Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredible Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks. This recipe packs all the savory, cheesy, and utterly satisfying flavors of the classic Philadelphia sandwich into an easy-to-make meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. We’re swapping traditional steak for seasoned ground beef, creating a wonderfully tender and flavorful filling that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly quick to cook. It’s the perfect solution for a busy evening when you’re craving pure comfort food without the fuss.
This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a game-changer. The ground beef becomes beautifully browned and juicy, perfectly mingling with tender-crisp onions and peppers, all brought together by a gloriously gooey, savory cheese sauce. Piled high on a toasted hoagie roll, every bite is a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for this recipe again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found it. This is more than just a quick meal; it’s a smarter way to enjoy a classic. Here’s why this will become your new go-to:
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, you can have these amazing sandwiches on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner hero.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef instead of pricey cuts of steak makes this a wonderfully economical meal without sacrificing any of the hearty flavors you love.
- Packed with Flavor: We use a simple but powerful blend of seasonings and a secret ingredient (Worcestershire sauce!) to create a rich, savory depth that perfectly mimics the classic cheesesteak experience.
- Family-Approved: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids. It’s cheesy, meaty, and served on soft bread—what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 85/15 or 90/10 to get a rich flavor with less grease.
- Onion & Green Bell Pepper: The classic aromatic duo. Dice them up to ensure they cook quickly and distribute evenly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret weapon, adding a deep, umami-rich flavor that elevates the beef.
- Provolone Cheese: The quintessential cheese for a Philly cheesesteak. Its mild flavor and perfect melting quality make it the ideal choice. You can also use American cheese or even Cheez Whiz.
- Beef Broth: Helps create the saucy consistency of the filling.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need.
- Hoagie Rolls: A sturdy yet soft roll is essential to hold the hearty filling. Toasting them is a non-negotiable step for the best texture!
- Butter: For toasting the rolls to golden perfection.
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks Step-by-Step
Ready to see how easy this is? Follow these simple steps for the perfect homemade Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks.
Step 1: Toast the Buns
Start by preparing your hoagie rolls. A well-toasted bun provides a crucial barrier against sogginess and adds a wonderful buttery flavor. Split the rolls open, spread a thin layer of softened butter on the inside, and toast them in a hot skillet or under the broiler until golden brown. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a touch of olive oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until they are softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned. Make sure to drain off any excess grease. This is key to preventing a greasy sandwich. For an even more flavorful filling, try not to move the beef too much at the beginning to allow it to get a nice brown crust.
Step 4: Create the Cheesy Sauce
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely into a gooey, delicious sauce, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cheesesteaks
Give the cheesy beef mixture one final stir to combine everything. Carefully spoon the hot filling into your toasted hoagie rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Tips for the Best Cheesesteak Success
Want to make your Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks truly unforgettable? Follow these pro tips:
- Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns: This simple step is the most important for preventing a soggy sandwich. A toasted, buttery bun is the perfect vessel for the cheesy filling.
- Dice Veggies Uniformly: Chopping your onion and pepper into small, even pieces ensures they cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the ground beef mixture.
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While provolone is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. White American cheese melts beautifully for an extra creamy sauce, and Cheez Whiz offers that iconic, tangy Philly flavor.
- Season as You Go: Lightly season the vegetables as they cook and then adjust the final seasoning of the beef mixture. This layers the flavor for a more delicious result.
For a different take on cheesy beef goodness, you might love our French Onion Beef Casserole.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add some heat by sautéing sliced jalapeños with the veggies or stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the cheesy beef mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of on a bun.
- Different Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative. Check out our Crack Chicken Sandwiches for another great sandwich idea.
What to Serve with Your Cheesesteaks
These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are a hearty meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of classic sides. Consider serving them with crispy french fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad. For a delicious and easy side, our Cucumber Ranch Salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, the filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, store the filling separately from the buns. To reheat, simply warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until hot. You can add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up if needed. Toast fresh buns and assemble just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Absolutely! Using ground beef is a fantastic and popular variation. It’s quicker to cook, more budget-friendly, and creates a wonderfully tender and flavorful filling that captures the essence of the classic sandwich.
Provolone is the classic choice for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. However, white American cheese will give you an even creamier, smoother sauce, and Cheez Whiz provides that iconic tangy flavor you find in many Philadelphia shops.
A sturdy but soft hoagie roll is ideal. You want a roll that’s substantial enough to hold the hearty filling without falling apart, but still soft and easy to bite into. Toasting the roll with butter is key for the best flavor and texture.
While similar, this recipe is less saucy and more focused on the distinct flavors of the beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, similar to a traditional cheesesteak. A cheesesteak sloppy joe typically has a looser, tomato or ketchup-based sauce.
You can customize your cheesesteak with several toppings! Sautéed mushrooms are a classic addition. For a bit of heat, you can add pickled or fresh jalapeños. Some people also enjoy adding ketchup or a mild hot sauce.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this easy and delicious recipe! If you make these Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks, we would love to see them. Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest! Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks Recipe

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks (The Easiest & Tastiest Version!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Split the hoagie rolls and spread softened butter on the inside. Toast in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove veggies from the skillet.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low. Lay the provolone slices over the beef mixture, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir everything together until a creamy, cheesy sauce forms. Spoon the filling into the toasted hoagie rolls and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Cheese Variations: White American cheese or Cheez Whiz are also fantastic options for an extra creamy or tangy cheesesteak.
Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet.












