These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a healthier twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese nestled inside vibrant bell peppers. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even party appetizers. With its low-carb appeal and customizable options, it’s a recipe that suits a variety of dietary preferences while delivering all the savory goodness of a traditional cheesesteak.
What Makes Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers Special?
This innovative recipe takes the core components of a Philly cheesesteak—thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese—and transforms them into a lighter, veggie-packed dish. By replacing the hoagie roll with crisp bell peppers, you reduce carbs while adding a boost of vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness. It’s a guilt-free way to indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of a cheesesteak without compromising on health or taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bell Peppers: Choose large, firm peppers that can stand upright when halved. A mix of red, green, and yellow adds a pop of color and variety to your dish.
- Steak: Ribeye is the classic choice for its rich flavor and tenderness, but sirloin or flank steak works well too. Thinly slice the meat against the grain for the best texture.
- Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for their natural sweetness and caramelization potential.
- Mushrooms (optional): These add an earthy umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the steak.
- Provolone Cheese: This melty, flavorful cheese is a staple of authentic Philly cheesesteaks.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance the savory profile of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking, it adds a touch of healthy fat and helps prevent sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready to bake the peppers evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to season. Bake for 10 minutes to slightly soften the peppers before stuffing.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked to your preference. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions and optional mushrooms. Cook until they’re soft, golden, and caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the steak and vegetable mixture generously into each pepper half. Top each stuffed pepper with a slice of Provolone cheese or a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Step 7: Bake
Place the stuffed peppers back in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve
Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor. Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Customization Tips
- Cheese Varieties: While Provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment with Mozzarella, Swiss, or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
- Adding Heat: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with plant-based proteins like seitan or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. They bring together the indulgent comfort of a classic cheesesteak with the health benefits of a low-carb diet. Versatile, easy to prepare, and freezer-friendly, these stuffed peppers are perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep solutions. Whether you’re craving the flavors of Philadelphia or looking for a nutritious dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Right Temperature: Serve the peppers warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy the gooey melted cheese and tender filling at its best.
- Pairing Suggestions: Complement the dish with light sides like a garden salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw to balance the richness.
- Garnishing: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Condiments: Offer ketchup, mustard, or a mayo-based sauce for those who prefer extra moisture and flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Cooling Down: Allow the peppers to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerating: Store the cooled peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes (refrigerated) or 30–40 minutes (frozen), covering with foil to prevent burning.
Quick Tip for Meal Prep:
Assemble the peppers ahead of time but wait to bake them until you’re ready to serve. Store the unbaked peppers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cooking from chilled.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color) (halved lengthwise, seeds removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the halved bell peppers in a baking dish, cut side up. Bake for 10 minutes to slightly soften them.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or steak slices to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up if using ground beef. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 more minutes to combine flavors.
- Remove the pre-baked bell peppers from the oven. Fill each pepper with the beef and vegetable mixture. Top with a slice of provolone cheese or a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
- Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the peppers with the filling, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold. - What are the best cuts of beef to use?
Ribeye is traditional for its flavor and tenderness, but top sirloin or flank steak are great alternatives. Slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture. - Are these peppers low-carb or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Bell peppers are low in carbs and high in fiber, making this dish suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Just ensure the cheese and other fillings don’t contain added sugars. - Can I use something other than beef?
Yes! Substitute beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based proteins like seitan or tempeh. For a vegetarian option, try portobello mushrooms or eggplant.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a delicious, low-carb alternative to the classic sandwich. With their tender filling, gooey cheese, and vibrant bell pepper shells, they’re a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to customize and prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or planning meals for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a favorite. Bring the flavors of Philadelphia into your kitchen today!
These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a low-carb twist on the classic sandwich. Packed with tender beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, they’re a satisfying and flavorful dinner option for the whole family.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Recipe Card
Ingredients
(Scale: 1x | 2x | 3x)
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices provolone cheese or 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the halved bell peppers in a baking dish, cut side up. Bake for 10 minutes to slightly soften them.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or steak slices to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up if using ground beef. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Remove the pre-baked bell peppers from the oven. Fill each pepper with the beef and vegetable mixture. Top with a slice of provolone cheese or shredded mozzarella.
- Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Meat Options: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese Variations: Try Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
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