There are few things more satisfying than biting into a warm, cheesy sandwich loaded with savory beef and caramelized onions. It’s pure comfort in a roll—and that’s exactly what you get with these Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks.
If you’ve ever craved that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor but didn’t have steak on hand (or time to slice it paper-thin), this recipe is for you. Using ground beef keeps things simple, quick, and budget-friendly—while still delivering all that rich, melty goodness you know and love.
This has become one of my family’s go-to weeknight meals. It’s hearty, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for when you need something fast but crave something special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
I love meals that make you feel like you’re treating yourself—without needing a sink full of dishes or fancy techniques. These cheesesteaks check all those boxes and then some.
Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
- Ready in 25 minutes: Quick enough for busy weeknights.
- One-pan magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet—less cleanup!
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef gives you that Philly flavor at a fraction of the cost.
- Cheesy perfection: Melty provolone cheese brings everything together.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, hot peppers, or cheese sauce to suit your mood.
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the ooey-gooey filling.
Whether you’re feeding two or a family of five, these sandwiches are a sure win.
A Little History Behind the Philly Cheesesteak
The original Philly Cheesesteak was born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to cook up some beef on his grill. A passing cab driver caught a whiff, asked for a sandwich, and the rest was history.
Traditionally, a cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye and melted provolone or Cheez Whiz on a soft hoagie roll. But here’s the best part—this ground beef version gives you all that flavor with none of the hassle.
So while purists might raise an eyebrow, I promise you’ll be too busy enjoying your cheesy, beefy sandwich to care.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these simple and flavorful sandwiches:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but delicious)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
Optional Toppings:
- Hot sauce, banana peppers, or pickled jalapeños
- Cheese sauce or melted American cheese for an extra creamy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make these Philly-inspired beauties? Let’s get cooking:
- Sauté the veggies.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Brown the beef.
In the same skillet, add ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When fully browned, drain any excess fat. - Season the mixture.
Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the beef absorbs all those savory flavors. - Combine.
Return the cooked veggies to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors mingle. - Add the cheese.
Layer the provolone slices right on top of the beef and veggie mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. - Toast the rolls.
While the cheese melts, butter your hoagie rolls and toast them on a pan or under the broiler until golden and crisp. - Assemble the sandwiches.
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into each roll. Serve warm, and enjoy that gooey, melty perfection.
Pro Tip: If you like your sandwiches extra saucy, add a drizzle of warm cheese sauce before closing the bun.
How to Serve Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
These sandwiches are hearty and satisfying all on their own, but a great side can take dinner from “yum” to “wow.”
Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic Combo: Pair your cheesesteak with Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Lighter Touch: Balance the richness with a refreshing Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad—a crisp, colorful side that brightens the plate.
- Party Spread: Hosting friends? Add Crockpot French Onion Meatballs to your table. Together, they make a hearty game-day lineup.
You can also serve these sandwiches with chips, roasted potatoes, or a simple Caesar salad. For a fun twist, cut them into smaller pieces for sliders—perfect for parties or tailgates.
How to Store Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
These sandwiches make excellent leftovers and are ideal for meal prep.
To Store:
- Keep the beef and veggie filling separate from the rolls to prevent sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags.
- Flatten the bags for easy stacking and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen.
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot, then add cheese just before serving.
Pro Tip: Toast the buns right before serving for the best texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Tips to Make the Best Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
A few simple tricks can turn a good cheesesteak into an unforgettable one:
- Use lean beef: You’ll get all the flavor without extra grease.
- Don’t rush the veggies: Let the onions caramelize a little for sweetness.
- Go for quality rolls: Soft hoagies or sub buns work best—they soak up flavor without falling apart.
- Melt cheese directly in the pan: It keeps the filling creamy and evenly cheesy.
- Add a splash of beef broth: For a saucier filling, stir in a tablespoon or two right before melting the cheese.
- Make it spicy: Mix in hot sauce or crushed red pepper for a kick.
- Layer, don’t mix, your cheese: Melting the cheese on top rather than stirring it in gives you that signature “cheese pull.”
These little tweaks make a big difference in flavor and texture.
7 Irresistible Variations of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Classic Philly Style
Stick with onions, peppers, and provolone. It’s simple and true to the original. - Mushroom Melt
Add plenty of mushrooms and top with Swiss cheese for a rich, savory version. - Cheesesteak Sliders
Pile the filling onto small dinner rolls, add cheese, and bake until melty for bite-sized snacks. - Low-Carb Bowl
Skip the bread and serve your cheesy beef and veggies over cauliflower rice or greens. - Creamy Cheese Sauce Twist
Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or top with a drizzle of homemade cheese sauce. - BBQ Cheesesteak
Mix in a tablespoon of BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. - Tex-Mex Cheesesteak
Add chili powder, cumin, and pepper jack cheese. Serve with avocado slices for a Southwestern flair.
Every version starts with the same delicious base—ground beef, peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese—but each twist brings something new to the table.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is leaner and still so flavorful with the right seasoning.
Q2: What kind of cheese works best?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella or white American cheese melt perfectly too.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the beef mixture separately and assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm the beef mixture in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy, then top with cheese before serving.
Q5: Can I use frozen rolls?
Yes—just thaw and toast them for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Final Thoughts
These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy—cheesy, hearty, and easy.
They bring all the comfort and nostalgia of a takeout sandwich right into your own kitchen, no grill or deli counter needed.
With just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and about 25 minutes, you can have a meal that tastes like it took hours.
It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and cozy enough for the weekend. And honestly? Once you taste it, you might never go back to traditional cheesesteaks again.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
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Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is fresh, creamy, and vibrant—ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required. Protein-packed chickpeas, tangy feta, and buttery avocado get tossed in a zesty lemon–olive oil dressing for a satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired lunch or side.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
- (Optional) 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
- (Optional) 1 cup cooked quinoa or a few handfuls of arugula
Instructions
1. Rinse and drain chickpeas well. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocado, and herbs.
2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, and avocado in a large bowl.
4. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to taste.
5. Serve immediately or chill 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Add greens or quinoa if desired.
Notes
For best texture, add avocado just before serving.
Use block feta for creamier crumbles and brighter flavor.
Make it vegan by skipping feta or using a plant-based feta.
Meal prep tip: mix everything except avocado and dressing; add both right before eating.
Optional add-ins: olives, roasted red peppers, spinach, or chili flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 22mg