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.

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!

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.

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!

Ground Beef Cheesesteak Recipe

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)

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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