Philly Cheese Steak Peppers: Ultimate Comfort Food

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a low-carb alternative to the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of steak, onions, mushrooms, and cheese, and baked in the oven. The peppers can be pre-cooked to make them softer, but this is optional. The recipe can also be made with ground beef or other types of meat, and different types of cheese can be used depending on preference.

Meat: sliced steak, or ground beef, chicken, or turkey

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a low-carb alternative to the classic sandwich. The traditional Philly Cheesesteak sandwich includes bread, steak, cheese, and onions. However, the stuffed pepper variation allows you to enjoy all the flavours of the classic sandwich without the carbs.

When it comes to the meat, you have several options to choose from:

Sliced Steak

The best cuts of beef for Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are those that are lean and relatively inexpensive. Here are some recommended options:

• Top round steak: This cut is lean and affordable. It's also easy to slice thinly, which is ideal for this recipe.
• Flank steak: Flank steak is a good alternative if you're looking for a lean and flavourful option.
• Sirloin: Sirloin is a tender cut that works well for this dish. You can use top sirloin or petite sirloin, depending on your budget.
• Strip steak: Strip steak is another option, though it may be more expensive.
• Ribeye: Ribeye has a rich beef flavour and is considered the most authentic cut for Philly cheesesteak enthusiasts. However, it is quite expensive.

When preparing the steak, it's important to slice it thinly and against the grain. Freezing the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing can make this process easier.

Ground Beef

If you prefer ground beef, you can certainly use it in this recipe. Just make sure to use a leaner variety (at least 85% lean) to avoid excess grease. Drain the pan well after browning the beef before stuffing the peppers.

Chicken

For a lighter option, you can substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for the steak. Chicken cooks quicker than beef, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Turkey

Ground turkey is another option if you want to reduce the fat content of your dish. It can be a good alternative to ground beef and will provide a similar texture.

No matter which type of meat you choose, the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy experimenting with different options to find your favourite combination!

Vegetables: bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms

Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are the three key vegetables in a Philly cheesesteak stuffed pepper. Each of these vegetables brings its own unique flavour and texture to the dish, contributing to a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Bell peppers are the outer casing of the stuffed pepper, providing a crunchy and colourful vessel for the other ingredients. Green bell peppers are the most commonly used variety, but red, orange, and yellow bell peppers can also be used, offering a sweeter flavour. When choosing bell peppers, opt for larger ones to ensure they can hold all of the filling. Before stuffing, the peppers should be sliced in half lengthwise, with the seeds removed. Some recipes suggest pre-cooking the peppers by boiling them for a few minutes or baking them in the oven to make them softer and easier to eat.

Onions are a key ingredient in any Philly cheesesteak, adding a savoury and slightly sweet flavour to the dish. The type of onion used can vary, with sweet onions, red onions, and yellow onions all being suitable. The onions are typically diced or thinly sliced and then cooked until they are soft and starting to brown, adding a depth of flavour to the filling.

Mushrooms are the third vegetable component, providing a earthy and juicy contrast to the other ingredients. Sliced button mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms are commonly used, but any variety will work. The mushrooms are usually cooked until they start to release their juices and become tender, enhancing the flavour of the dish.

Together, these three vegetables create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, making the Philly cheesesteak stuffed pepper a tasty and satisfying meal option.

Cheese: provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss

When it comes to cheese, there are a few options to choose from when making Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers. Provolone is a popular choice, with many recipes calling for slices of this mild and slightly tangy cheese to be placed inside and on top of the stuffed peppers. This double dose of provolone ensures maximum flavour.

Mozzarella is another option, and while it may not be as traditional as provolone, it still melts well and has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. Swiss cheese is also mentioned as a yummy alternative. It has a more pronounced flavour than the previous two options, but it still melts well and would add a nice touch of sharpness to the dish.

For the best results, it is recommended to use sliced cheese rather than grated or shredded. This allows for even coverage inside the pepper and a nice, melted top.

Seasoning: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, steak seasoning, or garlic

Seasoning is an important part of the Philly cheesesteak stuffed pepper recipe. The right combination of spices can enhance the flavour of the dish and make it more enjoyable. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning this delicious meal:

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings in this recipe. They are used to enhance the natural flavours of the other ingredients and bring out their savoury qualities. When seasoning with salt and pepper, it is best to start with a small amount and gradually add more to taste. This ensures the dish is not overseasoned.

Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that can add depth and complexity to the dish. It often includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, among other herbs. Adding Italian seasoning can give the stuffed peppers a more robust flavour and is a great way to enhance the taste without adding extra salt.

Steak seasoning is specifically designed to complement the flavour of beef. It often includes ingredients such as garlic, pepper, salt, and various herbs. Using steak seasoning can help intensify the meaty flavour of the dish. It is best to use a small amount at first and adjust to your taste preference.

Garlic is a versatile seasoning that can be added in multiple forms. Minced, crushed, or powdered garlic can be used while cooking the filling to add a savoury kick to the dish. Alternatively, garlic powder can be sprinkled over the peppers before baking to impart a more subtle garlic flavour.

When seasoning Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers, it is essential to trust your taste buds and adjust the amounts to your preference. The beauty of this dish is that it can be customised to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your perfect blend.

Extras: olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley

Olive oil is a key ingredient in Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers. It is used to cook the steak, onions, and mushrooms, and is also drizzled over the peppers before baking to add flavour and help them cook. Olive oil can be swapped out for any neutral cooking oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil.

Worcestershire sauce is also added to the cheesesteak mixture to give it a savoury boost. It is added to the pan along with the steak, Italian seasoning, and pepper. It can also be added to Mac's Awesome Sauce, a creamy topping for the peppers.

Parsley is used as a garnish for the peppers, adding a pop of colour and a fresh flavour to the dish.

Frequently asked questions