Ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are a quicker, easier twist on the classic sandwich. Instead of thinly sliced steak, I use seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and loads of melted cheese—all piled onto a toasted hoagie roll. It’s the same bold flavor and melty goodness, with less prep and no slicing required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this version because it gives me all the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. Ground beef cooks quickly and soaks up all the savory flavor from the onions, peppers, and seasoning. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the gooey cheese pull? Always a win.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Onion, thinly sliced
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Green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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Garlic, minced
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Worcestershire sauce
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
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Provolone cheese or American cheese (sliced or shredded)
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Optional: mushrooms, banana peppers, or hot sauce
Directions
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I start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. I drain any excess fat.
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I add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet and cook until they’re soft and starting to caramelize, about 7–10 minutes.
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I stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, letting everything cook together for a couple more minutes.
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I reduce the heat and layer cheese slices over the beef mixture. I cover the skillet for a minute to let the cheese melt, then stir everything together.
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I toast the hoagie rolls if I want extra crunch, then fill them with generous scoops of the cheesy beef mixture.
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I serve hot, maybe with a side of fries or chips.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap provolone for pepper jack or cheddar for a spicy or sharper flavor. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms or banana peppers to the mix for a twist. If I want a lower-carb version, I serve the mixture in lettuce wraps or over a bed of rice or roasted veggies. For an even cheesier finish, I melt extra cheese on top in the oven before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts. I toast fresh rolls before serving again to bring back that crisp texture. I don’t recommend storing assembled sandwiches—they’ll get soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the beef and veggie filling ahead, then reheat and assemble the sandwiches fresh when I’m ready to eat.
What’s the best cheese for Philly cheesesteaks?
Provolone is classic, but I’ve also used American cheese or even Cheese Whiz for that gooey, melty finish.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, I let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw and reheat before serving.
What kind of bread works best?
I usually use hoagie rolls or sub rolls—something sturdy enough to hold the juicy filling without falling apart.
Is this the same as a traditional Philly cheesesteak?
Not exactly. The original uses thinly sliced ribeye, but this ground beef version is quicker, easier, and just as satisfying in my opinion.
Conclusion
Ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are a fast, flavorful way to enjoy a classic sandwich without the fuss. The seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese all come together for a comforting, crave-worthy meal. Whether I’m feeding the family or making lunch for myself, this recipe is always a hit.
Print
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Ground beef Philly cheesesteaks are a faster, easier twist on the classic sandwich. Juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese are piled into toasted hoagie rolls for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 8 slices provolone or American cheese
- Optional: sliced mushrooms, banana peppers, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 7–10 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat. Layer cheese slices over the beef mixture, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt. Stir to combine.
- Toast hoagie rolls if desired, then fill them generously with the beef mixture.
- Serve hot with fries, chips, or a side of choice.
Notes
- Use pepper jack or cheddar for a different flavor twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or banana peppers for extra flavor.
- Serve in lettuce wraps or over rice for a low-carb version.
- Melt additional cheese on top under the broiler for an extra-cheesy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
