Name: Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 46 reviews

If you love the rich, melty, and hearty delight of a classic Philly cheesesteak, then you are absolutely going to adore this Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches Recipe. It takes all the iconic flavors you crave and puts them into a more budget-friendly, quicker-to-make dish without sacrificing any of that irresistible savoriness. Imagine juicy seasoned ground beef mingling with sautéed onions and peppers, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and nestled on a toasted bun. It’s comfort food done right and perfect for any day you want a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with bright red ground meat sits on the right side on a white marbled surface. To its left, there is a block of white cream cheese wrapped in foil, a small clear bowl of black pepper, and a wooden spoon containing a yellow powdered spice. Below these, there is a whole yellow onion, a rectangular piece of pale yellow butter with small dark bits, and four slices of light yellow cheese arranged in a neat stack. On the far left, five soft golden brown sandwiches with a light dusting of flour are piled in a small group. Below the sandwiches, a whole dark green bell pepper rests on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together brilliantly to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an important role, so having them on hand ensures your sandwiches will turn out juicy, cheesy, and beautifully balanced.

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner): Provides the meaty, juicy foundation that carries all the savory goodness.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice and complexity.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
4 tablespoons salted butter: Used to soften and caramelize the onion and bell pepper to sweet perfection.
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Delivers sweetness and texture that beautifully complements the beef.
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp zing and vibrant color.
8 ounces cream cheese: Melts into a velvety sauce that ties the whole mixture together with creamy richness.
8 hamburger buns or hoagie buns: The sturdy yet soft bread carries all the fillings and soaks up delicious juices.
8 slices provolone cheese or American cheese or cheese whiz: Melts perfectly over the meat for that classic cheesesteak finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown nicely for about 7 to 9 minutes. Browning develops a deep flavor and the right texture while cooking out any raw taste. Afterward, drain excess grease to keep the sandwich from getting too oily.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper

Push the seasoned beef to the edges of the skillet and place the salted butter in the center. As it melts, add the thinly sliced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook these gently, stirring occasionally, until they soften and achieve a lovely caramelized tint—usually 5 to 6 minutes. This step is critical because it adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch that contrasts the tender beef.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low, then cube the cream cheese and add it to the skillet. Slowly fold it into the beef and veggies, allowing it to melt completely and coat everything in a smooth, creamy sauce. This luscious step transforms the filling from simple to spectacular, giving it that signature cheesesteak creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Turn off the heat and get ready to build your sandwiches. Spoon about half a cup of the cheesy beef mixture onto each toasted bun, then top with a slice of provolone or your preferred cheese. The last touch of melting cheese finishing on the warm filling is pure happiness. Serve immediately while it’s warm, gooey, and utterly delicious.

How to Serve Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches Recipe

A black skillet filled with cooked ground meat mixed with light brown and translucent cooked onions and sliced green bell peppers. A wooden spoon rests inside the skillet, leaning on the mixture. In the background, there is a baking tray holding four toasted bun halves, three with a golden-brown toasted top and one with a melted light yellow cheese slice. In the foreground, part of a white plate with another toasted bun and cheese slice can be seen. The scene is set on a beige woven fabric surface, with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your sandwiches even more, consider some simple garnishes. A few fresh basil or parsley leaves add a pop of color and fresh aroma. A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a welcome kick. Everything tastes better with a little extra love.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Classic crispy french fries or onion rings make for a timeless combo, while a lightly dressed green salad or coleslaw can provide a refreshing balance. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup are cozy complements if you’re craving something warm and comforting alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the sandwiches diagonally and arranging them on a wooden board with small bowls of pickles, extra cheese sauce, or mustard for dipping. Wrapping individual sandwiches in parchment paper tied with twine gives a fun, rustic feel—ideal for parties or casual get-togethers. Presentation adds that extra sparkle to this already winning Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cheesesteak feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, separate the beef mixture and buns. Freeze the beef mixture in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat. Avoid freezing the buns as they tend to get soggy when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To retain bun texture, toast the buns fresh or warm them briefly in an oven or toaster oven. Then, assemble your sandwich with the warmed filling and fresh cheese for a close-to-original experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While beef offers the classic flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner, healthier alternative. Just adjust seasoning as poultry can be a bit milder, and watch cooking times so it stays juicy.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Provolone cheese is traditional and melts wonderfully, but American cheese, cheese whiz, or even mozzarella can work well depending on your preference. Each brings a slightly different flavor and meltiness to your sandwich.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds that creamy, rich texture that sets this version apart from others and helps bind the mixture. If you prefer, you could substitute with a little shredded mozzarella or even a touch of mayonnaise for creaminess, but cream cheese is truly the magic ingredient here.

Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Cooking the filling a day in advance can save time. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container and reheat gently before assembling your sandwiches to keep the flavors fresh and the texture perfect.

What type of buns work best for this recipe?

Soft hamburger buns are great for ease of eating, while longer hoagie buns give a more authentic Philly cheesesteak feel and hold more filling. Toasting the buns lightly enhances flavor and helps prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Ground Beef Cheesesteak Sandwiches Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, delicious hug at the end of a busy day. It’s affordable, quick, and packed with flavor that can satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether making it for a casual family dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering, these sandwiches bring unbeatable comfort and joy—so go ahead, gather your ingredients and start cooking. You won’t regret it!