One-Pan Philly Cheesesteak Skillet: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Are you craving the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but don’t want the hassle of individual sandwiches? Look no further! This one-pan Philly cheesesteak skillet recipe delivers all the cheesy, meaty goodness you love, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Imagine tender slices of steak, caramelized onions and peppers, and a generous blanket of melted provolone cheese, all cooked together in one skillet. No need for buns, though you certainly can serve it with them if you prefer. This skillet version is delicious on its own, over rice, or even stuffed into bell peppers for a low-carb option.
## Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Say goodbye to mountains of dishes. This recipe is cooked entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite toppings or swapping out the cheese.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the classic flavors of this Philly cheesesteak-inspired dish.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as is, over rice, in sandwiches, or stuffed in bell peppers – the possibilities are endless!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful Philly cheesesteak skillet:
* **1 pound thinly sliced steak:** Ribeye, sirloin, or even shaved steak work well. Make sure the steak is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking. You can often find pre-sliced steak at the grocery store.
* **1 large onion, sliced:** Yellow or white onions are great choices for this recipe. Slicing them thinly allows them to caramelize beautifully.
* **1 bell pepper (any color), sliced:** I like to use a green bell pepper for the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but you can use any color you prefer. Red or yellow bell peppers will add a touch of sweetness.
* **4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional):** Mushrooms add a savory, earthy flavor to the skillet. Feel free to omit them if you’re not a fan.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the dish.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and steak.
* **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce:** Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor to the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **4-6 slices provolone cheese:** Provolone is the classic cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also use mozzarella or white American cheese.
* **Optional toppings:** Chopped parsley, cherry pepper relish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Philly cheesesteak skillet:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Slice the steak thinly if it’s not already pre-sliced. The thinner the steak, the quicker it will cook and the more tender it will be.
* Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly.
* If using mushrooms, slice them thinly as well.
* Mince the garlic.
* Gather all your spices and sauces so they’re ready to go.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning.
* If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the onions and peppers. Continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
**Step 3: Cook the Steak**
* Add the steak to the same skillet. Make sure the skillet is hot, so the steak sears quickly.
* Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough.
* While the steak is cooking, season it with salt and pepper.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. This adds a depth of flavor to the steak.
**Step 4: Combine Everything and Melt the Cheese**
* Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Stir everything together to combine.
* Arrange the steak and vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet.
* Top the mixture with slices of provolone cheese.
* Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you don’t have a lid, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
* Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with chopped parsley or cherry pepper relish, if desired.
* Serve the Philly cheesesteak skillet hot. You can serve it as is, over rice, in sandwiches, or stuffed in bell peppers.
## Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
* **Use thinly sliced steak:** This is crucial for a tender and flavorful Philly cheesesteak. If you can’t find pre-sliced steak, you can slice it yourself by partially freezing the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to slice thinly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Cook the steak in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will cause the steak to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
* **Don’t overcook the steak:** Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Cook the steak just until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
* **Use good quality cheese:** The cheese is a key component of a Philly cheesesteak, so use a good quality provolone, mozzarella, or white American cheese.
* **Customize your toppings:** Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the skillet, such as chopped onions, peppers, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce.
* **Add a kick:** For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet or serve with a side of hot sauce.
* **Use a cast iron skillet:** A cast iron skillet will provide even heat distribution and help to sear the steak beautifully. However, any large skillet will work.
## Variations and Substitutions
This Philly cheesesteak skillet is easily customizable to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Low-Carb:** Skip the buns and serve the skillet over cauliflower rice or stuffed in bell peppers.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it is gluten-free.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the steak with sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based steak strips.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Swiss.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.
## Serving Suggestions
This Philly cheesesteak skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **As is:** Enjoy the skillet on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Over Rice:** Serve the skillet over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
* **In Sandwiches:** Spoon the skillet filling into hoagie rolls for a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
* **Stuffed in Bell Peppers:** For a low-carb option, stuff the skillet filling into bell peppers and bake until tender.
* **With a Side Salad:** Serve the skillet with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **With French Fries:** Pair the skillet with a side of crispy French fries for a classic comfort food combination.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. Here are a few make-ahead tips:
* **Slice the Vegetables:** Slice the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Slice the Steak:** Slice the steak ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Cook the Vegetables:** You can cook the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the skillet before adding the steak.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Philly cheesesteak skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the skillet in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the cheese may not melt as nicely.
## Recipe Card
Here’s the complete recipe for the One-Pan Philly Cheesesteak Skillet:
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak)
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4-6 slices provolone cheese
* Optional toppings: Chopped parsley, cherry pepper relish
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the steak thinly if it’s not already pre-sliced. Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. If using mushrooms, slice them thinly as well. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the onions and peppers. Continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
3. Cook the steak: Add the steak to the same skillet. Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
4. Combine everything and melt the cheese: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Stir everything together to combine. Arrange the steak and vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet. Top the mixture with slices of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cherry pepper relish, if desired. Serve the Philly cheesesteak skillet hot. You can serve it as is, over rice, in sandwiches, or stuffed in bell peppers.
## Nutrition Information (Estimated)
* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 35-45 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
## Conclusion
This one-pan Philly cheesesteak skillet is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without all the fuss. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. With its customizable ingredients and versatile serving options, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, grab your skillet and get cooking!
Enjoy!