Introduction
Looking for a quick, easy, and family-friendly dinner that’s a crowd-pleaser? This Philly Cheesesteak recipe using ground beef delivers all the classic flavors without the fuss of thinly sliced steak. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is budget-friendly and customizable to suit even the pickiest eaters. Get ready for a cheesy, savory, and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Philly Cheesesteak with Ground Beef: The Family-Friendly Version
Why Ground Beef?
While traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye, ground beef offers several advantages for a family meal:
- Affordability: Ground beef is significantly less expensive than steak.
- Availability: It’s readily available at most grocery stores.
- Kid-Friendly: Many children prefer the texture of ground beef.
- Convenience: It cooks quickly and evenly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Philly Cheesesteak with ground beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- 4-6 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, American, or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using). Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the same skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine. Turn off the heat. Divide the mixture into equal portions (one for each sandwich) in the skillet. Top each portion with a slice of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Open the hoagie rolls and carefully scoop the cheesesteak mixture into each roll.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy! Consider adding your favorite toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, or pickled peppers.
Tips and Variations for the Best Cheesesteak
- Cheese Choice: While provolone is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, American, or mozzarella.
- Bread Selection: Use good quality hoagie rolls that can hold the filling without getting soggy.
- Add-ins: Customize your cheesesteaks with your favorite toppings, such as hot sauce, pickled peppers, or lettuce and tomato.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking for a little heat.
- Cheesesteak Sauce: Consider adding a drizzle of cheese sauce or a simple mayo-based sauce for extra flavor.
- Make it Healthier: Use lean ground beef and add extra vegetables to boost the nutritional value.
Conclusion
This ground beef Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of a traditional cheesesteak in a budget-friendly and family-friendly format. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy!
