Indulge in the rich flavors of our Steak and Cheese Skillet recipe—a hearty dish that blends tender beef steak, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a zesty sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for any night of the week, this comforting meal promises to satisfy your cravings with every bite.
Ingredients :
- 2 ½ tablespoons canola oil, divided
- 1 ½ lbs beef steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup brandy
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- ⅓ cup ketchup, preferably low or no sugar
- 1 ½ cups provel ropes or grated provolone cheese
Directions:
- Searing the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef steak pieces on all sides. Set aside the steak, covered, to keep warm.
- Cooking the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of canola oil. Sauté chopped onions and julienned bell peppers until lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the beef.
- Preparing the Sauce:
- Reduce heat, add remaining canola oil, and cook minced garlic. Deglaze with brandy, reducing it by half. Stir in grated ginger, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mirin, sriracha, and ketchup. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combining and Baking:
- Return beef, onions, and peppers to the skillet. Coat evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle provel ropes or provolone cheese over the mixture.
- Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes until cheese melts. Broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let the skillet rest before serving hot.
Serving and Storage Tips :
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the skillet just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Accompany with Bread: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to sop up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
- Individual Servings: Serve directly from the skillet at the table for a cozy and communal dining experience.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Steak and Cheese Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the cheese may change upon thawing. If freezing, cool the skillet completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat portions gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking the steak or drying out the cheese.
- Individual Portions: Consider dividing leftovers into individual servings before refrigerating or freezing for easier reheating.
- Storing Sauce: If storing separately, keep the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving with reheated portions of the skillet.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Steak and Cheese Skillet at its best, whether freshly made or as a convenient leftover meal.
Variations :
- Mushroom and Swiss Variation:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onions. Substitute provolone cheese with Swiss cheese for a nutty, melty flavor.
- Tex-Mex Twist:
- Season steak with taco seasoning before searing. Replace bell peppers with diced tomatoes and jalapeños. Top with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.
- Italian-Inspired Version:
- Use Italian seasoning on the steak and add sliced sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Replace provolone cheese with mozzarella and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan before baking.
- Asian Fusion Style:
- Marinate steak in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking. Add stir-fried snap peas, carrots, and water chestnuts to the skillet. Top with a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Eggplant and Zucchini:
- Substitute steak with sliced eggplant and zucchini rounds. Sauté with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Layer with marinara sauce and a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses before baking.
- Breakfast Skillet:
- Use diced breakfast sausage or bacon instead of steak. Add diced potatoes and bell peppers. Top with scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa or hot sauce.
- Seafood Twist:
- Replace steak with shrimp or diced fish fillets. Sauté seafood with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Top with a mixture of cream cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
- Greek-Inspired Variation:
- Season steak with oregano and lemon zest. Add sliced black olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts to the skillet. Top with crumbled feta cheese before baking.
- Low-Carb Option – Cauliflower Rice Skillet:
- Replace steak with diced chicken breast. Sauté with cauliflower rice, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Top with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Vegan Alternative – Tofu and Vegetable Skillet:
- Substitute steak with cubed firm tofu. Sauté tofu with bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Top with dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast before baking.
These variations offer creative ways to customize your Steak and Cheese Skillet to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re craving a spicy Tex-Mex dish or a light and refreshing Mediterranean twist, there’s a variation to satisfy every palate.
FAQs :
1. Can I substitute the brandy in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use beef broth or red wine as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
2. What is mirin, and can I skip it?
- Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds depth to the sauce. You can substitute with a mixture of sugar and rice vinegar if needed.
3. How spicy is this dish with sriracha?
- The sriracha adds a mild to moderate level of spice. Adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack based on your taste preferences.
5. How do I know when the steak is cooked through?
- Steak should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- You can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before baking to ensure the cheese melts perfectly.
7. What sides go well with Steak and Cheese Skillet?
- Serve with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad to complement the hearty flavors.
8. How should leftovers be stored?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Ensure the soy sauce and other ingredients used are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
10. Can I make this dish without an oven-proof skillet?
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking if your skillet isn’t oven-proof.
Enjoy the deliciousness of Steak and Cheese Skillet, a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite for its robust flavors and easy preparation. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, it’s a meal that satisfies every time!
With these versatile variations, you can transform the classic Steak and Cheese Skillet into a range of delicious dishes to suit any occasion or palate. Whether you opt for a Tex-Mex flair, Mediterranean twist, or a comforting Italian-inspired version, each variation promises to deliver hearty flavors and satisfying meals. Explore and enjoy the possibilities with this adaptable recipe!