This easy, at-home Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is a total game-changer for your weekly meal rotation! It is the perfect way to spice up lunch or dinner with a kid-friendly recipe that is absolutely delicious and satisfying. Our version is simple to prepare and captures all the classic flavors you love in a fraction of the time.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. First, it is an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly alternative to the traditional version that uses expensive ribeye or top round steak. By using ground beef, you get a juicy, flavorful result that is much easier to prepare in a standard home kitchen.
Additionally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Instead of cooking individual sandwiches on a griddle, we prepare the meat and vegetable mixture in one pan and then bake the entire loaf in the oven. This method allows the provolone cheese to melt perfectly into the beef while the bread gets warm and toasted. It is the perfect at-home variation of a Philadelphia classic.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves grated garlic
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large French bread loaf (or choice of bread)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8-12 slices provolone cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add the sliced onion, sliced green pepper, grated garlic, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan with the beef. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender.
- In a small measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the meat.
- Slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Slather the bottom half of the loaf generously with mayonnaise, then layer it with four slices of provolone cheese.
- Spoon the savory meat and vegetable mixture over the cheese. Layer the remaining slices of provolone cheese on top of the meat.
- Slather the top half of the bread with the remaining mayonnaise and place it on top to close the sandwich.
- Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, slice the sandwich into individual portions, and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and hot.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure the best results, use ground beef with an 80/20 fat content. This provides the best flavor and prevents the meat from becoming too dry during the baking process.
If you are worried about the bread becoming soggy, you can lightly toast the inside of the French bread before adding the mayonnaise and fillings. The mayonnaise itself also acts as a moisture barrier, so do not skip that step!
For a more authentic Philly flavor, ensure your green peppers and onions are sliced thinly so they integrate well with the ground beef in every bite.
Low-Carb Option: If you want to skip the bread, try making Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers. Simply follow the meat preparation steps and stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking with cheese on top.
Cheese Choices: While we love the mild melt of provolone, you can use Cheez Whiz for a more traditional South Philly experience, or even sharp white cheddar for a bolder flavor.
Add-ins: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms to the sauté for extra umami, or toss in some hot cherry peppers or banana peppers if you prefer a bit of heat and tang.
Serving Suggestions
These Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are hearty enough to stand on their own, but they pair beautifully with classic sides. Serve them alongside crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple potato salad. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the beef and melted cheese.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to store the meat and bread separately if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: The cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the meat, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. If reheating a fully assembled sandwich, wrap it in foil and place it in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 576 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 96 mg |
| Sodium | 854 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.24 ounces lean ground beef
- Add the sliced onion, sliced green pepper, grated garlic, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan with the beef. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender.1 onion, 1 green pepper, 3 cloves grated garlic, 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning, Salt and pepper
- In a small measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the meat.1 cup low sodium beef broth, 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- Slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Slather the bottom half of the loaf generously with mayonnaise, then layer it with four slices of provolone cheese.1 large French bread loaf, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 8-12 slices provolone cheese
- Spoon the savory meat and vegetable mixture over the cheese. Layer the remaining slices of provolone cheese on top of the meat.8-12 slices provolone cheese
- Slather the top half of the bread with the remaining mayonnaise and place it on top to close the sandwich.1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, slice the sandwich into individual portions, and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and hot.
Notes
FAQ
How do you keep the ground beef from getting too dry?
The secret is not overcooking the beef and using meat with around 80/20 fat content for better flavor and moisture. Cooking the meat with onions helps keep things juicy, and adding the beef broth and cornstarch mixture creates a light sauce that maintains moisture during the baking process.
What vegetables go in a ground beef Philly?
The classic combination is sautéed onions and green bell peppers. However, many people enjoy adding mushrooms, garlic, or even hot peppers like pickled jalapeños or cherry peppers for added depth of flavor.
Can you make the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the seasoned ground beef mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet, adding a tiny splash of beef broth if needed, then assemble and bake the sandwiches.
How do you prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Toasting the rolls first creates a barrier against moisture. Additionally, spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread helps create a moisture barrier. Ensuring the meat mixture has simmered enough to thicken the juices also prevents excess liquid from soaking into the bread.