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
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Halve the Peppers: Slice each bell pepper lengthwise, keeping the stems attached if possible (for aesthetic appeal). Remove seeds and membranes.
- 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
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Mix in Cheddar Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
- Fill the Halves: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each prepared bell pepper half. Press down gently to pack the filling tightly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (and optional provolone or mozzarella) on top of each stuffed pepper.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover and Bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- 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
- Cool Slightly: Let the stuffed peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the filling to set slightly for easier eating.
- 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! 🫑🧀✨