasted broccoli, or even a tray of oven fries. If you want a party platter, set out a bowl of kettle chips or dill pickles for that tangy crunch that complements all the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want that wow-factor, try serving your Philly Cheesesteak Bowl in rustic cast iron dishes or shallow soup bowls so everyone can see the colorful layers. You can also line individual bowls with fresh lettuce leaves or try it deconstructed on a platter for family-style serving. For a party, let folks build their own bowls from a DIY toppings bar—cheese sauce on the side is always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, let each component cool to room temperature first. Transfer the rice, beef, veggies, and cheese sauce to separate airtight containers. This way, nothing gets soggy and reheating is a total breeze. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze most parts of your Philly Cheesesteak Bowl! Go ahead and freeze the cooked beef, veggies, and rice in separate containers for up to 3 months. The cheese sauce can be frozen, but it may lose some silkiness—just whisk it well after thawing and add a splash of milk if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef, veggies, and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. Reheat the cheese sauce separately over low heat, whisking occasionally to bring back its smoothness (don’t let it boil). Once everything is steamy, assemble your Philly Cheesesteak Bowl just like before!

FAQs

Can I use steak slices instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin are both fantastic in this bowl—just sear quickly in a hot pan and swap in for the ground beef. The Philly Cheesesteak Bowl is totally flexible, so go with your favorite cut.

What type of rice works best?

Any kind of rice you love will work—white jasmine is classic, but brown rice adds a nutty touch, and cauliflower rice keeps things lighter. The goal is a fluffy base that will soak up all that glorious cheese sauce!

Can I make this Philly Cheesesteak Bowl gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend (or cornstarch), and make sure your rice and other ingredients are gluten-free labeled. The sauce is super customizable, so everyone can enjoy it.

Are there lower-calorie swaps?

Sure thing! Use lean ground turkey or chicken, go for cauliflower rice, reduce the butter, and pick a reduced-fat or plant-based cheese. The Philly Cheesesteak Bowl is super satisfying, even with a few lighter tweaks.

How can I spice things up?

If you want a kick, sauté some hot peppers with your bell peppers, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top, or stir a dash of hot sauce into your cheese sauce. Each bowl can be as mild or wild as you like!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a Philly Cheesesteak Bowl that’s hearty, customizable, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just spicing up your everyday dinner routine, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite—you’re going to want to make this a regular in your rotation!

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Philly Cheesesteak Bowl recipe is a deconstructed take on the classic sandwich, featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce served over a bed of rice.

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Cook Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers in butter until softened. Remove from pan and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and garlic to make a roux. Gradually add creamer, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Bowls: Divide beef, veggies, and rice among bowls. Top with cheese sauce and serve.

Notes

You can customize this bowl with additional toppings like hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or avocado.
Feel free to use your favorite type of rice for this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American