I had always struggled with using up ground beef from the freezer, then this recipe was born. This is a quick and easy weeknight meal low in carbs, Keto friendly, gluten and grain free and can all come together in just one pot. This Philly Cheesesteak Skillet is rich and satisfying and will be your next go when you only have a few minutes and even less patience. Whether you serve it on its own or with a slice of fresh sourdough, it’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but fuels your brain for stable mood and clean energy.

How this Philly Cheesesteak Skillet can nourish your brain and support overall health:

Sweet Peppers – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (both linked to anxiety and fatigue).
Yellow Onion & Garlic – Support your gut (and mood) with prebiotic fibers and antimicrobial properties, which help create a healthy environment for serotonin production.
Ground Beef – A powerhouse of bioavailable iron, vitamin B12, and zinc—nutrients essential for energy, focus, and nervous system function.
Mushrooms – A source of vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins, all of which support balanced mood and reduce symptoms of low energy.
Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese – Contains healthy fats and tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine (your motivation and pleasure neurotransmitter).

Are traditional Philly cheesesteaks healthy?

Traditional Philly cheesesteaks are delicious, but they’re not typically considered “healthy” in a holistic, whole-food sense. Classic versions use processed cheese, white bread rolls, and often lack vegetables. They’re high in saturated fats and refined carbs, and low in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—making them more of an indulgence than a nutrient-dense meal. However, with a few smart swaps (like grass-fed beef, whole veggies, and real cheese), you can transform the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak into a nourishing, balanced meal.

How to make Philly cheesesteaks healthy:

You can enjoy the essence of a Philly cheesesteak while supporting your mental health and energy by making a few key upgrades:

Swap cheese like food for real cheese like provolone or mozzarella for better fats and amino acids.
Add vegetables like sweet peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even spinach for fiber and antioxidants.
Use quality meat, ideally grass-fed beef, for better omega-3 content and essential nutrients like B12 and iron.
Go easy on the bread, or serve with sourdough, whole-grain rolls, or even skip it for a skillet-style bowl (like this)
Cook with olive oil or avocado oil instead of seed oils to support anti-inflammatory balance.

This approach keeps the meal satisfying and comforting, but much more supportive for your brain and body.

What meat is traditionally used in a Philly cheesesteak?

The classic Philly cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye steak. This cut is tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly on a hot griddle. Some variations may use top round or sirloin, but ribeye remains the gold standard for the traditional version. In this version we use ground beef to make it handy for busy weeknights.

What bread is traditionally used in a Philly cheesesteak?

A long, soft hoagie roll is the traditional bread of choice—specifically from local Philadelphia bakeries like Amoroso’s or Vilotti-Pisanelli. The bread is white, airy, and sturdy enough to hold the steak and cheese without falling apart, delicious-yes. But it’s not whole grain or nutrient-dense by default.

What is the history of the traditional Philly cheesesteak?

The Philly cheesesteak was invented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. Credit goes to Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to grill some beef and put it on an Italian roll. A passing cab driver caught the aroma, asked for the same, and the sandwich was born. Pat later opened Pat’s King of Steaks, which still operates today and is considered one of the original Philly cheesesteak spots.

How to make this ground beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet:

Ingredients:

2–3 sweet peppers, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 lb ground beef
1 pack sliced mushrooms
2–3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
6–10 oz provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded or chopped

Instructions:

Sauté sliced peppers and onion in a drizzle of oil over medium heat until soft and translucent. Set aside.
In the same pan, brown ground beef with sliced mushrooms until fully cooked.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Sauté about 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Return peppers and onions to the pan. Stir to combine.
Top with cheese, cover, and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve as-is or pair with fresh sourdough, rolls, or rice.

Crockpot Option:

Add all ingredients except cheese to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Add cheese on top just before serving and let it melt.
Stir, serve, and enjoy.

Want more recipes that help you feel like yourself again—clear-headed, grounded, and nourished? Check out other recipes from the Quiet Mind Kitchen or join my newsletter for more way to support metal health and stress tolerance.

With just minimal prep and chopping, this can be a great meal even if you dread cooking!

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