You know what is better than a fancy dinner? A dinner that tastes amazing but takes almost no effort. We all have those nights. You want something comforting. You want something cheesy. But you definitely do not want to spend hours in the kitchen.
That is where this Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe comes in to save the day. It is the ultimate comfort food hack. We are taking all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak and making it accessible for any home cook.
Most traditional recipes call for expensive ribeye steak. You have to slice it paper thin. It can be a hassle if you do not have the right knife skills. But this Easy Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe changes the game entirely.
We are swapping steak for ground beef. Yes, you heard that right. This Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich is easier on the wallet and just as delicious. It creates a sloppy joe style filling that is absolutely addictive.
Imagine savory beef mixed with tender onions and peppers. Now imagine it coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It gets piled high onto soft rolls. It is messy in the best way possible.
My family asks for this Philly Cheese Steak With Ground Beef constantly. It has become a staple in our weekly rotation. It is hearty enough for a winter meal but quick enough for a busy summer night.
Let me walk you through how to make this. You are going to be surprised at how simple it is. You might never go back to the steak version again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First off, it is incredibly budget friendly. Ground beef is usually much cheaper than steak cuts like ribeye or sirloin. This makes it a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Another huge plus is the speed. This Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe comes together in about 20 to 30 minutes. You do not need to marinate anything. You do not need to wait for a slow cooker. It is fast, direct, and efficient.
The texture is also a winner here. Because we use ground beef, every bite is tender. You do not have to worry about chewy pieces of meat. It is perfect for kids or anyone who prefers a softer texture.
Let’s talk about the cheese factor. This Easy Philly Cheese Steak uses a combination of provolone and cream cheese. The cream cheese melts into the beef juices to create a built in sauce. It ensures that the meat is never dry.
Cleanup is a breeze too. You make the entire filling in just one large skillet. That means fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night. Who doesn’t love that?
This recipe is also highly customizable. You can add mushrooms or spicy peppers if you like heat. You can switch up the cheeses. It is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors.
Finally, it is just pure comfort. There is something about meat, cheese, and bread that hits the spot. It feels like a treat, even though it is just a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
To make this Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe, you need simple items found in any grocery store. Here is what you need to grab.
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 sweet yellow onion (chopped)
- 6 oz provolone cheese (or more)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 6 sub rolls (6 inches each)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
The ground beef is the star here. I prefer using a lean blend, like 85/15. It has enough fat for flavor but not so much that the sandwich becomes greasy. If you use a higher fat content, just make sure to drain it well.
For the veggies, green bell pepper and sweet onion are classic. The onion adds a nice sweetness as it cooks down. The pepper adds a fresh crunch and savory note.
The cheese blend is critical for this Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. Provolone offers that stretchy, sharp flavor we all love. The cream cheese adds richness and binds everything together.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Easy Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious result.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Start by grabbing a large skillet. Place it on the stove over high heat. You want the pan nice and hot to get a good sear on the meat.
Add the 2 lbs of ground beef, the chopped green bell pepper, and the chopped sweet yellow onion to the skillet. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Cook this mixture until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. The onions and peppers should be soft and fragrant. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the excess fat and juices from the pan. This step is important so your sandwich does not get soggy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now comes the fun part. Reduce the heat to low. It is time to add the flavor and creaminess to your Philly Cheese Steak With Ground Beef.
Dice your 6 oz of provolone cheese. Add the diced provolone into the skillet with the beef. Add the 4 oz of softened cream cheese as well.
Pour in the 2 tbsp of milk. Then, sprinkle in the seasonings: 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, and 1/2 tsp onion powder.
Stir everything together constantly. You want the cheeses to melt completely and coat the meat mixture. Simmer this for about 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture should look creamy and thick. Remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Take your 6 sub rolls and cut them in half lengthwise. If you like a toasted bun, you can pop them in the toaster oven for a minute before filling them.
Pile a large spoonful of the ground beef mixture into each roll. Be generous with the filling. This recipe makes enough to stuff them full.
Step 4: Broil (Optional)
If you are a cheese lover, this step is for you. You can top the filled sandwiches with extra slices of provolone cheese.
Place the open sandwiches on a baking sheet. Put them in the oven under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch them closely so they do not burn.
You just want the cheese to bubble and melt. Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve them immediately while they are hot and gooey.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe, you are in luck. It reheats very well. In fact, the flavors often taste even better the next day.
To store the filling, let it cool down completely first. Transfer the meat mixture into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
I recommend storing the bread and the meat separately. If you store the sandwich already assembled, the bread will get soggy from the juices.
When you are ready to eat, you can reheat the filling in the microwave. Heat it in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until it is hot.
You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or water if the cheese sauce looks a little too thick. This helps bring back that creamy texture.
Can you freeze this Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich filling? Yes, you can. Place the cooled filling in a freezer safe bag. Squeeze out the air. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw the frozen mixture in the fridge overnight before reheating. It is a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
Tips
Here are a few tricks to make your Easy Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe even better. These small details make a big difference.
First, soften your cream cheese. If you throw cold cream cheese into the pan, it takes longer to melt and might be lumpy. Leave it on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking.
Don’t skip the draining step. Ground beef releases a lot of grease. If you leave it all in, your cheese sauce will break and become oily. Drain it well for the best texture.
Toast your buns. This is a game changer. A toasted bun holds up better against the moist, cheesy filling. It adds a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft meat.
Chop your veggies uniformly. Try to dice the onions and peppers into similar sizes. This ensures they cook evenly so you don’t have some crunchy bits and some mushy bits.
If you like a kick, add some heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños works wonders in this Philly Cheese Steak With Ground Beef. It cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Use a good quality roll. A sturdy hoagie roll or French bread works best. Soft hot dog buns might fall apart under the weight of the filling.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and budget friendly dinner that the whole family will enjoy. This Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe proves that you do not need fancy ingredients to make a great meal.
It captures the essence of the famous sandwich but makes it approachable for a weeknight cook. The combination of savory beef and creamy cheese is undeniable.
Next time you are staring at a package of ground beef and wondering what to make, try this Easy Philly Cheese Steak. It is sure to become a favorite in your home too.
So grab your skillet and get cooking. Your family is going to thank you for this one. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ
I often get questions about this recipe. Here are some answers to help you get the best results.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken works great as a lighter option. Since poultry is leaner, you might need to add a little oil when browning the meat. The cheese sauce adds enough richness that you won’t miss the beef.
What Other Cheese Can I Use?
Provolone is classic for a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe, but you can swap it. White American cheese melts beautifully. Mozzarella is a good mild option. Pepper Jack adds a nice spicy kick if you like heat.
Can I Add Mushrooms?
Yes, mushrooms are a delicious addition. Slice them up and add them to the skillet with the onions and peppers. They add a nice earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
Is This Gluten Free?
The filling itself is gluten free if you check your spice blends to be sure. To make the full sandwich gluten free, simply serve the mixture on your favorite gluten free rolls or over a bed of rice.
Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
Get all the savory, cheesy flavor of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fraction of the time with this easy, budget-friendly recipe using ground beef. A perfect no-fuss weeknight dinner!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped sweet yellow onion. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain the excess fat and juices.
- Reduce the heat to low. Dice the provolone cheese and add it to the skillet along with the softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and onion powder.
- Stir constantly until the cheeses are completely melted and have formed a creamy sauce coating the meat mixture. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Cut the sub rolls in half lengthwise. Spoon the ground beef mixture generously into each roll.
- For extra cheesy sandwiches, top with an additional slice of provolone and broil on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Soften your cream cheese before cooking by leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes. This helps it melt smoothly without lumps.
Don’t skip draining the grease from the ground beef. This prevents the cheese sauce from becoming oily and ensures the best texture.
Toasting your sub rolls before filling adds a nice crunch and helps them hold up against the cheesy, moist filling without getting soggy.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture along with the other seasonings.
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