Introduction
Craving the iconic taste of a Philly cheesesteak but looking for a budget-friendly and quick weeknight meal? This ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe brings the classic flavors you love right to your kitchen. Forget the thinly sliced steak โ this homemade version uses readily available ground beef to create a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. We’ll show you how to make the best ground beef cheesesteak, loaded with flavor and easy to customize.
The Best Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (green, red, or a mix), thinly sliced
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese for melting)
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: mushrooms, hot peppers, cheese whiz
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Season the cooked ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Add the cooked onions and peppers back into the skillet with the ground beef. Mix well. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Top each portion with a slice of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Once the cheese is melted, carefully transfer each portion of the ground beef mixture onto a hoagie roll.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your homemade ground beef Philly cheesesteaks immediately. Add your favorite toppings, such as mushrooms, hot peppers, or cheese whiz, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Cheesesteak
- Use good quality ground beef: Using a higher fat content ground beef will add more flavor and moisture to your cheesesteak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they caramelize properly.
- Toast the rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls will prevent them from getting soggy.
- Use a cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet will help to create a nice crust on the ground beef and vegetables.
- Customize your toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Cheesesteak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking, or use hot peppers as a topping.
- Mushroom Cheesesteak: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
- Pizza Cheesesteak: Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese instead of provolone.
- Cheese Whiz: For a truly authentic Philly experience, top your cheesesteak with cheese whiz!
Conclusion
This ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe is a delicious and easy alternative to the traditional steak version. By using ground beef, you can enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and enjoy the best homemade ground beef Philly cheesesteak you’ve ever had! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
