Introduction
Craving a taste of Philadelphia but don’t have access to steak? Or perhaps you’re looking for a budget-friendly and quicker version of the classic? This ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe is the perfect solution! It captures the essence of the original, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the beef to assembling the perfect sandwich.
Main Sections
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz for a more traditional, albeit controversial, twist)
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: ketchup, mustard, hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, draining off 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 bell peppers back into the skillet with the ground beef. Mix everything together. Divide the mixture into four portions within the skillet. Top each portion with a slice of provolone cheese. Let the cheese melt completely, about 1-2 minutes. You can cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the melting process.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Carefully scoop each cheesy beef and veggie mixture onto a hoagie roll.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Add your favorite toppings such as ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious homemade ground beef Philly cheesesteaks while they are warm and cheesy!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
- Choosing the Right Beef: An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the best flavor and juiciness. Leaner ground beef can be used, but you may need to add a little extra oil to prevent it from drying out.
- Slicing the Vegetables: Thinly sliced onions and peppers cook quickly and evenly, ensuring they caramelize nicely.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the vegetables and beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cheese Selection: Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella also works well. For a truly authentic (though divisive) Philly experience, try Cheez Whiz.
- Warming the Rolls: Lightly toasting the hoagie rolls can add a nice textural contrast.
Conclusion
This ground beef Philly cheesesteak recipe provides a simple and delicious alternative to the traditional steak version. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. By following these step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you can easily recreate the flavors of Philadelphia in your own kitchen. Enjoy!