Philly Cheese Beef Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Philly Cheese Beef Skillet: Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but short on time? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy beef, smothered in melted provolone cheese, and nestled amongst sautéed peppers and onions – all without the fuss of bread! This one-pan wonder delivers all the deliciousness of the classic sandwich in a fraction of the time, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

While the exact origins of the Philly cheesesteak are debated, it’s widely accepted that Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia, invented it in the 1930s. Legend has it he grew tired of hot dogs and decided to grill some beef on his hot dog grill, placing it in an Italian roll. A cab driver suggested adding provolone cheese, and the rest, as they say, is history! Our Philly Cheese Beef Skillet pays homage to this culinary icon, offering a deconstructed, low-carb twist that’s just as satisfying.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The savory beef, the sweetness of the caramelized onions and peppers, and the creamy, melted cheese create a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Philly Cheese Beef Skillet is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Beef:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds thinly sliced sirloin steak (or shaved steak)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces shredded provolone cheese
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Hoagie rolls, toasted
• Pickled jalapenos
• Hot sauce

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the beef. This will help it sear properly and develop a good crust.
2. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak to the skillet in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Sear each batch for about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the flavor base of the dish. Don’t rush it!
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of savory flavor that really elevates the dish.
6. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
7. Remove the beef and vegetable mixture from the skillet and set aside. Wipe out the skillet to prepare the cheese sauce.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (now wiped clean), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the cheese sauce. Make sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the roux is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!

Assembling the Philly Cheese Beef Skillet:

1. Add the cooked beef and vegetable mixture back to the skillet with the cheese sauce.
2. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
3. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. If you’re serving the Philly cheese beef in hoagie rolls, toast the rolls lightly.
5. Spoon the Philly cheese beef mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls.
6. Alternatively, you can serve the Philly cheese beef directly from the skillet, topped with your favorite toppings.
7. Garnish with pickled jalapenos or hot sauce, if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot and fresh.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality steak: The quality of the steak will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. I recommend using sirloin steak, but you can also use ribeye or flank steak. Make sure it’s thinly sliced for the best results.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing the beef, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear.
• Use softened cream cheese: Softened cream cheese will melt more easily and create a smoother cheese sauce.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more garlic powder, onion powder, salt, or pepper to suit your preferences.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the Philly cheese beef. Some popular options include pickled jalapenos, hot sauce, sauteed mushrooms, or extra cheese.

Variations:

• Spicy Philly Cheese Beef: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Philly Cheese Beef: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Pizza Philly Cheese Beef: Add pizza sauce and pepperoni to the skillet for a pizza-inspired twist.
• Chicken Philly Cheese “Beef”: Substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions:

• Hoagie Rolls: The classic way to serve Philly cheese beef is in toasted hoagie rolls.
• Over Fries: Spoon the Philly cheese beef over a bed of crispy french fries for a loaded fries appetizer.
• As a Dip: Serve the Philly cheese beef as a dip with tortilla chips or crusty bread.
• In a Bowl: Enjoy the Philly cheese beef as a bowl meal, served over rice or quinoa.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftover Philly cheese beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the Philly cheese beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

Make Ahead Tips:

• Prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time: You can cook the beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the beef and vegetables and proceed with making the cheese sauce.
• Make the cheese sauce ahead of time: You can also make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the cheese sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.

Conclusion:

This Philly Cheese Beef Skillet is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but in a fraction of the time and with minimal fuss. We’re talking about a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and ready to devour in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?

Beyond its speed and simplicity, the real magic lies in the taste. The combination of tender, browned beef, perfectly softened peppers and onions, and that glorious blanket of melted provolone cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds singing. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal. Spoon it into toasted hoagie rolls for a deconstructed Philly cheesesteak experience. Or, for a lighter option, enjoy it on its own with a side salad.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative and experiment with variations to make this recipe your own. Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor. Incorporate a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Or, swap out the provolone for your favorite cheese – pepper jack would be amazing! You could even add a layer of tater tots on top before baking for a truly decadent and playful twist.

For a lower-carb option, consider serving the Philly Cheese Beef Skillet over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You could also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein source. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food sensation. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this Philly Cheese Beef Skillet recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Your insights will not only help me improve the recipe but also inspire other readers to give it a try. Let’s create a community of skillet-loving foodies! Happy cooking!