philly cheese steak recipe with ground beef with caramelized onions

Introduction

Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but short on time or traditional ingredients? This ground beef Philly Cheesesteak recipe with caramelized onions is a delicious and affordable alternative that delivers all the satisfying flavors you love. Forget the thinly sliced steak – we’re using readily available ground beef for a quick and easy weeknight meal that will become a family favorite. This recipe focuses on creating that authentic cheesesteak experience with flavorful beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a gooey cheese sauce, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll.

Making the Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is recommended for flavor)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese wiz for a more authentic experience)

Caramelizing the Onions

The caramelized onions are key to replicating the signature taste of a classic Philly Cheesesteak. Don’t rush this step!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes, or until the onions are a deep golden brown and very soft. The low and slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds depth and richness.
5. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Ground Beef

We’re aiming for flavorful, crumbled beef that soaks up all the seasonings.

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
2. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through.

Assembling the Cheesesteaks

Now for the fun part – putting it all together!

1. Divide the cooked ground beef evenly among the hoagie rolls.
2. Top each portion of beef with a generous amount of caramelized onions.
3. Lay two slices of provolone cheese (or a dollop of cheese wiz) over the onions on each sandwich.

Melting the Cheese (Two Options)

Choose your preferred method for achieving that perfectly melted, gooey cheese:

• Broiler Method: Place the assembled cheesesteaks on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
• Skillet Method: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted. This is a gentler method and helps keep the rolls soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your ground beef Philly Cheesesteaks immediately while they’re hot and cheesy! Consider pairing them with:

• French fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• A simple side salad

Variations and Tips

Spice It Up!

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef or caramelized onions for a little heat.

Cheese Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of provolone, try using mozzarella, American cheese, or even a pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Make it a Pizza Cheesesteak

Add a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to create a pizza-inspired cheesesteak.

Freezing for Later

You can freeze the cooked ground beef and caramelized onions separately for a quick and easy meal later. Thaw completely before assembling the cheesesteaks.

Conclusion

This ground beef Philly Cheesesteak recipe offers a satisfying and budget-friendly alternative to the traditional version. With the sweet caramelized onions, flavorful beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any time you’re craving a taste of Philly! Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make twist on a classic American favorite.