Craving that classic, cheesy, savory Philly cheesesteak flavor but need a quick and budget-friendly weeknight meal? You’ve come to the right place. These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks deliver all the mouthwatering taste of the original but come together in under 30 minutes using affordable ground beef. It’s a game-changer for busy families and sandwich lovers everywhere.
This recipe transforms simple ground beef into a juicy, flavor-packed filling that rivals any steak-based version. We’ll perfectly toast the buns, sauté the veggies, and melt a glorious layer of provolone cheese over the top. Get ready to sink your teeth into your new favorite sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesesteak Recipe
Forget slicing expensive cuts of ribeye. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a cheesesteak craving without the extra time or expense.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have these incredible sandwiches on the table in about 25 minutes. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is significantly more affordable than traditional steak, making this a meal you can enjoy any time.
- Packed with Flavor: We use a simple blend of seasonings and a secret ingredient (Worcestershire sauce!) to create a deeply savory and beefy filling.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these cheesy, meaty sandwiches. It’s a guaranteed dinner winner.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create these incredible Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks.
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 ground chuck for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: The classic cheesesteak vegetable duo. We’ll slice them thin for quick cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a huge pop of flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret weapon for adding a deep, umami-rich, steak-like flavor to the ground beef.
- Provolone Cheese: The quintessential cheese for a Philly cheesesteak. Its mild flavor and perfect melt are unbeatable.
- Hoagie Rolls: A sturdy yet soft roll is key to holding all that delicious filling.
- Butter: For toasting the rolls to golden-brown perfection.
For a fun twist on this flavor profile, you might also love our Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe. It has all the same great tastes in a comforting pasta dish!
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect homemade cheesesteak experience. It’s a straightforward process that delivers delicious results every single time.
- Toast the Buns: Start by spreading softened butter on the inside of your hoagie rolls. Toast them in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set them aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil and cook your sliced onions and bell peppers until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Filling: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Melt the Cheese: Divide the beef and veggie mixture into four even portions in the skillet. Top each portion with two slices of provolone cheese. Let the cheese melt completely, which should only take a minute or two.
- Assemble and Serve: Use a spatula to scoop each cheesy portion into a toasted hoagie roll. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the BEST Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Want to elevate your sandwich game? Here are a few expert tips to ensure your ground beef cheesesteaks are absolutely perfect.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the ground beef until it’s just browned. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Chop, Don’t Crumble: As the beef cooks, use your spatula to chop it into smaller pieces rather than crumbling it finely. This creates a better, more steak-like texture.
- Toast Your Buns: This is a non-negotiable step! Toasting the buns with butter not only adds flavor but also helps prevent them from getting soggy from the juicy filling.
- Melt the Cheese Properly: After adding the cheese slices, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to trap steam and ensure a quick, even melt.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to customize it to your liking! Just like our Crack Chicken Sandwiches, this recipe is a great base for creativity.
- Switch Up the Cheese: While provolone is classic, Cheez Whiz is the other authentic choice. White American cheese also melts beautifully.
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a popular and delicious addition. Cook them along with the onions and peppers.
- Make it Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the cheesesteak filling in a bowl or over a bed of lettuce for a delicious low-carb meal.
What to Serve with Your Cheesesteaks
These hearty sandwiches are a meal in themselves, but they also pair wonderfully with classic sides. We love serving them with crispy french fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad. For something a little different, try serving them alongside our popular Spanish Rice Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Using ground beef is a fantastic and popular way to make a Philly cheesesteak. It’s quicker, more affordable, and creates a deliciously juicy filling that captures the classic flavor of the original.
To prevent a soggy sandwich, generously butter and toast the inside of your hoagie rolls before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bread crisp.
Feel free to customize your cheesesteak! Sautéed mushrooms are a very common addition. For a bit of heat, you can add pickled or fresh jalapeños. Some people also enjoy adding ketchup or mayonnaise.
The secret lies in three things: well-seasoned meat, perfectly sautéed onions and peppers, and a sturdy, toasted roll. Toasting the roll with butter is key, as it adds flavor and prevents the juicy filling from making the bread soggy.
Provolone is the most popular choice for its mild flavor and excellent melting qualities. However, white American cheese is another great option for a creamier melt, and Cheez Whiz is also a traditional favorite for an authentic experience.
The Ultimate Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
We know you’re going to love the simplicity and incredible flavor of this recipe. It’s a standout dish that proves you don’t need expensive steak for an amazing cheesesteak experience. If you try it, we’d love for you to leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks (The Easiest, Juiciest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spread softened butter on the inside of the hoagie rolls. Place them cut-side down in a large skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned (6-8 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove vegetables from the skillet.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Using your spatula, divide the mixture into four equal portions within the skillet. Place two slices of provolone cheese over each portion. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Carefully transfer each cheesy beef portion into a toasted hoagie roll. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't crowd the pan when cooking the vegetables or beef; use a large skillet to ensure proper browning.
