Is it okay to use ground beef for Philly cheesesteaks?

Yes, ground beef is a perfectly acceptable and often more affordable alternative to sliced steak for Philly cheesesteaks. While traditional Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced ribeye, ground beef provides a similar savory flavor and texture when seasoned properly.

What kind of cheese is best for ground beef Philly cheesesteaks?

Provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, offering a mild, creamy flavor that complements the beef and other toppings. However, other good options include white American cheese, Cheez Whiz (a regional favorite), or even mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.

What kind of bread is best for ground beef Philly cheesesteaks?

A soft, hoagie-style roll is ideal for a ground beef Philly cheesesteak. Look for rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy, but also easy to bite into. Amoroso's rolls are a popular choice if you can find them.

What toppings go on a Philly cheesesteak with ground beef?

Typical toppings include caramelized onions, sautéed peppers (usually green), and your choice of cheese. Some people also add mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of ketchup or mayonnaise.

How do you keep ground beef Philly cheesesteaks from being greasy?

Drain the ground beef thoroughly after cooking to remove excess fat. You can also use a leaner ground beef (e.g., 90% lean) to reduce greasiness. Pat the beef with a paper towel to remove excess fat. Broiling or baking the beef instead of pan-frying can also help reduce grease.

Can I make ground beef Philly cheesesteaks ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the ground beef and toppings ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then assemble the cheesesteaks when you're ready to eat. Reheating the beef in a skillet or microwave is best.

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks: The Easy Weeknight Dinner You'll Crave 2026

Name: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10); 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 large bell peppers (one red, one green), thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 8 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese); 4-6 soft hoagie rolls or sub rolls, lightly toasted; Optional for serving: mayonnaise, hot sauce, pickled jalapeños

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks

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This recipe captures all the iconic, melty, savory joy of a classic Philly cheesesteak but is built for a regular kitchen on a regular night. Using simple ground beef, sweet onions and peppers, and gooey cheese on a soft roll, it’s a fast, family-friendly comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 35min
Yield: 4-6 cheesesteaks 1x
Category: dinner
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 large bell peppers (one red, one green), thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
8 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
4-6 soft hoagie rolls or sub rolls, lightly toasted
Optional for serving: mayonnaise, hot sauce, pickled jalapeños

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 8-10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer to a bowl.
In the same skillet, add ground beef. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Add Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Reduce heat to low. Lay cheese slices evenly over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
While cheese melts, lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Spoon the cheesy beef filling into each roll. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let onions and peppers caramelize fully for depth of flavor. Use sliced cheese (not pre-shredded) for optimal melt. The filling stores well for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a lighter version, serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 480
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 700
Fat: 23
Saturated Fat: 10
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 85

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/ground-beef-philly-cheesesteaks/