Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheesesteak Filling:
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (for filling)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese or 1½ cups shredded provolone
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. If needed, trim a thin slice from the bottom so they stand upright. Place them in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat. Bake for 10 minutes to start softening them while you prepare the filling.
- Prep the beef: If your beef isn’t already thinly sliced, place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up, then slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. This is crucial for tender bites.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, sliced bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and increase heat to high. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Let it sear without moving for 1-2 minutes until browned, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Combine filling: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stuff the peppers: Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into each pepper, packing it gently.
- Top with cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese (or a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese), making sure to cover the filling completely.
- Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots. If you want more browning on the cheese, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes and watch carefully.
- Rest and serve: Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning mouths. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Choose Your Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter; green peppers are more savory. Any color works beautifully.
- Slice Beef Thinly: For authentic cheesesteak texture, freeze the beef briefly and slice as thin as possible against the grain.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the beef, overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and causes steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pre-Bake the Peppers: This crucial step ensures the peppers become tender without overcooking the filling or burning the cheese.
- Cheese Options: Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, white American cheese, or even Cheez Whiz all work beautifully.
- Ground Beef Option: Substitute ground beef for sliced steak for a more budget-friendly version. Brown it with the onions and peppers, drain excess fat, and proceed.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the stuffed peppers completely (without the final bake) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Keto-Friendly: With just 12-15 grams of carbs per serving (mostly from fiber-rich vegetables), these fit perfectly into a keto lifestyle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bowl Meal, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Philly-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb
