This incredible Ground Beef Cheesesteak transforms the classic Philly sandwich into an affordable, family-friendly meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. With seasoned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce all piled onto toasted buns, this recipe delivers all the flavors of a traditional cheesesteak in a budget-friendly, no-fuss format that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef instead of steak slices saves money without sacrificing flavor – perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
  • Quick and Simple: The entire meal comes together in about 25 minutes with minimal prep work – ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
  • Family Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this dish! The familiar flavors and customizable toppings make it a hit with everyone at the table.
  • No Special Skills Required: If you can brown ground beef, you can make this recipe – no thin-slicing of steak or fancy techniques needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ground Beef: The star of our show! I recommend 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness, but leaner works too if you prefer. The fat in the beef adds richness to the final dish.
  • Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder create that classic cheesesteak flavor profile without overwhelming the meat.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to golden perfection. The slight saltiness enhances all the flavors.
  • Yellow Onion: Provides sweetness and texture. When caramelized, it adds incredible depth of flavor to the cheesesteak.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a fresh veggie component that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
  • Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient! Creates an incredible creamy sauce that binds everything together and amplifies the richness.
  • Buns: Use hamburger buns for a casual dinner or hoagie rolls for a more authentic cheesesteak experience. Either way, toasting them is a game-changer.
  • Cheese: Provolone offers a mild, slightly tangy flavor, but American cheese or cheese whiz work beautifully for that classic Philly vibe.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some delicious ways to switch things up:

  • Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when you sauté the peppers and onions for an earthy flavor boost.
  • Spicy Beef Cheesesteak: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the beef mixture and top with pickled jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  • Italian-Style: Season the beef with Italian herbs and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese instead of provolone.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the cheesesteak mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

How to Make Ground Beef Cheesesteak

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break the beef into small pieces while cooking until it starts to brown, about 7-9 minutes. The smaller pieces will mimic the texture of shaved steak.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Push the browned beef to the edges of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add butter to this space, followed by the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop some color, about 5-6 minutes. The caramelization adds tremendous flavor!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add them to the skillet. Fold everything together, allowing the cream cheese to fully melt and coat the beef and vegetables. This creates a luxurious sauce that binds all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Turn off the heat. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the beef mixture onto each toasted bun and top with a slice of provolone cheese. The residual heat will help melt the cheese. Serve immediately while hot and gooey!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Toast Those Buns: This extra step takes just a minute but makes a huge difference! Toasting prevents the buns from getting soggy and adds a delightful texture contrast.
  • Break the Beef Finely: Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break the ground beef into very small pieces as it cooks for that authentic cheesesteak texture.
  • Don’t Rush the Veggies: Let those onions and peppers develop some color for the best flavor. The slight caramelization adds sweetness and depth.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: If you remember, take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. It will melt more smoothly and quickly.

How to Serve

This Ground Beef Cheesesteak is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your dinner:

Classic Pairings:

Serve with crispy french fries, potato chips, or onion rings for that authentic sandwich shop experience.

Lighter Sides:

Balance the richness with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.

Party Presentation:

For game day or casual gatherings, set up a “build your own” cheesesteak bar with the beef mixture in a slow cooker and various toppings so everyone can customize their sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the beef mixture separate from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the seasonings meld together.

Freezing

The beef mixture freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This makes for an excellent meal prep option.

Reheating

Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if it seems dry. For best results, toast fresh buns rather than reheating assembled sandwiches.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter when cooking leaner meats to maintain moisture and flavor. Ground pork is also delicious but has a different flavor profile than the traditional cheesesteak.

  2. Why add cream cheese instead of just using sliced cheese?

    The cream cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats every bit of meat and vegetable, adding richness and helping to bind everything together. It’s what makes this recipe special and keeps the sandwich from being dry. You still get that melty cheese experience from the provolone on top!

  3. Can I make this ahead for a party?

    Definitely! Prepare the beef mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet or slow cooker, toast the buns, and set up a sandwich assembly station. This makes it perfect for game day gatherings or casual entertaining.

  4. How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?

    Skip the bun and serve the beef mixture in bell pepper halves, over cauliflower rice, or wrapped in large lettuce leaves. You can also reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a lower-fat variety if you’re watching calories. The flavorful beef mixture is delicious even without the bread!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Cheesesteak brings all the satisfaction of a classic Philly sandwich to your dinner table with less expense and effort. The creamy, savory filling paired with melty cheese on a toasted bun creates a comforting meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

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Ground Beef Cheesesteak Recipe

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

A quick and delicious take on the classic Philly cheesesteak, this Ground Beef Cheesesteak recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cream cheese, and sautéed vegetables come together for a creamy, savory filling, served on toasted buns and topped with gooey cheese. A crowd-pleasing main course for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings!

 

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Beef Mixture

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Cooking

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)

For Serving

  • 8 hamburger buns or hoagie buns
  • 8 slices Provolone cheese (or American cheese, or Cheese Whiz)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces, until it begins to brown, about 7–9 minutes.
  2. Cook the Vegetables
    Push the cooked ground beef to the edges of the skillet. Add salted butter to the center of the skillet, followed by the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly browned, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the Cream Cheese
    Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and fold it into the beef mixture. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
  4. Assemble the Cheesesteaks
    Turn off the heat. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture onto the buns, about 1/2 cup per sandwich. Top each sandwich with a slice of Provolone cheese. Serve immediately.
  5. Toast the Buns (Optional)
    For toasted buns, slice the buns in half and place them cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, or toast them under a broiler cut-side up for 1–2 minutes.

Notes

  • Optional Add-Ins and Toppings: Customize your cheesesteak with sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeño slices, hot cherry peppers, sweet peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce.
  • To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, toast them before assembling.
  • If desired, dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces instead of slicing. This variation ensures even cooking and easier mixing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 780
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
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Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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