Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers


Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

A flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, packed into tender, roasted bell peppers. Juicy beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly sautéed veggies make this a satisfying meal for any occasion.


Ingredients

(Serves 4, with 2 pepper halves each)

For the Peppers:

  • 4 large bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or a mix)
  • Olive oil, for brushing

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak, such as ribeye)
  • 2 small onions, finely diced
  • 2 small green bell peppers, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning)

Cheese Mixture:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus 1/2 cup for topping)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella for extra cheesiness

Equipment

  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Halve the Peppers: Slice each bell pepper lengthwise, keeping the stems attached if possible (for aesthetic appeal). Remove seeds and membranes.
  3. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the outside and cut edges with olive oil. Arrange the peppers cut-side up in the baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

  1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Add diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Cook the Beef: Add ground beef or thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease, if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

  1. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it’s melted and fully combined with the beef and vegetables.
  2. Mix in Cheddar Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

  1. Fill the Halves: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each prepared bell pepper half. Press down gently to pack the filling tightly.
  2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (and optional provolone or mozzarella) on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover and Bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  2. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Cool Slightly: Let the stuffed peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the filling to set slightly for easier eating.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, a dash of paprika, or additional oregano for a professional finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

  • Pre-Baking Peppers: If you like softer peppers, bake the empty halves for 5-10 minutes before stuffing them.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
  • Custom Cheese Blends: Combine sharp cheddar, creamy provolone, and gooey mozzarella for a blend that mimics Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Variations

  • Low-Carb Option: Replace cheddar with low-carb cheese varieties and ensure no added starches in your seasonings.
  • Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a veggie-friendly twist.
  • Classic Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or steak seasoning to the beef for a richer, savory taste.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve your stuffed peppers with:

  • A side salad with vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
  • Crusty garlic bread to soak up the juices.
  • Roasted potatoes or a baked sweet potato for a hearty, comforting meal.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Enjoy these vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make stuffed peppers—a modern twist on a beloved classic! 🫑🧀✨

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