Name: Steak Cheese Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced); Salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (sliced); 1 bell pepper (sliced); 2-3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or blend); 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); Sliced green onions (optional topping); Pickled banana peppers (optional topping); Hot sauce or ketchup (optional topping)

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Enjoy a mouthwatering fusion of flavors with this Steak & Cheese Rice Skillet, a hearty one-pan meal that brings the iconic Philly-style steak and cheese experience to your dinner table. Tender, thinly sliced steak is perfectly seared and combined with savory sautéed vegetables, all nestled into fluffy rice and topped with melting cheese for that irresistible gooey finish.

Quick and straightforward, this dish blends familiar comfort food ingredients into a balanced, filling meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy steak, sweet peppers, aromatic onions, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delightful with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan simplicity perfect for easy cleanup and minimal effort after a busy day.
The rich umami flavors from seared steak and Worcestershire sauce enhance every bite.
Customizable with your favorite cheese and veggies to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients

Steak (sirloin or flank), 500 g (1 lb): Tender thinly sliced cuts ideal for quick cooking and juicy bite-sized pieces.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Season steak and veggies to enhance natural flavors with balanced seasoning.
Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Adds a mild roasted garlic flavor to the steak without overwhelming the dish.
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Used to sear steak and sauté vegetables for a rich, savory base.
Onion, 1 small, sliced: Provides sweetness and depth when caramelized with the peppers.
Bell pepper, 1, sliced: Adds crunch and vibrant color along with natural sweetness.
Garlic cloves, 2–3, minced: Offers fresh aromatic depth that complements steak and peppers.
Cooked rice, 2 cups (white or brown): Acts as a hearty base soaking up juices and melding flavors.
Beef broth, 1 cup: Infuses the rice with savory, meaty richness and helps meld ingredients together.
Shredded cheese, 1 cup (provolone, mozzarella, or blend): Melts perfectly over the skillet, delivering creamy, indulgent topping.
Worcestershire sauce, 1–2 tablespoons (optional): Adds tangy umami complexity, elevating the steak’s flavor.
Sliced green onions (optional): Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion crunch and color contrast.
Pickled banana peppers (optional): Brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick to contrast the richness.
Hot sauce or ketchup (optional): Personalize with your favorite condiments to add zest or sweetness.

Instructions

Season and Sear the Steak: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get a good sear. Season the thinly sliced steak strips evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder for balanced savory flavors. Add the steak to the hot skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set aside to rest, preserving its juiciness.
Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 4–5 minutes until they soften and develop sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic carefully, cooking for an additional 30–60 seconds just until fragrant to avoid burning, which ensures the garlic complements without bitterness.
Incorporate Rice and Beef Broth: Add your cooked rice to the skillet along with the beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to impart extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow the broth to reduce slightly, so the rice absorbs all those savory juices, uniting the dish.
Combine Steak and Melt Cheese: Return the rested steak to the skillet, carefully mixing it evenly with the rice and sautéed vegetables. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over everything. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious topping that binds the ingredients together.
Serve with Optional Toppings: Serve the skillet piping hot with optional garnishes such as sliced green onions and pickled banana peppers that add freshness and tang. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or ketchup to customize the flavors according to your taste, making the dish perfect for any palate.

You Must Know

Resting the steak before slicing keeps it juicy and tender throughout the dish.
Choosing provolone cheese enhances the Philly-inspired flavor, while mozzarella adds mild creaminess.
Customize by adding extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for more variety.

Storage Tips

This hearty skillet meal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry to restore moisture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this dish as a complete one-pan meal or serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness and texture contrast. A cold beer or sparkling iced tea also pairs wonderfully to refresh the palate.

Professional Tips

For juicier steak slices, sear at high heat without overcrowding to promote a caramelized crust.
Use day-old rice for the best texture, as it is less sticky and absorbs flavors better.
Covering the skillet to melt cheese helps it melt evenly without overcooking the steak or veggies.

FAQs

Can I use other types of steak for this skillet?: Yes, flank, sirloin, or skirt steak work best due to their tenderness and suitable cooking times. Avoid very tough cuts unless thinly sliced and marinated.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, ensure that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or omit it, and verify that any broth used contains no gluten additives.
Can I prepare this dish without pre-cooked rice?: While pre-cooked rice is best for texture and timing, you can cook rice separately before starting the skillet. Instant rice works but may change texture slightly.
What cheese alternatives work well if I don’t have provolone?: Mozzarella, mild cheddar, or a cheese blend all melt well and complement the savory steak and vegetable mix deliciously.
How can I make this recipe spicier?: Add sliced jalapeños with the peppers, use a hot sauce garnish, or include crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing vegetables.
Can I freeze leftovers?: This meal can be frozen for up to 1 month. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight before reheating gently with added broth.