If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, the Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak is about to become your new go-to. This twist on a classic Philly favorite captures all the bold, melty goodness you love, but with the simplicity of ground beef for a weeknight-friendly meal. Juicy beef, tender onions and peppers, gooey provolone, and a golden hoagie roll create a sandwich that’s completely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for the ultimate sandwich upgrade, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and that signature cheesesteak look you crave. Here’s what goes into the perfect Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak:
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for juiciness, but leaner works too if you prefer less fat.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Onion: Sliced thin, it caramelizes and brings natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Green bell pepper: Classic for color and a pop of mild, fresh crunch.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves take the flavor to the next level.
- Salt: Essential for bringing everything together and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- Smoked paprika: For a hint of smokiness that sets this version apart.
- Hoagie rolls: Soft, sturdy rolls are the perfect vessel for all that cheesy, beefy goodness.
- Provolone cheese: Melts smoothly and brings that signature stretch to every bite.
- Hot sauce (optional): If you like a kick, a drizzle of hot sauce is the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Browning the beef gives it a deep, savory flavor and a little crispy texture on the edges. This step takes about 5 to 6 minutes, and if there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it to keep your sandwich from getting soggy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With the beef still in the skillet, add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. The vegetables will soften and become aromatic, mingling with the beef and taking on all those flavorful spices. Stir frequently and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Prep the Rolls and Cheese
While the beef and veggies finish cooking, preheat your broiler. This is the secret to getting that perfectly melted, bubbly cheese on top! Slice your hoagie rolls if they’re not already split, and have your provolone cheese ready to go. The magic happens fast once everything comes together.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Divide the hot beef mixture evenly among the four hoagie rolls. Top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. The heat from the beef will already start to melt the cheese, but broiling takes it over the top.
Step 5: Broil and Serve
Place the open sandwiches on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for just 1 or 2 minutes. Keep a close eye—once the cheese is melted and bubbly, they’re ready! Serve your Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches immediately, and don’t forget the hot sauce if you like things spicy.
How to Serve Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak
Garnishes
A classic Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak is already loaded with flavor, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the top adds a pop of color and freshness. If you love heat, a few pickled banana peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce are perfect finishing touches. For the cheese lovers, an extra sprinkle of shredded provolone or mozzarella won’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
These sandwiches are super satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right side makes the meal even more special. Try them with crispy oven fries, a tangy coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance out all that cheesy, meaty richness. Potato chips or pickles are classic, too, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, turn the Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak mixture into sliders using mini rolls or serve the filling over baked potatoes for a fun twist. You can even pile the beef and cheese on top of nachos or stuff it into bell peppers for a lighter, gluten-free option. However you serve it, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover beef and veggie mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the filling and rolls separate so the bread doesn’t get soggy. It makes for fantastic next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak filling freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a sandwich fix, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist. Then assemble your sandwiches and broil with cheese right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make delicious lighter alternatives and still deliver plenty of flavor. You can also try ground pork for a richer, slightly sweeter taste.
What kind of cheese works best if I don’t have provolone?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, white American cheese, or even pepper jack are all fantastic options that melt beautifully and complement the beefy filling.
Can I make this Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free hoagie rolls or bread. The beef and veggie filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
How can I add extra veggies to this recipe?
Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, red bell peppers, or even spinach along with the onions and green peppers. It’s a great way to bulk up the filling and sneak in more color and nutrients.
Is there a way to make this spicy?
Definitely. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef as it cooks, or top your sandwiches with sliced jalapeños or a generous drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s satisfying, quick, and guaranteed to please, give this Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak a try. With its melty cheese, savory beef, and crisp veggies, it’s a sandwich that turns any night into something special. Grab those rolls and get cooking—your new favorite cheesesteak awaits!
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Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak using ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone cheese on toasted hoagie rolls. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings or protein substitutions.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Bread and Cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Optional
- Hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the browned beef. Sauté the mixture for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Prepare to Broil: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Divide the beef and vegetable mixture evenly among the hoagie rolls, spreading it out nicely to fill each sandwich.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Top each filled hoagie roll with a slice of provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Keep a close watch to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and becomes bubbly without burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove the sandwiches from the broiler and serve immediately. Optionally, add a few dashes of hot sauce on top for an extra kick of flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this sandwich.
- Add mushrooms or banana peppers to the sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for sandwiches or wraps.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free hoagie rolls or sandwich buns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop/Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
