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)

Description

This Ground Beef Cheesesteak recipe is a quick and flavorful take on the classic cheesesteak sandwich. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender onions, peppers, and creamy melted cheese, this dish delivers all the comforts of a cheesesteak in an easy-to-make format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons salted butter

Vegetables

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced

Cheese and Buns

8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
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, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, and let it brown for about 7–9 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
Push the cooked ground beef to the edges of the skillet. Melt the butter in the center of the pan, then add the sliced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they soften and lightly brown, about 5–6 minutes.
Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese into the skillet and fold it into the beef mixture. Stir until the cream cheese fully melts and creates a creamy, rich sauce.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Turn off the heat. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture onto each bun. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese. Serve immediately for best results.
Toast the Buns (Optional)
For added flavor and texture, toast the buns before assembling. Either toast them cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for around 1–2 minutes, or place them on a baking sheet and toast them in a broiler cut-side up for 1–2 minutes—watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings: Enhance your sandwiches with sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeño slices, hot cherry peppers, long hot peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce.
Customizing the Vegetables: If you prefer, dice the onion and bell pepper into smaller pieces instead of slicing them, and follow the same cooking steps.
Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 470
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg