Few meals deliver the same bold, cheesy, and savory flavors as a Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. This hearty sandwich takes all the iconic elements of the classic Philly cheesesteak—melted provolone, sautéed onions, peppers, and tender beef—and makes it more approachable using ground beef. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe guarantees the flavors of Philadelphia with just a skillet and simple pantry ingredients.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef instead of steak, making it affordable without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, switch up the cheese, or toast the hoagie rolls for variety.
- Family-Friendly: A cheesy, meaty sandwich everyone will love.
- Meal-Prep Ready: The filling reheats beautifully for leftovers or packed lunches.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Great for game day, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make delicious ground beef Philly cheesesteak sandwiches:
- 1 pound ground beef – Lean beef (85–90%) works best for rich flavor without excess grease.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced – Adds sweetness when caramelized.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced – Brings freshness and crunch.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional) – Enhances umami depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses subtle aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Provides tangy, savory depth.
- Salt & black pepper – Balance and season the filling.
- 4 slices provolone cheese – Classic choice; mozzarella or white American cheese also work.
- 4 hoagie rolls – Soft rolls that hold all the cheesy filling.
- Olive oil – For sautéing vegetables and beef.
💡 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free rolls for a gluten-free cheesesteak.
- For extra richness, try Cheez Whiz or a homemade cheese sauce instead of provolone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own skillet Philly-style ground beef sandwich at home:
- Heat the Pan
Add a drizzle of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. - Cook the Vegetables
Add sliced onions and peppers. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened. If using mushrooms, add them and cook an additional 3 minutes until golden. - Brown the Beef
Push vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink (5–7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula. - Season the Mixture
Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes so the flavors meld. - Melt the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Place cheese slices on top of the beef mixture. Cover with a lid and let it melt (2–3 minutes). - Prepare the Rolls
Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving one side intact. For extra crunch, toast them lightly. - Assemble the Sandwiches
Fill each roll generously with the cheesy beef and vegetable mixture. - Serve Hot
Pair with fries, chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
👉 Sensory cues: onions should be caramelized and slightly golden, beef browned but still juicy, and cheese fully melted with a creamy pull.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
How do you keep Philly cheesesteaks from getting soggy?
Toast the rolls before assembling and avoid overloading with sauce. A quick broil gives extra crunch.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Cook the beef mixture, refrigerate up to 3 days, and reheat before filling rolls. Keep bread separate until serving.
What cheese works best besides provolone?
Mozzarella, white American, or even pepper jack for spice. Each melts differently but complements the beef.
Should I drain the beef?
If using fatty beef, drain excess grease to avoid greasy sandwiches. With lean ground beef, this step may not be necessary.
Best Ways to Serve
This skillet Philly cheesesteak recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges.
- Coleslaw for freshness.
- Roasted vegetables as a balanced side.
- A side salad like Apple Spinach Salad.
For parties, cut the sandwiches into halves or thirds for cheesy ground beef Philly subs that serve more guests.
Nutrition Information (per sandwich)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
(Values vary depending on bread, cheese, and portion sizes.)
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store beef mixture in airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked beef and veggies (without bread) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of broth if dry. Toast rolls separately for best texture.
FAQs About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Q1: Can I make Philly cheesesteaks in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes—assemble rolls with filling, wrap in foil, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to melt cheese evenly.
Q2: Is ground beef authentic for Philly cheesesteaks?
Traditionally, shaved ribeye is used, but ground beef cheesesteak sandwiches are a faster, budget-friendly twist.
Q3: Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead of hoagie rolls.
Q4: What’s the difference between cheesesteaks and sloppy joes?
Cheesesteaks feature melted cheese and sautéed vegetables, while sloppy joes use tomato-based sauce.
Q5: What are the best rolls to use?
Hoagie rolls or amorphous Italian rolls work best since they’re soft yet sturdy.
Recipe Variations
- Diet-Friendly: Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Cheeseburger Fusion: Top with cheddar for a cheeseburger-style hoagie.
- Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
- Regional Style: Try a Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe variation with ketchup-based sauce.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying sandwich, these Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are the answer. They capture the essence of the classic Philly while being quick, affordable, and versatile enough for weeknights or game day feasts.
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Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks – The Ultimate Comfort Sandwich
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
– 4 slices provolone cheese (or any cheese of your preference)
– 4 hoagie rolls
– Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
Creating the amazing Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks involves straightforward steps that will guide you through the process:
1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high.
2. Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender. If using, add mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
3. Brown the Beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the pan. Break apart and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together properly for about 2 minutes.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place a slice of cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Prepare the Rolls: While the cheese is melting, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cheese has melted, spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into each roll.
8. Serve Hot: Optionally, toast the rolls for added texture before serving.
These steps are designed to help you create the ultimate Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks filled with rich flavors and satisfying textures.