This is an easy, budget-friendly take on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Instead of using pricey cuts of beef, you’ll use ground beef for a more affordable and still delicious sandwich. The flavors are savory and comforting, with melted provolone cheese to finish it off. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid too much grease, but regular ground beef will give you extra flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1 large onion: Finely chopped. For convenience, you can use a food processor to get small, uniform pieces quickly.
- 4 garlic cloves: Crushed or minced. You can also toss the garlic in the food processor with the onion to save time.
- 1 large green bell pepper: Diced small. You could substitute with red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste, but green adds a nice balance of flavor.
- Seasonings:
- Onion powder: Adds extra onion flavor without any extra texture.
- Garlic powder: For an even more garlicky depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, but don’t go too light with the seasoning; the flavors really need to pop.
- Worcestershire sauce: A generous splash—this is key to bringing the savory umami that gives the sandwich its distinctive Philly flavor.
- Provolone cheese: Thin slices, or you can use mozzarella or American cheese if you prefer.
- Sandwich buns: Use any hearty sandwich roll. If you’re on a budget, you can get a pack of big buns from places like Walmart for a couple of bucks, as you mentioned.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by chopping the onion and green bell pepper. You can toss them in a food processor to finely chop them quickly if you’re looking to save time. Crush or mince the garlic the same way. This ensures the flavors meld well when cooking. - Cook the Ground Beef and Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. After about 5 minutes, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook everything together for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened. - Drain Excess Fat:
If there’s any excess grease in the pan from the ground beef, drain it off to avoid the sandwiches getting too greasy. - Season the Meat Mixture:
Return the pan to the heat and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Then add a generous splash of Worcestershire sauce (about 2-3 tablespoons). Stir everything together to evenly coat the beef and vegetables in the seasonings. - Prepare the Buns:
While the meat mixture is simmering, slice your buns open. If you’d like to make them extra toasty, you can butter them lightly and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F or on a skillet until golden. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the meat mixture is ready, spoon it onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a few slices of provolone cheese, then place the top half of the bun on top. - Melt the Cheese:
Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and put them in the oven under the broiler (or bake at 350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is toasted. You can also wrap them in foil if you want them to steam a little bit, which helps the cheese melt more evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is nice and melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy these hearty, satisfying Poor Man’s Philly Cheesesteaks!
Tips:
- For a saucy twist: You could add a spoonful of mayo or creamy horseradish sauce inside the buns for extra flavor.
- Switch up the cheese: If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or American cheese work just as well for that melty goodness.
- Bulk it up: Feel free to add mushrooms or even jalapeños if you like extra flavor or heat.
This version of Philly Cheesesteaks is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic without breaking the bank—perfect for a family meal or a quick weeknight dinner!