Can I use a leaner ground beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While 80/20 provides great flavor, you can use leaner ground beef like 90/10 if preferred. Just be aware that the mixture might be slightly less juicy, so you could add an extra tablespoon of butter when cooking the vegetables to compensate.

How can I make this lower in carbs?

Skip the bun entirely and serve the beef mixture in lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice. The creamy, cheesy beef mixture is delicious even without the bread, and you won't miss the carbs!

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Definitely! The beef mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or slow cooker on low. Set up a build-your-own sandwich station with toasted buns, the hot beef mixture, and various cheese options and toppings.

Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use instead of cream cheese?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use dairy-free cheese slices. The texture will be slightly different, but you'll still get that creamy, satisfying result without the dairy.

Ground Beef Cheesesteak Recipe

Name: Ground Beef Cheesesteak Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 8 hamburger buns or hoagie buns; 8 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese or cheese whiz)

This incredibly satisfying Ground Beef Cheesesteak transforms the classic Philly sandwich into an accessible, budget-friendly meal you can whip up any night of the week. The savory ground beef mixed with creamy cheese sauce and tender veggies creates a mouthwatering sandwich that delivers all the iconic flavors without requiring thinly sliced steak or special cooking equipment. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those cheesesteak cravings when time is short!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Friendly: Unlike traditional cheesesteaks that require special cuts of beef, this version uses readily available ground beef and comes together in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Budget-Conscious: Ground beef delivers all the flavor at a fraction of the cost of ribeye or sirloin typically used in cheesesteaks.
Family Pleaser: These sandwiches hit all the right notes – savory meat, creamy cheese, tender veggies, and soft toasted buns. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
Customizable: Set up a DIY cheesesteak bar and let everyone build their perfect sandwich with their favorite toppings and cheese options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Use 80/20 for the best flavor-to-fat ratio, giving you juicy, flavorful meat without being greasy.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder): This simple trio enhances the beef’s natural flavor without overwhelming it – the backbone of any good cheesesteak.
Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing the vegetables and adds incredible flavor to the finished sandwich.
Yellow Onion: Provides sweetness and texture when cooked down. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully when sautéed.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle crunch and slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Cream Cheese: The secret weapon! It melts into a luscious sauce that binds everything together and adds incredible creaminess.
Hamburger or Hoagie Buns: Choose soft buns that can hold up to the juicy filling without falling apart.
Provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz: Each offers a different experience – provolone brings subtle tanginess, American melts beautifully, and Cheese Whiz delivers that authentic Philly flavor.

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

Mushroom Swiss

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when cooking the peppers and onions. Replace the provolone with Swiss cheese for an earthy, nutty flavor profile.

Spicy Cheesesteak

Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the beef mixture and top with pickled jalapeños or cherry peppers for heat lovers.

Italian-Style

Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the beef and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese instead of provolone.

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl

Skip the bun and serve the mixture over cauliflower rice or regular rice for a lower-carb or gluten-free option.

How to Make Ground Beef Cheesesteak

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 7-9 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. The smaller pieces better mimic the texture of traditional sliced 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 onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re softened and gaining some color. The vegetables should still have a slight bite to them.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low, which prevents the cream cheese from separating. Add cubed cream cheese to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Keep stirring until the cream cheese fully melts and coats the beef and vegetables, creating a velvety sauce that binds everything together.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Turn off the heat. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture onto each toasted bun and top with your cheese of choice. The residual heat from the meat mixture will help melt the cheese slightly. If you prefer more melted cheese, place assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 30 seconds.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook it just until no longer pink for the juiciest results.
Toast Those Buns: This simple step prevents soggy sandwiches and adds great texture. A minute or two in a dry skillet or under the broiler makes all the difference.
Break the Beef Small: Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break the ground beef into the smallest pieces possible while cooking for that authentic cheesesteak texture.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking for much smoother incorporation into the hot beef mixture.

How to Serve

Classic Style

Serve your ground beef cheesesteak with a side of crispy french fries or onion rings for the full diner experience.

Lighter Side

Balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some pickled vegetables on the side.

Philly-Inspired Spread

Set up a DIY cheesesteak bar with different cheese options, additional toppings like hot peppers or mushrooms, and condiments so everyone can customize their sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the beef mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the buns from becoming soggy.

Freezing

The beef mixture freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. The texture of the peppers and onions will soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains excellent.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a leaner ground beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While 80/20 provides great flavor, you can use leaner ground beef like 90/10 if preferred. Just be aware that the mixture might be slightly less juicy, so you could add an extra tablespoon of butter when cooking the vegetables to compensate.
How can I make this lower in carbs?

Skip the bun entirely and serve the beef mixture in lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice. The creamy, cheesy beef mixture is delicious even without the bread, and you won’t miss the carbs!
Can I make this ahead for a party?

Definitely! The beef mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or slow cooker on low. Set up a build-your-own sandwich station with toasted buns, the hot beef mixture, and various cheese options and toppings.
Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use instead of cream cheese?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use dairy-free cheese slices. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that creamy, satisfying result without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Cheesesteak recipe brings all the flavor of a classic Philly favorite into your kitchen with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s proof that delicious comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing option for game day, these sandwiches are sure to become part of your regular rotation. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!