High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with protein, these High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls are an absolute game changer. Imagine tender, thinly sliced sirloin steak infused with a savory marinade, paired with sweet sautéed peppers and onions, and all smothered in a luscious blend of reduced-fat cheese and creamy sauce. Served on a fluffy bed of garlic parmesan rice that brings out every flavor, this dish hits all the right notes—rich, satisfying, and perfect for fueling your day with hearty goodness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, these bowls bring together the classic Philly cheesesteak tastes with a wholesome twist you’ll adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to these High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls tasting like a winner. Each element plays a crucial role—from the quality of the sirloin to the fresh bell peppers and the way the cheeses melt into a silky sauce. It’s a simple set of ingredients that come together beautifully to create something truly special.
- 2000g raw top sirloin beef, shaved thin: Choose fresh sirloin for tenderness and maximum flavor.
- 3 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and vegetables perfectly.
- 3 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- 4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory notes that complement the beef.
- 4 tsp onion powder: Boosts the flavor profile with gentle sweetness.
- 140g Worcestershire sauce: Brings that iconic tangy umami essential for Philly cheesesteak.
- 6 tsp olive oil (optional): Lightly enhances cooking and adds richness.
- 40g light butter (for cooking): Provides lusciousness when cooking veggies and steak.
- 400g white onion, thinly sliced: Offers a natural sweetness when caramelized.
- 200g green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and fresh color.
- 200g red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Complements with sweetness and vibrancy.
- 1 tsp salt: For seasoning the vegetables perfectly.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Enhances the fresh veggies’ flavor.
- 16 reduced fat cheese slices: Melts beautifully without being too heavy.
- 500g 1% milk: Gives creaminess to the sauce with less fat.
- 200g low fat cheddar: Adds sharpness and melty goodness.
- 20g light butter: Used for extra creaminess in the cheese sauce.
- 50g minced garlic: Packs a punch in the garlic rice base.
- 520g uncooked basmati rice (approx. 1200g cooked): Light and fluffy, perfect for absorbing all the flavors.
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional): For a subtle heat kick if you like a bit of spice.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
- 120g grated parmesan: Brings a nutty depth to the garlic rice.
How to Make High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Begin by thinly slicing your top sirloin, then coat every single slice evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with layers of bold, savory flavor that will shine through every bite. Let it sit a little while so the steak can soak in all the goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In a large pan, melt 40 grams of light butter over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and the colorful green and red bell peppers. Sauté them gently until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then continue cooking for another 3 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness. Once tender and fragrant, remove the veggies from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Rice
Using the same pan, melt a touch more butter and cook the minced garlic just until fragrant—this step awakens the aroma and adds a rich undertone. Then stir in your cooked basmati rice, sprinkle on chili flakes if you want some heat, parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice becomes fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly aromatic. This garlic parmesan rice will be the comforting base that carries all the star flavors of your bowl.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Turn the heat up to medium-high and melt another portion of butter in the pan. Add your marinated steak strips and sear them for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the outside to develop a beautiful rich brown crust—this caramelization is where much of the flavor magic happens, locking in juices and giving that irresistible texture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Lower the heat to gentle warmth, then return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet with the steak strips. Add the reduced-fat cheese slices, milk, shredded cheddar, and 20 grams of light butter. Slowly stir everything together, allowing the cheese to melt evenly into a creamy sauce that coats the beef and veggies perfectly. Patience here rewards you with a silky, luscious mixture you won’t want to stop spooning.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Now for the best part: spoon generous portions of that cheesy steak and veggie mixture right over your bed of garlic parmesan rice. Serve while hot and dig in—each bite is a hearty explosion of comfort food with incredible protein power. These bowls are a celebration of flavor in every spoonful.
How to Serve High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls

Garnishes
To elevate your High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or extra grated parmesan on top. These simple touches add freshness and a bit of extra savory punch, making your bowls look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
If you want a complete meal experience, pair your bowls with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for crunch and color contrast. A light cucumber salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully to brighten the richness of your creamy cheesesteak bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cheesy steak mixture and rice in individual bowls with a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon to add a zesty lift. You can also layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a fun, portable twist that’s perfect for meal prep or lunch on-the-go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the rice from drying out. When ready to eat, a quick reheat will bring back all the comforting flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cheesy steak and vegetable mixture separately from the rice. Use freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Both components will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak mixture gently in a pan over low heat until it’s creamy and hot throughout. Heat the rice separately in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture. Then recombine and enjoy as if freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for these rice bowls?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can use ribeye or flank steak slices. Just ensure they’re thinly sliced to cook quickly and absorb the marinade well.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives or plant-based options. Nutritional yeast can add cheesy notes when making the garlic rice, and coconut oil or olive oil can substitute butter.
How spicy are these High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls?
The recipe includes optional chili flakes, so you can adjust the heat level to your preference. Without them, it’s mild and creamy, perfect for all tastes.
Can I prepare any parts of this meal in advance?
Definitely. You can marinate the steak and pre-cut your vegetables a few hours or even a day ahead. Cook the rice in advance for faster assembly during mealtime.
What makes this recipe “high protein” compared to regular cheesesteak bowls?
The generous amount of lean sirloin steak combined with the rich cheese and protein-packed rice base pumps up the overall protein content, making it a great option for muscle support and lasting energy.
Final Thoughts
Once you give these High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls a try, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort meal when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The blend of tender steak, creamy cheese sauce, vibrant veggies, and garlicky rice is truly special—and best of all, it’s packed with protein to keep you fueled. Invite some friends over or keep them all to yourself; either way, I promise this recipe will warm your heart and your appetite.
PrintHigh Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls Recipe
A hearty and flavorful High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowl combining marinated sirloin steak, sautéed peppers and onions, melted reduced-fat cheese, and garlic parmesan basmati rice for a satisfying, protein-rich meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 2000g raw top sirloin beef, shaved thin
- 3 tsp salt
- 3 tsp black pepper
- 4 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tsp onion powder
- 140g Worcestershire sauce
- 6 tsp olive oil (optional)
Vegetables
- 40g light butter (for cooking)
- 400g white onion, thinly sliced
- 200g green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 200g red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Cheese & Dairy
- 16 reduced fat cheese slices
- 500g 1% milk
- 200g low fat cheddar, shredded
- 20g light butter
Rice & Flavorings
- 50g minced garlic
- 520g uncooked basmati rice (approx. 1200g cooked)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 120g grated parmesan
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Thinly slice the sirloin beef and evenly coat it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil if using. Set aside to let the flavors soak in while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook the Veggies: Melt 40g light butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced white onions and green and red bell peppers. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, then cook another 3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Rice: In the same pan, melt 20g light butter and quickly cook the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked basmati rice, sprinkle with optional chili flakes, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan. Stir thoroughly until everything is heated through, fluffy, and well combined.
- Sear the Steak: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add butter to the pan and sear the marinated steak strips for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they develop a rich brown crust and cook through.
- Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the steak. Add the reduced fat cheese slices, 1% milk, and shredded low fat cheddar. Stir everything gently and continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: Spoon the cheesy steak and vegetable mixture over a bed of garlic parmesan rice. Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein meal.
Notes
- Use thinly shaved sirloin for best texture and quick cooking.
- Optional chili flakes add a mild heat, adjust according to preference.
- Reduced fat cheeses keep this recipe lighter while providing rich flavor.
- Ensure rice is cooked and cooled prior to adding for best texture.
- Substitute basmati rice with brown rice for higher fiber content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, high protein, rice bowl, steak, peppers, onions, cheesy sauce, healthy dinner, low fat recipe