This Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner made with juicy sirloin steak, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese—all served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy, high-protein recipe that brings the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a wholesome, satisfying rice bowl. Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or a healthier take on your favorite sandwich! Discover the secret to cooking this healthy meal at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl Recipe
All the Cheesesteak Flavor, Without the Bread
This Philly cheesesteak rice bowl delivers everything you love about the classic sandwich—juicy, thinly sliced steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and melty provolone and cheddar—served over warm, fluffy rice. It’s a complete steak and rice bowl that captures the comfort of a cheesesteak in a simplified, mess-free format. It’s the ideal upgrade if you’re craving bold flavor but skipping the bread, much like our quick-fix hawaiian sheet pan chicken recipe that turns a comfort classic into a stress-free meal.
Great for Meal Prep, Low Carb Swaps & Weeknight Dinners
Whether you’re looking for a healthy cheesesteak recipe or just want a satisfying one-dish dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to double for meal prep steak bowls—just pack and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Want a low carb cheesesteak bowl version? Just serve over cauliflower rice or greens instead. It’s a go-to for those busy nights when you need an easy weeknight steak dinner that delivers comfort and convenience without the cleanup.
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Philly cheesesteak rice bowl: Healthy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl recipe combines tender steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese served over fluffy rice for a hearty, one-dish dinner.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 cups cooked rice
2 bell peppers + 2 onions, sliced
6 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 oz provolone light, sliced
½ cup reduced-fat cheddar, shredded
4 tbsp olive oil (or spray)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt + black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook rice according to package directions, keep warm.
2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over high heat.
3. Cook sliced steak 2–3 minutes until browned, remove.
4. Sauté peppers, onions, and mushrooms until tender.
5. Return steak to pan, add Worcestershire sauce.
6. Divide rice into bowls.
7. Top with steak and vegetable mixture.
8. Add provolone and cheddar cheese.
9. Broil 2 minutes until cheese melts, garnish with parsley.
Notes
For low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
Store leftovers in fridge up to 3–4 days; reheat in skillet or microwave.
Ribeye or flank steak can be substituted for sirloin.
Mozzarella or pepper jack are tasty cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner, One-Dish Meal
- Method: Stovetop + Broil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredients & Smart Prep Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl
What You’ll Need
To create a flavorful high protein philly cheesesteak rice meal, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, thinly sliced – for tender, quick-cooking bites
- 2 cups cooked rice – or substitute with cauliflower rice for a low carb cheesesteak bowl
- 2 bell peppers + 2 onions, sliced – the heart of any Philly cheesesteak bowl
- 6 oz mushrooms, sliced – optional, but they add a savory depth
- 4 oz light provolone, sliced – gives that classic, melty cheesesteak flavor
- ½ cup reduced-fat cheddar, shredded – adds a sharp, cheesy contrast
- 4 tbsp olive oil (or spray) – for sautéing steak and vegetables
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – layers in savory, umami-rich flavor
- Salt + black pepper – adjust to taste
- Fresh parsley – for a vibrant finishing touch
Much like prepping Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, this recipe is about simplicity and balance—lean protein, colorful vegetables, and customizable options all in one easy bowl.
Smart Prep Tips
- Freeze steak briefly: Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly.
- Prep rice in advance: Cook rice earlier in the day or use leftovers to save time on busy nights.
- Use high heat: Quickly sear the steak to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Finish with cheese: Once assembled, broil your bowl for 1–2 minutes to melt the provolone and cheddar beautifully.
- Go lighter: For a healthy cheesesteak recipe, swap in cauliflower rice and skip one type of cheese.
Step-by-Step Method for Making Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl
Easy Instructions for a Flavorful One‑Pan Dinner
This philly cheesesteak rice bowl comes together quickly—perfect for weeknights when you want big flavor without the fuss.
- Cook the rice: Follow package directions and keep warm so your bowl stays hot and satisfying.
- Sear the steak: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook thinly sliced sirloin for 2–3 minutes until browned, then remove and let rest.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add peppers, onions, and mushrooms with a little olive oil. Cook until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Combine steak and seasoning: Return steak to the pan, add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Assemble your bowl: Divide rice into bowls and top with the steak‑veg mixture.
- Add cheese and broil: Layer provolone and shredded cheddar over each bowl. Broil for 2 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with rice, or try it with sides like our Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans for a full, hearty meal.
I like to meal prep this on Sunday night, store everything separately, and reheat just before eating. The trick? Keep the cheese aside and melt it fresh each time—trust me, it makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
Health Benefits & Smart Serving Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl
Why This Bowl Can Be a Healthier Choice
This philly cheesesteak rice bowl delivers the satisfaction of comfort food with smart, nutrient-dense ingredients. Lean sirloin offers high-quality protein and iron, while sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Swapping in olive oil and using reduced-fat cheeses helps reduce saturated fats, making this a healthy cheesesteak recipe without sacrificing taste. If you’re looking for a high protein Philly cheesesteak rice alternative, this version checks every box. Much like our cottage cheese baked ziti, this dish proves that flavor and health can go hand in hand.
Smart Serving Tips and Variations
- Low-carb swap: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low carb cheesesteak bowl alternative.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook the steak and vegetables ahead and store separately. Assemble bowls fresh for better texture.
- Cheese variety: Provolone is traditional, but try mozzarella for stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add greens: Layer over a bed of spinach, kale, or arugula for a veggie-rich meal.
- Family-style dinner: Double the ingredients to make one of the most satisfying one-dish dinners for gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl
What cut of beef is best for a Philly cheesesteak bowl?
Sirloin steak is the top choice for a philly cheesesteak rice bowl because it’s lean, high in protein, and more affordable. Ribeye offers richer flavor due to more fat marbling, and flank or top round are good lean alternatives. According to nutrition guides, sirloin has less saturated fat and fewer calories than ribeye while still delivering ample protein.
Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Yes. Ground beef works well for convenience, though it gives a different texture. Thinly sliced steak offers more authentic bite typical of a steak and rice bowl.
How do I make this dish low carb or keto‑friendly?
To enjoy a low carb cheesesteak bowl, swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce or skip sugary sides/sauces, and use lighter cheeses.
How long do leftovers last, and how should I store and reheat?
Leftovers can last 3‑4 days in the fridge when stored in airtight containers. Store steak, veggies, and rice separately if possible. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, and add cheese fresh for best results.
What is the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak?
Provolone is classic for its melt and mild flavor; cheddar adds sharpness. For lighter options, use reduced-fat mozzarella or pepper jack. The best choice depends on flavor preferences and whether you want a healthier cheesesteak recipe.
Want more healthy one-dish dinner ideas like this? Follow us on Pinterest for visual inspiration and check out our cooking stories on Medium for expert tips and behind-the-scenes kitchen insights.
Why You’ll Keep Making This Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl
This philly cheesesteak rice bowl proves that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to eat smart. It brings together tender steak, sautéed onions and peppers, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in a single dish that’s both hearty and balanced. Whether you’re looking for meal prep steak bowls to simplify your week, a healthy cheesesteak recipe without the bread, or a fast easy weeknight steak dinner, this recipe delivers.
With options for low carb cheesesteak bowl swaps or indulgent cheese layers, it’s a flexible, one-dish dinner the whole family will love. Try pairing it with our Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake for another comfort meal made healthier—and discover how delicious smart eating can be.