Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Ground Beef Philly Skillet is the answer. This easy-to-make dish combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of a one-pan skillet meal. Packed with lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheese, it’s a meal that’s as flavorful as it is simple to prepare.
Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a delicious way to enjoy a family favorite, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, macro-friendly meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, this dish is versatile, so you can enjoy it on a bun, over a bed of greens, or paired with low-carb options like cauliflower rice or sweet potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Philly Skillet
This recipe checks all the boxes for a busy weeknight meal: it’s quick, healthy, and customizable. Here are just a few reasons why this Ground Beef Philly Skillet should be on your regular dinner rotation:
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this skillet meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty dish. It’s packed with flavors they already love, like cheese, beef, and savory vegetables.
Macro-Friendly: This dish is designed with balanced macros in mind. It’s high in protein and provides a healthy serving of vegetables.
Versatile: Serve it over a variety of bases like rice, sweet potatoes, or even low-carb options like cauliflower rice. You can even enjoy it on a toasted bun for a Philly-style sandwich!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Philly Skillet
The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so great. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that’s loaded with flavor. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
For the Skillet:
Ground Beef: Use lean 96/4 ground beef for a healthier option. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Mushrooms: White mushrooms add a savory depth to the skillet, but you can also use baby bellas for a richer flavor.
Bell Pepper: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work best due to their natural sweetness. They add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Onion: Yellow or white onions are perfect for this recipe. They caramelize beautifully, adding sweetness and a soft texture to the skillet.
Garlic: Fresh garlic or frozen garlic cubes will give the dish a fragrant base.
Worcestershire Sauce: This tangy, savory sauce enhances the flavor of the ground beef and adds complexity to the dish.
Cheese: Provolone, sharp white cheddar, or mozzarella cheese are the go-to options for a creamy, melty topping. Freshly grated cheese will give the best melt and flavor.
Dietary Adaptations
This recipe can easily be modified to meet various dietary needs:
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you choose to serve it on a bun, opt for a gluten-free bun. Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: To make it dairy-free, simply skip the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese. There are several great dairy-free cheese options available that melt well and complement the flavors of the dish.
Low-Carb: Serve the Ground Beef Philly Skillet over cauliflower rice, a baked sweet potato, or a bed of greens to keep the dish low-carb.
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Skillet
This one-pan meal is not only quick but also easy to prepare. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. Here’s how to make your Ground Beef Philly Skillet:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your vegetables and gathering all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Mushrooms: Clean and slice the white mushrooms (or baby bellas) into thin slices.
Bell Pepper: Slice your bell pepper into thin strips or dice it into small pieces, depending on your preference.
Onion: Dice your onion into small pieces.
Garlic: If you’re using fresh garlic, mince it finely. If using frozen garlic cubes, have them ready.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add a spritz of olive oil.
Once the oil is heated, add the mushrooms along with half of the salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to release their moisture and soften.
Add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet and continue to cook for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently until the vegetables are fragrant and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef to the other side. Season the beef with the remaining salt.
Break up the beef with a meat masher or a wooden spoon, ensuring it browns evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic to the beef, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, turn off the heat and sprinkle your choice of cheese (provolone, sharp white cheddar, or mozzarella) over the beef and vegetable mixture.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Philly Skillet is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
On a Bun: For a more traditional Philly-style sandwich, serve the skillet on a toasted bun with a drizzle of mustard aioli or your favorite condiment. This makes for a great lunch or casual dinner.
Over Rice: Serve the beef mixture over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up the savory sauce, creating a hearty meal.
With Sweet Potato: For a nutritious twist, serve the skillet over a baked sweet potato. The sweetness of the potato complements the savory beef and veggies perfectly.
Low-Carb Options: For a low-carb alternative, enjoy the skillet on a bed of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even spaghetti squash. These options keep the meal light but still filling.
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Philly Skillet
To make sure your Ground Beef Philly Skillet turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use Lean Ground Beef
For a healthier option, use 96/4 ground beef, which is lean and will keep the dish light without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer a fattier cut, like 85/15 ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat before adding the sauce to avoid an overly greasy dish.
2. Customize the Veggies
Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Some great additions include:
Spinach or kale for added greens.
Caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
Hot peppers for a spicy kick.
3. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
While it’s important to cook the vegetables until they’re tender, avoid overcooking them. You want the broccoli to stay crisp, and the bell peppers and onions should have a bit of bite left to add texture to the dish.
4. Add More Cheese
If you love cheese, feel free to add more to the dish. You can even melt a blend of cheddar and mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.
5. Use a Nonstick Skillet
To ensure easy cleanup and prevent the beef from sticking to the pan, use a nonstick skillet. This will also help keep the veggies and beef from burning.
Ground Beef Philly Skillet Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
1 lb extra lean ground beef (96/4)
12 oz white mushrooms, sliced (340g)
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (200g)
½ large onion, diced (200g)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 frozen garlic cubes)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup provolone cheese, grated (82g) or sharp white cheddar or mozzarella
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients: Slice the mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic if using fresh garlic.
Cook the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spritz with olive oil. Add the mushrooms, along with half of the salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper and onion, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until fragrant and tender.
Cook the beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side. Season with the remaining salt and break the meat up using a wooden spoon or meat masher. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 7 minutes).
Add flavor: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes more. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Top with cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated cheese over the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Serve: Serve the Ground Beef Philly Skillet over rice, sweet potatoes, or on toasted buns. You can also enjoy it with low-carb options like cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash.
Notes
Substitutes: If you prefer a different protein, try ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or caramelized onions to the skillet.
Cheese Options: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for varying flavors. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best meltability.
Serving Ideas: For a low-carb version, serve the skillet over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or enjoy it in a lettuce wrap.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 281 kcal
Protein: 33.2g
Carbohydrates: 11.4g
Fat: 10.6g
Saturated Fat: 3.6g
Cholesterol: 89mg
Sodium: 1101mg
Potassium: 517mg
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugar: 4.1g
Vitamin A: 950 IU
Vitamin C: 187.3mg
Calcium: 100mg
Iron: 3.1mg
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 281 kcal (per serving)
Yield: 4 servings
