GROUND BEEF PHILLY CHEESESTEAK ULTIMATE

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasted roll overflowing with savory ground beef, perfectly melted cheese, and tender sautéed peppers and onions – that’s the magic of a Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience that brings all the classic flavors of a Philly favorite to your kitchen with an affordable and accessible twist, promising a satisfying meal for the whole family.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Cheese:

• 6-8 slices provolone cheese, or cheese whiz (your preference!)

For the Bread:

• 4 hoagie rolls, split horizontally
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

1. First things first, slice your onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll soften up beautifully as they cook. If you’re using mushrooms, slice those too.
2. Mince your garlic. Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
3. If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the garlic during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
4. Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Season the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

1. Add the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine everything well.
2. Reduce the heat to low. Arrange the provolone cheese slices (or dollops of cheese whiz) over the ground beef and vegetable mixture.
3. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes. If you want the cheese extra melty, you can add a splash of water to the skillet before covering it; the steam will help melt the cheese faster.

Step 5: Prepare the Rolls

1. While the cheese is melting, brush the inside of each hoagie roll with melted butter.
2. Place the rolls open-face on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, if you prefer. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Carefully spoon the ground beef and cheese mixture into each toasted hoagie roll.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When browning the ground beef, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and cause the beef to steam instead of brown, resulting in a less flavorful result.

Cheese Choices

Provolone is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like white American, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick. If you are using cheese whiz, add it at the very end after the beef and veggies are cooked.

The Right Roll Matters

A good hoagie roll is crucial for a great Philly Cheesesteak. Look for rolls that are soft on the inside but sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. To ensure the rolls don’t get soggy, toasting them before adding the filling is key.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Spicy Cheesesteak

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture, or include some sliced jalapeños with the onions and peppers for a spicy kick.

Pizza Cheesesteak

Stir in a tablespoon or two of pizza sauce into the ground beef mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired twist.

Mushroom and Swiss Cheesesteak

Use Swiss cheese instead of provolone, and be sure to include plenty of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy and delicious variation.

Sides That Complete the Meal

A Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few complementary sides. Here are some of my favorites:

• French fries or potato wedges
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• A simple side salad

Ground Beef: The Economical Twist

Using ground beef makes this recipe a budget-friendly alternative to traditional Philly Cheesesteaks. It’s also a great way to use up ground beef you already have on hand. Don’t be fooled though, the flavor is still incredible!

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient, you can also try Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole for another ground beef based meal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual game night, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a comforting and satisfying meal, this Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is sure to hit the spot. It’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize to suit different tastes and preferences.

Reheating Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you happen to have any leftover Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks, here’s how to reheat them without sacrificing flavor and texture:

1. Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cheesesteak in aluminum foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to keep the bread from drying out.
2. Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Slice the cheesesteak in half (if it’s not already) and place it in the skillet, pressing down gently with a spatula. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and the bread is crispy.
3. Microwave (Not Recommended): While the microwave is the quickest option, it can make the bread soggy. If you must use the microwave, wrap the cheesesteak in a paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Other Philly Inspired Recipes You Will Love!

If you are a cheesesteak fan, you should also try these amazing recipes!

• Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Crockpot Pasta
• Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
• Philly Cheesesteak Mac
• Philly Cheesesteak Bowls

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe

This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious. I hope you give it a try and make it your own by experimenting with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Philly right in your own kitchen!