When you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, these Quick Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are your new best friend. Unlike traditional cheesesteaks that require thin slicing and careful searing, using ground beef means you can brown the meat and sauté your peppers and onions all in one go! This is the perfect "mess-free" meal for those hectic school nights when you're tempted to hit the drive-thru. In less time than it takes to get a delivery, you'll have toasted hoagies overflowing with melty, seasoned beef and veggies ready to go.
This easy ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to break the bank or require hours in the kitchen. Whether you're making a ground beef Philly cheesesteak skillet for a crowd or simple ground beef Philly cheesesteaks for a quick family dinner, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Ingredients for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- My Top Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Variations on Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Equipment for Making Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Storage Tips for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Adam's Tip for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- FAQ About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Budget-friendly comfort food. Using ground beef instead of ribeye makes this best ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe affordable for any family without sacrificing flavor.
- Ready in 25 minutes. This 30 minute ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe is perfect for hectic weeknights when you need dinner fast.
- One-pan simplicity. Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor from the one-pan skillet cooking method.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Simple pantry staples create restaurant-quality sandwiches at home.
What You'll Need
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or ground chuck)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls, split
- 12 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: spicy aioli or mayo for spreading
Why These Ingredients Matter
Ground chuck gives the best flavor. Using ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 or ground chuck) keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, mimicking the richness of traditional ribeye steak.
Bell peppers and onions are essential. The combination of sautéed bell peppers and onions is what makes this taste like an authentic Philly cheesesteak, adding sweetness and texture.
Worcestershire sauce adds depth. This Worcestershire sauce flavor boost brings umami and helps season the ground beef filling with that savory, slightly tangy kick that makes these cheesesteaks irresistible.
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Cook the vegetables. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add the garlic and seasonings. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the beef mixture is well seasoned.
- Melt the cheese. Reduce heat to low. Lay the provolone cheese slices over the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the provolone cheese melted completely into the beef.
- Toast the buns. While the cheese melts, brush the cut sides of the hoagie rolls with melted butter. Toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Spread with aioli (optional). If using, spread a thin layer of mayo or spicy aioli on the toasted buns.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Use a spatula to scoop generous portions of the cheesy ground beef filling with diced green peppers and onions onto the bottom half of each toasted hoagie roll.
- Top and serve. Place the top bun on each sandwich, press down gently, and serve these easy ground beef Philly cheesesteaks immediately while hot and melty.
- Enjoy! Serve with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a simple salad for a complete 25-minute quick dinner.
Quick Tip: Don't drain all the fat from the ground beef - leaving a little bit helps keep the mixture moist and adds flavor to the vegetables as they cook.
My Top Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Use quality hoagie rolls. A good sub roll or whole wheat rolls make a huge difference. Look for rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.
- Don't skip toasting the buns. Toasting with butter creates a crispy exterior that holds up to the juicy ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe filling.
- Get your veggies tender. Cook the bell peppers and onions until they're soft and starting to caramelize for the best flavor and texture.
- Mix the cheese in well. After the provolone cheese melted, stir it through the beef mixture so every bite is cheesy and delicious.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made these ground beef Philly cheesesteaks, Adam walked in and said, "Are we having real Philly cheesesteaks tonight?" I explained that we were using ground beef instead of sliced steak, and he looked skeptical. "Will it still taste good?" he asked. I let him help me stir the bell peppers and onions in the skillet, and when the provolone cheese started melting into the beef, his eyes lit up. "Mom, this smells amazing!" When he took his first bite, he grinned. "This is just as good as the real thing, maybe even better!"
Grandma Viola stopped by and watched me assemble the sandwiches. She smiled and said, "You know, when I was raising my kids, we didn't always have money for expensive cuts of meat. Ground beef was our friend, and we'd make all kinds of things with it. The secret to a good sandwich like this is getting those onions and peppers nice and soft. That sweetness balances the savory beef. And always toast your bread - nobody wants a soggy sandwich."
For more ground beef favorites, try our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Budget-friendly and delicious!
Substitutions for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version, though you may want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
- Provolone cheese: Use American cheese, mozzarella, or even Cheez Whiz for a different take on this classic.
- Hoagie rolls: Substitute with regular sub rolls, baguettes, or even hamburger buns in a pinch.
- Bell peppers: Use only green peppers, or add mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Variations on Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet (One-Pan Meal): Skip the buns and serve the cheesy beef and veggie mixture over rice or with crusty bread for a ground beef Philly cheesesteak skillet dinner.
- Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (Baked Version): Layer the cooked beef mixture in a baking dish with provolone, top with bread cubes, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes for a ground beef Philly cheesesteak casserole.
- Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Cream Cheese (Extra Creamy): Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the provolone for an ultra-rich ground beef Philly cheesesteak cream cheese version.
- Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes (Kid-Friendly): Mix everything together and serve on hamburger buns for easy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes that kids love.
- Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe (Comfort Food Mashup): Toss the cooked beef and veggie mixture with cooked penne pasta and extra cheese for a ground beef Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe.
If you're looking for more comfort food, check out our Hobo Casserole. Vintage favorite!
Equipment for Making Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Large skillet with lid: Essential for browning the ground beef, cooking the vegetables, and melting the cheese in this one-pan skillet cooking method.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring the bell peppers and onions.
- Sharp knife: For slicing the onions and bell peppers thinly and evenly.
- Small brush: For brushing melted butter on the hoagie rolls before toasting.
- Second skillet or broiler pan: For toasting the sub rolls to golden perfection.
Storage Tips for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked ground beef filling separately from the buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooled beef mixture (without the cheese) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat, then add fresh cheese.
- Make-ahead tip: Cook the beef and vegetable mixture up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready to assemble the sandwiches.
- Reheating tip: Reheat the ground beef filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then add cheese and let it melt before serving on fresh toasted buns.
For another quick dinner, try our Cajun Sausage Pasta. Done in 30 minutes!
Adam's Tip for Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
"Make sure you get lots of that melted cheese in every bite! And when you're toasting the buns, watch them really carefully because they can burn super fast. The crispy, buttery bread is my favorite part!"
FAQ About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Can you use ground beef for Philly cheesesteak?
Yes, absolutely! Using ground beef for Philly cheesesteak is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to traditional thinly sliced ribeye. While classic Philly cheesesteaks use ribeye or top round steak, ground beef (especially ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio) gives you all those savory, beefy flavors at a fraction of the cost. The key is seasoning the ground beef well with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices to build depth of flavor. When you combine the seasoned ground beef filling with sautéed bell peppers and onions and top it with provolone cheese melted to perfection, you get a sandwich that's just as satisfying as the original. This simple ground beef Philly cheesesteaks version has become a family favorite because it's easy, affordable, and delicious.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground chuck?
You can use regular ground beef instead of ground chuck, but ground chuck is preferred for this ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe. Ground chuck typically has an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio, which means it stays juicy and flavorful as it cooks, similar to the richness you'd get from ribeye steak. Regular ground beef can vary in fat content - leaner options like 90/10 will work but may result in drier meat that lacks the same depth of flavor. If you use leaner ground beef, consider adding an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beef broth to keep the mixture moist. The fat content helps carry the seasonings and creates that rich, savory taste that makes these easy ground beef Philly cheesesteaks so crave-worthy.
What type of beef is best for Philly cheesesteak?
For traditional Philly cheesesteaks, thinly sliced ribeye is considered the gold standard because of its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. However, for this ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe, ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio is the best choice. The higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out during cooking, and it closely mimics the richness of ribeye at a much lower price point. If you prefer a healthier ground beef Philly cheesesteak, you can use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef, but be sure to add extra seasonings and don't overcook it. The beauty of this best ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe is that it transforms an affordable ingredient into something that tastes gourmet when combined with the right seasonings, vegetables, and that perfect provolone cheese melted on top.
What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?
The secret ingredient in this ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe is Worcestershire sauce. This savory, slightly tangy condiment adds incredible depth and umami flavor to the ground beef, helping it taste richer and more complex. The Worcestershire sauce flavor boost mimics the natural savoriness you'd get from high-quality ribeye steak. Additionally, the combination of properly caramelized bell peppers and onions is crucial - cooking them until they're soft and sweet creates that authentic Philly cheesesteak taste. Some people also swear by using the right cheese (traditional choices include provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz) and making sure it's completely melted into the beef mixture. Finally, toasting the hoagie rolls with butter creates a crispy exterior that holds up to the juicy filling, making every bite perfect in this 30 minute ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe.
For more cheesesteak inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Dinner shouldn't be a chore, and this 30-minute ground beef Philly is here to make your life easier. It's a one-skillet wonder that delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup, which is a win in any busy parent's book! If this recipe saved your weeknight, be sure to give it a 5-star rating and share it with a friend who needs a quick meal idea. Before you go, tell me: are you a "Provolone" purist, or do you go all-in with the "Cheez Whiz" for that authentic Philly vibe?
Whether you make it as a skillet dinner, a casserole, or classic sandwiches, this versatile recipe delivers every time. The best part? Everyone from picky kids to hungry adults will be reaching for seconds. For more easy dinners, try our Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks:
recipe
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid A lid helps melt the cheese evenly
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small brush For buttering the hoagie rolls
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef 80/20 or ground chuck for best flavor
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 hoagie rolls split
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until fragrant.
- Lower the heat, layer provolone cheese over the beef mixture, cover, and let melt completely.
- Brush hoagie rolls with melted butter and toast until golden.
- Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted rolls and serve warm.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version, but add extra seasoning for flavor
- Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- This recipe can be turned into a skillet meal, casserole, or sloppy joes for variety
- Serve with fries, a green salad, or fruit for a balanced family dinner
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