quick philly cheese steak skillet dinner for picky eaters

Introduction

Struggling to get your picky eaters to enjoy dinner? This Quick Philly Cheese Steak Skillet is a game-changer! It offers all the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a convenient, customizable, and kid-friendly format. Forget the hoagie rolls – this version is served over pasta, rice, or even eaten on its own, making it adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. Get ready for a family favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as sirloin or shaved steak)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 4 ounces provolone cheese slices (or mozzarella)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving (optional)

Making Your Quick Philly Cheese Steak Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook for another 3-5 minutes until softened.
4. Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables.
5. Top the steak and vegetable mixture with provolone cheese slices.
6. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread (or enjoy it on its own!).

Tips for Picky Eaters

The key to making this dish a success with picky eaters is customization! Here are some tips:

• Deconstruct the dish: Serve the steak, vegetables, and cheese separately and let your picky eaters choose what they want to eat.
• Omit the vegetables: If your child refuses vegetables, simply leave them out of their portion.
• Use mild cheese: If provolone is too strong, opt for mild cheddar or mozzarella.
• Cut the steak into smaller pieces: Easier for little ones to chew.
• Serve with familiar sides: Pair the skillet with sides your child already enjoys, such as French fries, tater tots, or fruit.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to change things up? Here are some ideas:

• Different cheese: Try using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
• Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a kick.
• Use ground beef or turkey: If you don’t have steak, ground beef or turkey work well too. Brown the ground meat and drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables.
• Low-carb option: Skip the pasta or rice and serve the skillet over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Creamy version: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

This Quick Philly Cheese Steak Skillet is a versatile and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite! So ditch the dinner drama and give this recipe a try – you might just be surprised at how much everyone enjoys it!