These ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are one of those quick, satisfying dinners we love to make as a team on a busy night. Using ground beef for that classic cheesesteak flavor keeps things simple and affordable, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are a quick, budget friendly twist on the classic American sandwich. Savory ground beef and tender sauteed onions, peppers, and mushrooms are seasoned, topped with melted provolone, and piled into soft hoagie rolls. Ready in about 35 minutes and easy to customize, these ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
What makes these ground beef Philly cheesesteaks so good is the savory beef, tender peppers and onions, and melted provolone, all the flavor of a classic cheesesteak in an easy, budget friendly sandwich.
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Watch how this ground beef philly cheesesteaks comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Classic flavor, made easy. These ground beef Philly cheesesteaks have all the flavor of the original.
- Budget friendly. Ground beef is more affordable than sliced steak.
- Quick to make. Ready in about 35 minutes for a satisfying meal.
- Customizable. Add your favorite vegetables and cheese.
- Hearty and filling. A satisfying sandwich that curbs any hunger.
What Makes This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks So Good
A classic Philly cheesesteak uses thinly sliced steak, but this budget friendly version swaps in ground beef for the same savory flavor with less time and cost.
Sauteed onions, peppers, and optional mushrooms bring sweetness and depth. Cooked until tender, they add the signature vegetable layer that makes a cheesesteak so satisfying.
Melted provolone over the seasoned beef is what makes it a cheesesteak. Covering the skillet lets the cheese melt right into the meat before it all gets spooned into a soft roll.
These sandwiches are served in soft hoagie rolls, the sturdy, pillowy bread that holds up to the hearty, cheesy filling.
Optional Pro Tip: Melty Cheese and Tender Veggies
Saute the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until tender and lightly caramelized before adding the beef. Taking a few extra minutes here builds the sweet, savory vegetable flavor that defines a great cheesesteak.
Melt the cheese right over the beef in the pan. Laying the cheese slices on the hot beef and covering the skillet lets the cheese melt into the meat, so every spoonful into the roll is gooey and cheesy.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Drain the beef. Remove excess grease so the filling is not greasy.
- Saute veggies well. Tender, caramelized veggies add the best flavor.
- Slice thinly. Thin onions and peppers cook quickly and evenly.
- Melt cheese in the pan. Cover the skillet so the cheese melts fully.
- Toast the rolls. A quick toast adds texture and holds up to the filling.
- Do not cut rolls through. Keep them hinged so the filling stays in.
- Season to taste. Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Use lean beef. An 80/20 blend gives flavor with less grease.
Variations and Add Ins
These ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are easy to adapt.
- Use ground turkey. A lighter swap for the beef.
- Switch the cheese. Provolone, white American, or cheddar all work.
- Add mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms add savory depth.
- Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeno.
- Make sliders. Serve in small slider rolls for parties.
- Add Cheez Whiz. For a classic Philly style, use Cheez Whiz.
- Serve over rice. Spoon the cheesy beef over rice or potatoes.
- Add garlic butter. Brush the rolls with garlic butter and toast.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the beef and vegetable mixture separately from the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them separate prevents soggy bread.
Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave until hot, then spoon it into fresh or toasted rolls. The filling also freezes well for up to two months.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
These ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are a hearty meal on their own, but classic sides make them even better. Crispy fries or potato chips are a natural, satisfying pairing.
For a lighter option, serve the sandwiches with a fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw. The crisp, cool sides balance the rich, cheesy beef nicely.
For a true Philly feel, add a side of pickled hot peppers and an ice cold drink. These bright, tangy extras complement the savory sandwich perfectly.
- With crispy fries. A classic, satisfying side.
- With a green salad. A fresh, light pairing.
- With coleslaw. A cool, crisp contrast.
- With pickled peppers. A bright, tangy bite.
Looking for another hearty comfort food dinner? Our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is an easy crowd pleaser to try next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use ground beef instead of steak?
Ground beef is more affordable and quicker to cook than thinly sliced steak, while still delivering that classic, savory cheesesteak flavor. It is a great budget friendly option.
What cheese is best for Philly cheesesteaks?
Provolone is a classic, melty choice. White American cheese and Cheez Whiz are also traditional, and cheddar works well too. Use whatever you like best.
What kind of rolls should I use?
Soft hoagie rolls are traditional and sturdy enough to hold the hearty filling. Sub rolls or slider rolls work too, depending on the size you want.
Do I have to add mushrooms?
No, mushrooms are optional. They add savory depth, but you can leave them out or add other vegetables like extra peppers or onions.
How do I get the cheese melty?
Lay the cheese slices over the hot beef, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet for a few minutes. The trapped heat melts the cheese right into the meat.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Make the beef and vegetable filling ahead and store it separately from the rolls. Reheat the filling and assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken make a lighter swap and work well with the same seasonings, peppers, onions, and cheese.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Store the filling separately from the rolls, and toast the rolls before adding the filling. Toasting creates a barrier that helps keep the bread from getting soggy.
What can I serve with them?
These ground beef Philly cheesesteaks pair well with crispy fries, potato chips, a green salad, coleslaw, or pickled hot peppers. These sides round out the hearty, satisfying meal.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes. The beef and vegetable filling freezes well for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat before spooning it into fresh rolls.
A Quick, Cheesy Classic
These ground beef Philly cheesesteaks deliver all the savory, cheesy comfort of the classic sandwich in a quick, budget friendly way. Seasoned beef, tender veggies, and melty provolone come together in a soft hoagie roll.
Easy enough for a busy weeknight and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite, they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Pile the cheesy filling into toasted rolls and dig in.
Love a warm, comforting dinner? Our slow cooker chicken stew is another cozy, satisfying favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium high.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and saute for about 3 to 5 minutes until tender, then, if using, add the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together well for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, place the cheese slices over the beef mixture, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- While the cheese melts, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Once the cheese has melted, spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into each roll.
- Toast the rolls for added texture before serving, if you like.
Nutrition
Notes
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