High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls are a fantastically filling twist on a Philly classic, bringing together deeply seasoned steak, melty cheese, and punchy bell peppers—all layered over garlicky parmesan rice for maximum flavor and satisfaction. This comfort-in-a-bowl not only packs a good protein punch, but also delivers on everything you love in a cheesesteak, cooked up in a way that’s weeknight-friendly, meal-prep approved, and absolutely crave-worthy. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate hearty rice bowl with all the “wow” of your favorite cheesesteak, this is your answer.

High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls is how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. Every bite is built on the perfect balance of juicy steak, sautéed veggies, and decadent cheese sauce, making every component vital to the dish’s flavor and texture.

Top sirloin beef (2000g, shaved thin): The hero of your bowl; top sirloin is lean, tender, and soaks up flavor beautifully.

Salt & black pepper (3 tsp each for steak, 1 tsp each for veggies): Essential for seasoning every layer, drawing out the savoriness of both meat and vegetables.
Garlic & onion powder (4 tsp each): These pantry staples add bold, aromatic depth to your steak marinade.

Worcestershire sauce (140g): This tangy sauce gives the steak a signature umami-rich punch reminiscent of classic cheesesteak flavor.
Olive oil (6 tsp, optional): Adds a bit of richness and helps with the marinade, especially if your steak is very lean.

Light butter (total 100g, divided): Used for sautéing and making the rice and cheese sauce luxuriously rich but still lighter than traditional versions.
White onion (400g, thinly sliced): Onions caramelize for sweetness, giving depth to the dish.
Green and red bell peppers (200g each, thinly sliced): For color, sweet crunch, and classic Philly cheesesteak flair.

Reduced fat cheese slices (16): These melt perfectly into the steak mixture, forming a gooey, cheesy sauce.
1% milk (500g): A lighter choice that still helps create a creamy cheese sauce.
Low fat cheddar (200g): Shredded cheddar blends in for that sharp, mouthwatering cheese flavor.

Minced garlic (50g): Fragrant garlic turns the rice from plain to seriously irresistible.
Uncooked basmati rice (520g, about 1200g cooked): The fluffy, lightly nutty base that ties the bowl together.
Chili flakes (1 tsp, optional): For a gentle background heat that wakes up the flavors.

Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Grated parmesan (120g): Melts into the rice, providing salty, cheesy depth.

How to Make High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by spreading out your paper-thin slices of top sirloin in a bowl. Toss them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil if you’re using it. Give it a really good massage—this helps the meat soak up all those savory, beefy, and slightly tangy notes. Set the bowl aside to marinate while you prep the veggies; this gives the flavors a chance to really dig in.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

Melt some of the light butter in a large, wide pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced white onion and both red and green bell peppers. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes, letting them soften and become fragrant. Sprinkle over the remaining salt and black pepper, and cook for a further 3 minutes until the veggies are tender but still vibrant. Remove them from the pan and set aside—they’ll make a dramatic reappearance in just a bit!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Rice

Now, in the same trusty pan, add a little more butter and toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle until fragrant (just a minute or so). Add the cooked basmati rice, then sprinkle over chili flakes, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until the rice is fluffy and each grain is beautifully coated in garlic-parmesan goodness. This rice isn’t just a filler—it’s a flavorful foundation that supports the whole bowl.

Step 4: Sear the Steak

Time for that marinated steak to shine! Crank the heat to medium-high, add the last bit of butter, and then spread out the beef in the hot pan. Let it sear without crowding—aim for 4 to 6 minutes in total, stirring just enough to let those thin strips get a gorgeous brown crust but still stay juicy. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges get irresistible crispy bits.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Turn the heat down to low, and bring the cooked bell peppers and onions back to the party. Arrange the reduced fat cheese slices over the top, then pour in the milk and scatter the shredded low fat cheddar. Gently stir everything together as the cheese melts into a dreamy, creamy, intensely cheesy sauce. The result: every bite shimmers with just the right balance of steak, veggies, and gooey cheese.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ready for the best part? Spoon a generous heap of your garlic parmesan rice into bowls, then ladle the melty steak and cheese mixture over the top. Dive in while it’s piping hot, and prepare to fall in love with this cozy, high-protein twist on a Philly classic.

How to Serve High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish—fresh parsley adds a lively burst of green, while extra Parmesan offers an extra cheesy flourish. For a punch, a sprinkle of chili flakes or even some sliced green onions across the top really seals the deal. These finishing touches don’t just make your High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls look irresistibly inviting, they brighten all the deep, savory flavors too.

Side Dishes

These bowls are hearty enough to stand alone, but a fresh, crisp salad is always a good idea if you want something lighter on the side. Think baby greens tossed with a sharp vinaigrette, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. To keep the Philly vibes rolling, you could also serve a tray of baked sweet potato fries or crunchy pickles alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try setting up a DIY “Philly Rice Bowl Bar” with the rice, steak, veggies, and garnishes all in separate bowls, letting guests assemble their own ideal combo. For fancy vibes, layer everything parfait-style in glass jars—perfect for meal prep lunches or picnics. And if you want finger food, scoop the filling into mini bell peppers or lettuce cups for snackable, party-ready mini bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls are a dream for leftovers. Cool everything completely, then transfer to airtight containers. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next-day lunch (or dinner!) even more delicious. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for best results.

Freezing

To freeze, portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. The rice and steak freeze especially well. If possible, save any garnishes to add fresh after reheating. Your bowls will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just be sure to cool the contents before freezing to lock in quality.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated or thawed bowls gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist. If you want to revive that gooey cheesy texture, a quick stir halfway through does wonders. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While top sirloin is lean and flavorful for High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls, you can use flank steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced chicken breast if you’d like a change. Just be sure to slice thin for easy cooking and that signature cheesesteak texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes—swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk, and choose dairy-free cheese slices and cheddar. The result is still rich and creamy, but friendly for those avoiding dairy.

How can I boost the veggies in this dish?

Toss in extra veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini along with the onions and peppers. They’ll soak up the flavor and bulk up your High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls beautifully, adding texture and nutrients with hardly any extra fuss.

Can I meal prep this dish for the week?

Definitely! Prepare everything as directed and store in divided containers—rice on one side, steak and cheese mixture on the other. It holds up wonderfully in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners all week long.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

For a little heat, go wild with the chili flakes or add in some thinly sliced jalapeños with the peppers. A drizzle of hot sauce just before serving also brings a punchy kick to your High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a comforting weeknight dinner that truly delivers, these High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls deserve a spot on your menu. They bring together all the best parts of a deli classic—cheesy, hearty, satisfying—and make it easy to enjoy anytime. Give them a try, and discover just how craveable healthy comfort food can be!

High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

These High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, featuring savory marinated steak, colorful bell peppers, and creamy melted cheese served over garlic parmesan rice. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a flavorful dinner option.

Instructions

Marinate the Steak: Thinly slice the sirloin and coat it with the marinade ingredients. Set aside to marinate.
Cook the Veggies: Cook onions and bell peppers until softened. Season and set aside.

Make the Garlic Rice: Cook garlic in butter, then add cooked rice, chili flakes, parmesan, and parsley.
Sear the Steak: Sear marinated steak until browned.
Combine Everything: Mix cooked veggies, steak, cheese slices, milk, and cheddar until melted.

Serve & Enjoy: Serve the cheesy steak mixture over garlic parmesan rice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g

Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak, Rice Bowl, High Protein, Steak, Cheese, Bell Peppers