This easy, at-home Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is a game-changer! Perfect for spicing up lunch or dinner, it’s kid-friendly and absolutely delicious. Our version is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite.
Table of Contents
- What is the History of Philly Cheesesteaks?
- Why We Love This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
- The Components of a Philly Cheesesteak with Ground Beef
- How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
- Alternative Cooking Method
- Looking for a Low-Carb Option?
- Variations
- Common Questions About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Other Sandwich Recipes to Try
- Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
What is the History of Philly Cheesesteaks?
A Philly cheesesteak is a type of sandwich that is popular in Philadelphia. It is fairly often credited to two brothers who are said to have come up with the sandwich in South Philly in the 1930s. The two brothers were Pat and Harry Olivieri, and their sandwich soon gained popularity across the US.
Usually, this sandwich is made of sliced rib eye or top round, and the cheese of choice in Philadelphia is actually Cheez Whiz.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
We love this variation on the traditional Philly cheesesteak because it’s a simple and easy recipe that anyone can make! We’ve replaced beefsteak with ground beef so it’s a cinch to whip up. You could say it’s sort of a Philly Cheesesteak sloppy Joe!
Also, instead of cooking this on a griddle, we cook the meat and veggies in a pan and then bake the sandwich. That way, everything cooks evenly, and it’s super easy to make for a crowd.
This recipe is a perfect at-home variation of a classic, and we think you’re going to love it if you can’t get to Philly for the traditional kind!
The Components of a Philly Cheesesteak with Ground Beef
As we mentioned above, we used ground beef for this sandwich. It’s an accessible, tasty alternative to beefsteak, and we think it adds a little pizazz to the sandwich! For vegetables, we’re using green pepper and onion, two total cheesesteak classics.
We slather the bread in mayo and replace the Cheez Whiz with provolone, which is going to taste so delicious when it melts into the beef.
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
- In a pan on medium-high heat, add ground beef. Brown until no longer pink; drain the fat.
- Add onion, green pepper, steak seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper to a pan and sauté.
- Mix cornstarch and broth in a measuring cup, then add the beef mixture to the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Slather the bottom of the loaf with mayonnaise, then layer with four slices of provolone.
- Add the meat and veggie mixture on top, layering four more slices of provolone on top.
- Add the top of the bread, also slathered in mayo, to make a sandwich.
- Wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
- Slice the sandwich into slices and serve immediately.
Alternative Cooking Method
We like finishing this sandwich in the oven because it skips the steps of having to toast the bread and melt the cheese. But if you want to keep it on the stovetop, that’s an option too! Here’s how to do it.
- Prepare the beef mixture completely on the stovetop as directed.
- Toast the hoagie rolls if you want them warm.
- Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low, layer the provolone over the mixture, and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Then add the filling to the hoagie rolls and serve.
Looking for a Low-Carb Option?
Try our Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers recipe, too! It has all the savory, cheesy flavor you love, but we swapped the bread with bell peppers for a nutritious, low-carb meal.
Variations
- Spicy – Add some heat with banana peppers or hot cherry peppers.
- Cheese – Swap out the provolone for another cheese. Mozzarella or Pepper Jack are great options. Or for a Philly favorite, try Cooper Sharp.
- Veggies – Mushrooms are a great option for cheesesteaks. They add extra umami flavor and can add bulk to your beef mixture.
Common Questions About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
The secret is not overcooking the beef and using meat with around 80/20 fat content for better flavor and moisture. Cooking the meat with onions helps keep things juicy, and some cooks even add a splash of beef broth while cooking to maintain moisture and boost flavor.
The classic combo is sautéed onions and bell peppers, but some people add mushrooms for extra umami goodness. Hot cherry peppers or banana peppers can add awesome tang and heat, too.
You can totally prep the seasoned ground beef mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then warm it up in a skillet, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep things moist.
Toasting the rolls first creates a barrier against moisture, and letting the meat mixture drain slightly before adding it to the bread helps too. Some people even spread a thin layer of mayo on the roll first, which creates an extra moisture barrier while adding flavor.
Traditionally, an authentic Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced beef, not ground beef. However, ground beef is a great option for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired sandwich, offering the same savory flavors in an easy, budget-friendly filling that comes together quickly!
Other Sandwich Recipes to Try
Searching for more simple sandwiches that are packed full of flavor? Here are a few of our other favorites!
Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Plus, if you loved this take on a Philly Cheesesteak, try our Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake!
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Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients
- 24 ounces lean pounds beef
- 1 onion sliced
- 3 cloves grated garlic
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large French bread loaf or choice of bread
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8-12 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- In a pan over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Brown until no longer pink, then drain the fat.24 ounces lean pounds beef
- Add onion, garlic, green pepper, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper to a pan and sauté.1 green pepper, 1 onion, 1 tablespoon steak seasoning, 3 cloves grated garlic, Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix cornstarch and broth in a measuring cup, then add to the beef mixture in the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- Slather the bottom of the loaf with mayonnaise, then layer with four slices of provolone.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 large French bread loaf or choice of bread
- Add the meat and veggie mixture on top, layering four more slices of provolone on top.8-12 slices provolone cheese
- Add the top of the bread, also slathered in mayo, to make a sandwich.
- Wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
- Slice the sandwich into slices and serve immediately.
Video
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made the recipe this weekend and it was a hit with the family! They asked I add this to our repertoire.
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out, Nelly!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa