The Art of Philly Cheesesteak Perfection

Caramelizing Aromatics

Learn the essential technique of properly caramelizing onions and sautéing peppers to develop deep, sweet flavors that form the flavor foundation of an authentic cheesesteak.

Browning Ground Beef

Master the art of achieving perfectly browned, crispy-edged ground beef crumbles by using high heat and avoiding the temptation to stir too frequently.

Seasoning Balance

Discover how to layer seasonings throughout the cooking process to build complex flavor rather than relying on salt alone for taste.

Cheese Melting Technique

Perfect the steaming method for achieving restaurant-quality melted cheese that's gooey and evenly distributed without becoming greasy or separated.

Assembly Mastery

Learn the proper technique for toasting rolls and transferring the hot, cheesy filling to create a sandwich that holds together while maintaining maximum flavor and texture in every bite.

Mastering the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

Meat Selection: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef will result in a drier filling that lacks the rich, satisfying texture.

Cheese Melting: Always cover the skillet when melting cheese to trap steam and ensure even, gooey melting. Provolone is traditional, but American cheese or Cheez Whiz are authentic alternatives.

Vegetable Prep: Slice onions and peppers uniformly thin (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking and better distribution throughout the sandwich.

Make-Ahead: The beef and vegetable filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat and add fresh cheese when ready to serve.

Customization: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers for extra flavor. Some prefer using ribeye steak thinly sliced instead of ground beef for a more traditional approach.

Common Mistake: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking vegetables or beef - this creates steam instead of the desired caramelization and crispy edges that make this sandwich exceptional.

Ultimate Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak with Melted Provolone Cheese and Sautéed Bell Peppers

Name: Ultimate Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak with Melted Provolone Cheese and Sautéed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Beef Filling:; 1.5 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional; For the Assembly:; 4 hoagie rolls, 8-inch length; 8 slices provolone cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; For Special Equipment:; Large cast iron skillet or griddle; Metal spatula for pressing; Sharp knife for slicing vegetables

The ultimate Philly Cheesesteak featuring seasoned ground beef, caramelized onions, and sautéed bell peppers. This iconic sandwich combines the savory richness of perfectly seasoned beef with the creamy meltiness of provolone cheese, creating an unforgettable handheld meal that elevates the classic cheesesteak to extraordinary heights perfect for game day gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or any time you crave the perfect balance of meaty, cheesy satisfaction.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Beef Filling:

1.5 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

For the Assembly:

4 hoagie rolls, 8-inch length

8 slices provolone cheese

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For Special Equipment:

Large cast iron skillet or griddle

Metal spatula for pressing

Sharp knife for slicing vegetables

Instructions

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize and turn golden brown.

Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until peppers are tender but still have slight texture. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and increase heat to high. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne if using. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, until beef is browned and slightly crispy on the edges.

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring to combine everything evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and divide the mixture into 4 equal portions in the pan, shaping each into a rough rectangular mound.

Place 2 slices of provolone cheese on top of each beef and vegetable mound. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let steam for 2-3 minutes until cheese is completely melted and gooey.

While cheese melts, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread softened butter on the inside of each roll and toast them face-down in a separate pan or griddle for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Using your spatula, carefully transfer each cheesy beef portion into a toasted hoagie roll, scraping up any melted cheese from the pan.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the stretchy, melty, meaty perfection of your homemade Philly Cheesesteak!

Ultimate Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak with Melted Provolone Cheese and Sautéed Bell Peppers

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Philly Cheesesteak Perfection

Ultimate Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak with Melted Provolone Cheese and Sautéed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

Instructions