Of course! Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic low-carb, flavor-packed twist on the classic sandwich. They’re surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Here is a comprehensive guide, including a classic recipe, tips for success, and a fun “Whiz” option.
Classic Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
This recipe captures the essential flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—sautéed beef, onions, peppers, and melty provolone—all nestled in a sweet bell pepper shell.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
· 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 lb ribeye steak, very thinly sliced (or shaved sirloin)*
· 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but traditional in some versions)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 8 slices provolone cheese
· Optional for garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Pro Tip: To make slicing easier, partially freeze the steak for 30-60 minutes until firm.
Instructions
- Prep the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pepper halves cut-side-up in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. This prevents a crunchy, undercooked pepper.
- Cook the Filling: While peppers pre-bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions (and mushrooms if using) and cook until softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the other side, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 3-5 minutes). Then, mix the beef and vegetables together.
- Assemble: Remove the partially baked peppers from the oven. Drain any excess liquid that may have accumulated in the bottom of the peppers. Evenly divide the beef and vegetable mixture among the pepper halves.
- Add the Cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese, covering the filling completely.
- Bake to Perfection: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving (they will be very hot!). Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers
· The Thinner the Beef, the Better: The key to an authentic cheesesteak texture is using shaved beef. Ask your butcher to shave it for you, or use store-bought “shaved steak” from the meat department.
· Don’t Skip Pre-Baking the Peppers: This step is crucial! It softens the peppers so they are tender-crisp and not unpleasantly raw-tasting.
· Get a Good Sear: Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the beef. You want to brown it, not steam it.
· Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice, you can use:
· Cheez Whiz: For the ultimate authentic experience, warm up a jar of Cheez Whiz and drizzle it over the stuffed peppers after they come out of the oven.
· White American Cheese: Another classic, melty choice for a true “steak sandwich” feel.
· Mozzarella: For a great, mild, and super-stretchy cheese pull.
· Add a Kick: Mix in a chopped jalapeño with the onions, or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef filling.
🍄 “Whiz Wit” Variation
In Philly lingo, “Whiz Wit” means a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and fried onions. Here’s how to make that version:
- Follow the recipe above, but omit the provolone cheese from the baking step.
- After the stuffed peppers (without cheese) have baked for 10 minutes, remove them from the oven.
- Heat a jar of Cheez Whiz according to the package directions (usually in the microwave).
- Generously drizzle the warm Whiz over the top of the hot stuffed peppers and serve immediately.
📝 Make-Ahead & Storage
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the peppers completely (through step 5) up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.
· Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
· Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for quickness or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm for the best texture.
Enjoy your delicious, low-carb Philly feast