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High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Bowls - A Hearty, Balanced Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1.5 pounds thinly sliced sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye (leaner cuts for higher protein per calorie)
  • Vegetables: 2 green bell peppers, 1 red bell pepper, 1 large yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, optional 8 oz mushrooms
  • Bases: 4 cups cooked cauliflower rice or white/brown rice
  • Cheese: 4–6 slices provolone or 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella; optional 2 oz reduced-fat cream cheese for extra creaminess
  • Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sauces: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; optional 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • Cooking fats: 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Garnishes (optional): Fresh parsley, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the steak: Place the beef in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain. Pat dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
  2. Slice the veggies: Cut peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic. If using mushrooms, slice them as well.
  3. Cook the base: Warm cooked rice or sauté cauliflower rice in a little oil with salt and pepper until hot. Set aside in bowls.
  4. Sear the steak in batches: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Sear half the steak for 1–2 minutes per side until just browned. Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining steak. Do not overcook—it will finish briefly later.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in onions and peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly browned. Add mushrooms if using; cook 3–4 minutes more.
  6. Add aromatics and deglaze: Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds. Splash in Worcestershire and optional soy/aminos. Scrape up browned bits for flavor.
  7. Bring it together: Return the steak and any juices to the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Toss 1–2 minutes to warm through.
  8. Make it cheesy: Lower heat to medium-low. Lay provolone slices over the mixture or sprinkle mozzarella. If using cream cheese, stir in small dollops until just melted. Cover for 1–2 minutes to melt. Season to taste with extra salt and pepper.
  9. Assemble: Spoon the cheesy steak and veggies over your bowls of rice or cauliflower rice. Top with parsley, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce if desired.
  10. Serve: Enjoy hot. For meal prep, let cool slightly before packing into containers.