Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

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Philly cheesesteak deconstructed! Ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions over rice with homemade cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, serves 4.

Tags: #quick-recipes #beef #rice #cheese

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:02:18 GMT
Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
Philly Cheesesteak Bowl | recipesbyclare.com
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Philly Cheesesteak Bowls layer warm white rice with browned ground beef, tender-crisp red and green peppers, red onion, and a smooth white-cheddar sauce. The bowl format keeps every savory, creamy component easy to portion and eat.

The recipe makes exactly four generous bowls. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking takes 20 minutes, and the listed total is 30 minutes. Cook the beef for 6–8 minutes, the vegetables for 2–3 minutes, and assemble while every component is hot.

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Ingredients

Ground beef, butter, half red onion, red and green peppers, white rice, flour, garlic, half-and-half, cheddar, and seasonings
Ground beef, butter, half red onion, red and green peppers, white rice, flour, garlic, half-and-half, cheddar, and seasonings | Recipes by Clare
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For the bowl base, use 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 tablespoon butter, ½ red onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 4 cups cooked white rice, and salt and black pepper to taste.

The sauce needs 2 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1½ cups half-and-half, 1 cup shredded white cheddar, ½ teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Bowls

Four stages showing browned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onion, cheddar sauce with rice, and four finished bowls
Four stages showing browned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onion, cheddar sauce with rice, and four finished bowls | Recipes by Clare
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  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Brown ground beef, breaking it apart and seasoning with salt and pepper, for 6–8 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon and drain excess fat.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon butter, reduce heat to medium, and sauté red onion and both peppers for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high. Whisk in flour and garlic for about 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in half-and-half. Once smooth and thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. Warm the cooked rice. Divide it among four bowls, then add beef and vegetables and drizzle with sauce. Serve immediately.

Brown the Ground Beef for Six to Eight Minutes

Drain While Preserving the Skillet Flavor

Sauté the Peppers and Red Onion

Start the Roux with Garlic

Whisk in One and a Half Cups Half-and-Half

Finish the Sauce Away from Direct Heat

Warm Four Cups of Cooked Rice

Build Exactly Four Bowls

Finished Philly cheesesteak bowl with rice, beef, peppers, onion, and white cheddar sauce
Finished Philly cheesesteak bowl with rice, beef, peppers, onion, and white cheddar sauce | recipesbyclare.com
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Drizzle with Warm Cheddar Sauce

Meal Prep and Storage

Conclusion

Brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, season, drain, and set aside. In the same skillet, cook red onion and both peppers in 1 tablespoon butter for 2–3 minutes. Make a one-minute butter, flour, and garlic roux; slowly whisk in half-and-half. Off heat, add white cheddar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Divide 4 cups warm rice among four bowls, add beef and vegetables, drizzle with sauce, and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How many Philly Cheesesteak Bowls does this make?

The recipe makes exactly four generous bowls.

→ How long should I cook the peppers and onion?

Cook them over medium heat for 2–3 minutes so they remain tender-crisp.

→ Why add the cheddar off heat?

Removing the saucepan from direct heat helps the cheese melt into a smooth sauce instead of turning grainy.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate beef, vegetables, and rice separately for up to four days, and gently reheat the sauce with a splash of milk.

4.40 from 203 votes

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

Preparation Time:
10 Minutes
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:
30 Minutes
Number of Servings:
4
Philly Cheesesteak Bowl
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Classic Philly cheesesteak flavors served over rice with a creamy cheese sauce. All the taste without the bread!

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Bowl Base

  • Creamy Cheese Sauce

How to Make It

1.

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon and drain excess fat.

2.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter and reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

3.

3. Start the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux that smells fragrant.

4.

4. Finish the Sauce: Slowly pour in the half-and-half while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once all liquid is incorporated and mixture is smooth, remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until cheese melts completely.

5.

5. Prepare Rice Base: Make sure your rice is warm and fluffy. If using leftover rice, reheat it gently in the microwave or a covered pot with a splash of water.

6.

6. Build Your Bowls: Divide warm rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with seasoned ground beef and sautéed peppers and onions. Drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce and serve immediately while everything is hot.

Extra Information

  1. Use a cast iron skillet for the best flavor and heat retention
  2. The cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated
  3. Don't overcook the vegetables - they should still have some bite

Essential Tools

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
  • Wire whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Serving bowls

Allergy Warnings

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from butter, half-and-half, and cheese
  • Contains gluten from flour
  • May contain lactose for sensitive individuals

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 28 g