How To Make The Best Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

Craving a classic Philly cheesesteak but want something quicker, easier, and just as satisfying? The ground beef Philly cheese steak sandwich is the answer. This recipe delivers all the bold, savory flavors of a traditional beef cheese steak—thinly sliced beef, gooey cheese, sautéed peppers and onions—but swaps in budget-friendly ground beef for a faster, more accessible twist.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime comfort food cravings hit, this sandwich is juicy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick meal idea, this ground beef cheesesteak version will hit the spot. And if you’re a fan of hearty, messy favorites like Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, you’ll love what’s in store.

Quick Recipe Card: Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 4 sandwiches

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or frying pan
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula
  
• Knife and cutting board
  
• Measuring spoons
  
• Toaster or oven (for rolls)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• Salt and black pepper to taste
  
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or preferred melty cheese)
  
• 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

Calories: 520 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 34g | Fat: 30g

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even browning. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   Incorporate olive oil or butter into the skillet with the beef. Toss in the onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.
   
3. Season and Flavor
   Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir well. Add Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor, then mix everything together. Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes.
   
4. Melt the Cheese
   Lay the slices of provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into the meat and veggies.
   
5. Toast the Rolls
   While the cheese melts, toast your hoagie rolls in the oven or toaster until golden and crispy.
   
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
   Spoon the cheesy beef and veggie mixture into each toasted roll. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers. Mushrooms add an earthy taste that pairs wonderfully with the ground beef Philly cheese steak.
  
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. This will give your beef cheese steak a zesty twist.
  
• Switch Up the Cheese: While provolone is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  
• Make It a Sloppy Joe: For a fun twist, turn your ground beef cheesesteak into Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes. Simply add a bit more Worcestershire sauce, and serve it with extra sauce on a hamburger bun for a messy, irresistible meal.
  
• Meal Prep: This recipe works great for meal prepping. Make a double batch of the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve with fresh rolls when you’re ready.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Fries: Serve your ground beef Philly cheese steak with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort food meal.
  
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of the cheesy beef. It’s an excellent side dish that adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
  
• Pickles: A few pickle slices on the side will give your sandwich an extra crunch and a nice acidic contrast to the savory flavors.
  
• Salad: For a lighter option, pair your beef cheese steak with a side salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing way to balance out the hearty sandwich.
  
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Wash it all down with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade, which will complement the richness of the sandwich.

Conclusion

There you have it—the best ground beef Philly cheese steak sandwich that’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, craving a quick lunch, or serving up something special for friends, this recipe won’t disappoint. The combination of juicy ground beef, sautéed veggies, melted cheese, and toasted rolls creates a satisfying sandwich everyone will love.

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy the iconic flavors of a classic beef cheese steak without the need for thinly sliced beef. And for a fun twist, try turning it into Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes—it’s a messier, equally delicious take on the traditional sandwich.

So, fire up your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

FAQ: Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

1. Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?
While lean ground beef is an option, using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) will give you a juicier and more flavorful ground beef Philly cheese steak. The fat helps keep the beef tender and adds richness to the sandwich.

2. What’s the best cheese for a Philly cheese steak?
Traditionally, provolone or American cheese is used, but feel free to experiment. Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar also work great. Choose a cheese that melts well to achieve that classic cheesy texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The ground beef cheesesteak filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the filling and toast the rolls before assembling the sandwiches.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy twist, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular hoagie rolls for gluten-free buns. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

6. What sides go well with Philly cheesesteaks?
Popular sides include crispy fries, coleslaw, pickles, or even a simple green salad. Anything with a bit of crunch or tang will complement the rich flavors of the sandwich.