Philly Cheese Beef Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Philly Cheese Beef Skillet: Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but short on time? Imagine sinking your fork into a sizzling skillet overflowing with tender, savory beef, perfectly melted cheese, and those classic peppers and onions, all without the fuss of bread. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Philadelphia, no travel required!

While the exact origins of the cheesesteak are debated, it’s widely accepted that Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia, invented it in the 1930s. Legend has it he decided to grill some beef for himself, and a cab driver noticed the delicious aroma and requested one. The rest, as they say, is history! Our Philly Cheese Beef Skillet pays homage to this culinary icon, offering a deconstructed, equally satisfying experience.

What makes a Philly cheesesteak – and by extension, this skillet version – so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The juicy, thinly sliced beef, the sweet and slightly caramelized onions and peppers, and the creamy, gooey cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, this one-pan wonder is incredibly convenient. Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup; this Philly Cheese Beef Skillet is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families and anyone who appreciates delicious food without the hassle.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Crusty rolls or hoagie buns, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables:

1. First, let’s get our skillet nice and hot. Place a large skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer.
2. Now, add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it’s browned all over. Make sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy Philly cheesesteak!
3. Once the beef is browned, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, and the peppers are slightly tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The aroma at this point is just fantastic!
4. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about another 3-5 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant, adding another layer of deliciousness.
5. Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat all the ingredients evenly with the spices.
6. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir to incorporate. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a touch of tanginess that really complements the beef and vegetables.

Creating the Creamy Sauce:

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low. This is important so the sauce doesn’t burn.
2. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir it in gently until it’s evenly distributed throughout the beef and vegetable mixture.
3. Pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine and create a smooth, creamy sauce. The beef broth helps to thin out the soup and adds even more beefy flavor.
4. Simmer the mixture for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. You want it to be nice and creamy, coating all the ingredients beautifully.

Melting the Cheese and Assembling:

1. Arrange the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top of the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Make sure the entire surface is covered with cheese.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt completely. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
3. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. If you’re serving the Philly cheesesteak skillet in crusty rolls or hoagie buns, slice them open and spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each roll.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Philly cheesesteak skillet is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese nice and gooey.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to customize your Philly cheesesteak skillet to your liking:

• Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice, you can also use other cheeses like mozzarella, American cheese, or even a cheese sauce.
• Meat Variations: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can use thinly sliced steak, such as ribeye or sirloin. Just make sure to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness before adding the vegetables.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as banana peppers, jalapenos, or even spinach.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Bread Options: If you don’t have crusty rolls or hoagie buns, you can serve the Philly cheesesteak skillet over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes.
• Make it a Dip: Serve the cheesy beef mixture as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or baguette slices.
• Add a Kick: Mix a tablespoon of horseradish into the cream of mushroom soup for a zesty kick.
• Caramelized Onions: For an even deeper flavor, caramelize the onions before adding them to the skillet. This takes a bit longer, but it’s well worth the effort.
• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a truly homemade experience, make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch. There are many great recipes available online.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the Philly cheesesteak skillet over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.

Serving Suggestions:

This Philly cheesesteak skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Classic Philly Cheesesteak: Serve the beef and cheese mixture in crusty rolls or hoagie buns for a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
• Philly Cheesesteak Bowl: Serve the beef and cheese mixture over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a hearty and satisfying bowl.
• Philly Cheesesteak Salad: Serve the beef and cheese mixture over a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings for a lighter meal.
• Philly Cheesesteak Nachos: Top tortilla chips with the beef and cheese mixture, along with your favorite nacho toppings, for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
• Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: Use the beef and cheese mixture as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
• Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with the beef and cheese mixture and bake until tender.
• Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with the beef and cheese mixture and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover Philly cheesesteak skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out. If you’re reheating the skillet with the cheese already melted, be careful not to overcook it, as the cheese can become rubbery. It’s best to add fresh cheese when reheating if possible.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-600 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients)
• Fat: 30-45 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15-25 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-150 mg
• Sodium: 800-1200 mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
• Fiber: 2-4 grams
• Sugar: 5-10 grams
• Protein: 30-40 grams

Enjoy your delicious and easy Philly cheesesteak skillet! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Philly cheese beef skillet is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving that classic Philly cheesesteak taste without the fuss of bread or the need for a grill. It’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly versatile – what more could you ask for?

Think about it: tender, seasoned beef, perfectly melted cheese, and those delicious peppers and onions all coming together in one pan. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing! And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you just don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! This skillet is also incredibly adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sliced mushrooms or jalapeños for an extra kick. Want to lighten it up? Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve this amazing skillet:

Serving Suggestions:

* Over Rice or Quinoa: For a complete and satisfying meal, spoon the skillet mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This is a great way to stretch the recipe and make it even more filling.
* Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out some bell peppers, fill them with the skillet mixture, top with extra cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender. This is a fun and healthy twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak.
* As a Dip: Serve the skillet mixture with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
* In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon the skillet mixture into crisp lettuce cups. This is a light and refreshing way to enjoy all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the added carbs.
* On Top of Fries: Because who doesn’t love cheese fries? Load up some crispy fries with the Philly cheese beef skillet and prepare for pure indulgence.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your own personal preferences.

I’m so confident that you’re going to love this Philly cheese beef skillet that I urge you to give it a try as soon as possible. Seriously, you won’t regret it! It’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavor, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!