philly cheese steak recipe with ground beef for beginners

Introduction

Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but intimidated by the traditional shaved steak method? You’re in the right place! This easy Philly Cheesesteak recipe using ground beef is perfect for beginners and delivers all the flavor you love, without the fuss. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly version of this iconic sandwich in the comfort of your own home. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a mouthwatering result every time.

Making Your Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is recommended for flavor)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 provolone cheese slices (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: Cheese Whiz, hot sauce, mayonnaise

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Combine and Melt: Push the ground beef to one side of the skillet. Add the cooked onions and peppers back into the skillet, mixing them with the beef. Divide the mixture into four portions. Place a slice of provolone cheese over each portion and let it melt. You can cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the melting process.
5. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Carefully scoop each beef and cheese portion into a hoagie roll.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately. Optional toppings include Cheese Whiz, hot sauce, or mayonnaise.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

• Choose the Right Ground Beef: Using ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) will result in a more flavorful and juicy cheesesteak.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Cook the onions and peppers until they are tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the hoagie rolls prevents them from getting soggy.
• Customize Your Cheese: While provolone is traditional, feel free to use your favorite melting cheese, such as mozzarella, American, or cheddar.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Add mushrooms, jalapenos, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations and Additions

• Spicy Cheesesteak: Add chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the ground beef while cooking.
• Mushroom Cheesesteak: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and peppers.
• Pizza Cheesesteak: Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• BBQ Cheesesteak: Mix BBQ sauce with the ground beef during the last few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This ground beef Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a fantastic and approachable way to enjoy a classic sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals. By following these simple steps and customizing the recipe to your liking, you can create a delicious and satisfying cheesesteak that everyone will love. So, ditch the complicated methods and embrace this beginner-friendly version today!