Chili Cheese Steaks
Juicy beef steaks topped with flavorful chili spices and melted cheddar cheese create a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a cup, combine flour, salt, chili powder, and pepper.
- Trim excess fat from the beef round steak.
- Cut the steak into six pieces.
- Place the meat on a board and sprinkle with the flour mixture.
- Pound the flour mixture into the meat on both sides.
- In a skillet, melt shortening over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until tender.
- Add the tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the beef pieces to a baking dish.
- Pour the tomato and onion mixture over the meat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef steak in a mixture of the spices and some vinegar for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute ground beef for the steak if you're looking for a quicker preparation. If you want a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Chili cheese steaks are delicious served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or rice. This dish also pairs beautifully with Easy Skillet Beef Stroganoff for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chili cheese steaks in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Cheese Steaks contains roughly 497 calories, with 30g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1360mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or sirloin, but be aware that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the meat. Just ensure the steak is tender enough to absorb the flavors of the chili and cheese.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of the tomato mixture for a different flavor profile, and keep the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its strong flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different taste. Just ensure the cheese melts well to achieve that gooey topping.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).