Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t dream of a perfect, cheesy, utterly satisfying sandwich? The kind that hits every note, from savory and juicy to crispy and melty. This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is exactly that dream, made real in your own kitchen, and it’s about to become your new weeknight hero.

It takes the soul of a classic Philly and gives it a clever, accessible twist. We’re swapping the traditional sliced steak for hearty ground beef, which means more surface area for flavor, and let me tell you, it works beautifully. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss.

What’s the Story Behind the Original?

Every great dish has a beginning, and the Philly Cheesesteak’s tale is a good one. It all started back in the 1930s with two brothers, Pat and Harry Olivieri, in South Philadelphia. They slapped some beef on a grill, tossed it on a roll, and accidentally created a legend.

The sandwich quickly raced beyond its neighborhood, capturing hearts and appetites across the entire nation. The purists in Philly often insist on thinly sliced ribeye and, believe it or not, Cheez Whiz. It’s a beautiful, messy piece of American food history, and our ground beef version is a loving, modern nod to that legacy.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to sandwich nirvana. You probably have most of them already, which is part of the magic.

• 24 ounces lean ground beef
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup low sodium beef broth
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 large French bread loaf (or your choice of bread)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 8-12 slices provolone cheese

Why This At-Home Version is a Total Win

We adore this recipe because it takes the intimidation out of a classic. No need for a professional griddle or expert knife skills to slice meat paper-thin. Using ground beef is a genius shortcut that makes this dish achievable for any home cook, any night of the week.

And by baking the whole sandwich, wrapped up in a cozy foil blanket, we ensure every single bite is warm, the cheese is spectacularly melted, and the bread achieves a perfect, sturdy crunch. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal that feels just a little bit special.

How to make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak?

Brown the Ground Beef

Grab a large pan and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Crumble in your ground beef and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Once it’s there, carefully drain off the excess fat.

Sauté the Aromatics

Now, for the flavor base. Toss in your sliced onion, green pepper, grated garlic, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper. The sizzle and the smell that hits you at this moment is pure magic. Sauté it all until the onions turn translucent and the peppers just begin to soften.

Create the Savory Sauce

In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until it’s completely smooth. Pour this mixture right into the pan with your beef and veggies. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for just a minute or two, until the sauce thickens up and clings to the meat.

Build the Sandwich Foundation

Take your loaf of French bread and slice it open horizontally. Slather the bottom half generously with mayonnaise—this isn’t just for flavor, it creates a fantastic moisture barrier. Then, layer on four slices of that glorious provolone cheese.

Load Up the Goodness

Pile all of that warm, savory ground beef and vegetable mixture right on top of the cheese layer. Don’t be shy here! Now, crown that mountain of meat with the remaining four to six slices of provolone, because more cheese is always the right answer.

Seal the Deal and Bake

Slather the inside of the top bread piece with the remaining mayo and place it on top to form your massive, glorious sandwich. Wrap the whole thing tightly in aluminum foil, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes. The wait will test your willpower.

Slice and Serve Immediately

Carefully remove the sandwich from the oven, unwrap the foil, and behold the cheesy masterpiece you’ve created. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice it into portions and serve it immediately, while the cheese is still stretching and the bread is perfectly crisp.

Can I Make This For a Crowd?

Absolutely, this recipe is a superstar when you’re feeding a hungry group. It’s the perfect centerpiece for game day, a casual birthday party, or a family gathering where you want to spend less time cooking and more time chatting.

You can easily double the filling and make two large sandwiches, or get creative and turn them into sliders using smaller rolls. Just adjust the baking time down a bit for sliders, since they’ll heat through much faster. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes.

Tips

For the juiciest results, don’t overcook the ground beef initially. A little bit of fat (like an 80/20 blend) also goes a long way in keeping the filling moist and flavorful, trust me on this one.

If you’re worried about a soggy bottom, and who isn’t, you can lightly toast the bread before you assemble the sandwich. This creates a resilient barrier that stands up proudly to the saucy filling.

Feel free to make the beef mixture up to three days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet, maybe with a splash of beef broth, before assembling and baking your sandwich. It makes a fantastic meal even faster.

What Are The Best Cheeses For This Sandwich?

Provolone is our top pick for its superb melting quality and its mild, slightly smoky flavor that doesn’t overpower the beef. But the beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so don’t be afraid to experiment based on your mood.

For a sharper, more pronounced cheesy kick, white American or even a mild cheddar would be delightful. And if you’re feeling truly authentic, you can absolutely use Cheez Whiz, spread on the bread right before the final bake, for that classic, nostalgic Philly experience.

Ingredient Substitutions to Make It Your Own

No green peppers? Use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile. You could even toss in some sliced mushrooms for a deep, earthy umami boost that pairs wonderfully with the beef.

If you’re not a mayo person, a soft, spreadable butter works just as well for creating that golden, crispy crust on the bread. And for a little heat, consider adding a few spoonfuls of chopped hot cherry peppers or banana peppers into the beef mixture for a fantastic tangy spice.

This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, cheesy, deeply satisfying experience. It’s the kind of food that brings people together, creating happy, full bellies and even happier memories. So go ahead, give it a try, and make any Tuesday night feel like a celebration.