philly cheese steak with mushrooms and onions meal prep idea

Introduction: Level Up Your Lunch Game with Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep!

Craving that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor but want a healthier, pre-planned option? Look no further! This Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms and onions meal prep idea is your ticket to delicious and satisfying lunches (or dinners!) throughout the week. We’re taking the iconic flavors and making them meal-prep friendly, ensuring a convenient and tasty meal, even on the busiest days. Say goodbye to sad desk lunches and hello to flavor-packed goodness!

Meal Prep Mastery: Philly Cheesesteak Edition

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

The key to a great Philly cheesesteak meal prep starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what we recommend:

• Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye is traditional, but sirloin or even flank steak can work. Look for pre-sliced options to save time, or ask your butcher to slice it thinly.
• Onions: Yellow or white onions are perfect. Caramelize them for extra sweetness!
• Mushrooms: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms add an earthy flavor. You can also use white button mushrooms.
• Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice, but white American or even a pepper jack would work well.
• Bread: Sub rolls are traditional, but for meal prepping, consider using whole-wheat rolls or even ditching the bread altogether and serving the steak and veggies over rice or quinoa for a lower-carb option.
• Seasoning: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Preparing Your Philly Cheesesteak Components

1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the onions thinly and cook them over low heat in a skillet with a little olive oil until they are soft, sweet, and golden brown. This can take 20-30 minutes, but it’s worth the effort.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms and sauté them in a separate skillet with a little olive oil until they are tender and slightly browned.
3. Cook the Steak: In a hot skillet, quickly cook the thinly sliced steak until it’s browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Assembling Your Meal Prep Containers

Now comes the fun part: putting everything together!

• Bread Option: If using bread, lightly toast the sub rolls. Portion the steak, onions, and mushrooms into each roll, and top with cheese. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from getting soggy.
• No-Bread Option: If you’re going breadless, portion the steak, onions, and mushrooms into meal prep containers. Top with cheese. You can also add a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage is crucial for meal prep success:

• Storage: Store your assembled cheesesteaks in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating Bread Option: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave, but the bread may become slightly soggy.
• Reheating No-Bread Option: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet or oven.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick

Add some heat by including sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to your cheesesteak.

Cheesy Goodness Overload

Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, pepper jack, or even a cheese sauce.

Veggie Power-Up

Add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion: Your Meal Prep Game Just Leveled Up!

This Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms and onions meal prep idea is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic flavor combination throughout the week. By following these simple steps and customizing the recipe to your liking, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and healthy. So ditch the takeout and embrace the power of meal prep – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!