Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep

This ground beef twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak is both quick and simple, with just a handful of ingredients. It will have you skipping the traditional Philly sandwich this week and making this easy, tasty version for dinner or your lunch Philly cheesesteak meal prep!

This ground beef Philly cheesesteak packs all the familiar delicious flavors of a traditional sandwich, yet it’s ready in less than 20 minutes.

Just so you know, a classic Philly cheesesteak is actually a sandwich, not a rice and meat bowl like this. Also, it’s made with thinly shaved steak, not ground beef, and dates back to the 1930s!

The usual fixings are green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted provolone on a hoagie roll.

But here, you get all those incredible flavors without the hassle or heaviness of a sandwich.

If you crave the melty, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but want something faster, lighter, and perfect for meal prep, this ground beef version is just right. It brings together the key ingredients—ground beef, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and gooey cheese—without the fuss of sandwich building or using shaved steak. Best of all, it comes together in about 25 minutes and divides easily into 3 to 4 grab-and-go meals.

This section breaks down everything you need to know to make it: a short list of ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, insider tips for the best texture, simple ingredient swaps (including low-carb options and different cheeses), plus storage and reheating tricks to keep your lunches tasting fresh all week long.

• Quick and dependable: ready in around 25 minutes for busy evening meals.
• Meal-prep friendly: divides neatly into several containers for hassle-free lunches.
• Customizable: swap out proteins, cheeses, or rice to match your diet.
• Make-ahead and freezer friendly: plan your week and reheat without losing any flavor.

Keep scrolling for the full ingredient list, step-by-step directions, and tips to make this your new go-to Philly cheesesteak meal prep favorite.

Why This Version Works

This take on the Philly cheesesteak with ground beef delivers the same rich, melty comfort of the original sandwich but in a much quicker, lighter, and meal-prep ready form. You can whip it up in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients, and it’s easy to customize your way.

• Speedy: done in about 25 minutes total (10-minute prep, roughly 15-minute cook).
• Meal prep friendly: separates into 3–4 containers for quick, portable lunches.
• Flexible: swap cheeses, use other ground meats, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice.
• Make-ahead and freezer ready: keeps well in the fridge up to four days and freezes perfectly in single-serving containers.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• 1 to 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or traditional provolone!)
• 1 cup cooked basmati rice

Step-by-Step Cooking

1. Cook basmati rice according to package instructions.
2. Dice the green pepper, thinly slice the onion, and slice the mushrooms.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the ground beef, break it apart, and cook until halfway browned.

5. Add the diced green pepper, sliced onion, and mushrooms; continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

   

6. Drain excess fat from the skillet if desired.
7. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth; simmer 2–3 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
9. Divide the cheesesteak mixture into 3–4 meal-prep containers and add about 1/2 cup cooked basmati rice (or cauliflower rice) to each.

Pro Tips and Notes

• Slice onions thinly—they soften nicely and mix well with beef for a better texture.
• If you want to keep it leaner and less oily, drain excess fat after browning the beef.
• Don’t overcook mushrooms or peppers. Cook just until tender so they stay flavorful and maintain a bit of bite.
• Provolone cheese offers that classic Philly taste, but Colby Jack or mozzarella are great alternatives depending on what you have on hand.
• Make it low-carb easily by swapping regular rice for cauliflower rice or serving the cheesesteak mix over steamed veggies or a baked potato.
• When reheating, always add a little water and cover your dish to keep it from drying out.
• Freeze single portions using trays designed for soups or sauces for convenient thaw-and-eat meals that don’t waste food.

Simple Swaps and Variations

This Philly cheesesteak meal prep can easily go low-carb by swapping rice for cauliflower rice or just serving it with a side of steamed vegetables instead.

Another family favorite? Loading it over a baked potato and smothering it with meat and melty cheese for an extra comforting meal!

Storing and Reheating

• Keep your Philly cheesesteak meal prep refrigerated for up to 4 days to enjoy fresh lunches all week.

• This meal prep is definitely freezer-friendly! I like freezing it in single-serving «souper cube» trays for easy portion control. When reheating, always thaw first and add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Ready to get your Philly cheesesteak meal prep on and enjoy easy, flavorful lunches all week long?

Common Questions Answered

• Q: Can I use other ground meats besides beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well—just adjust cooking times and seasonings to your taste.
• Q: How long does this Philly cheesesteak meal prep keep in the fridge? A: Stored properly, you can enjoy it refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly? A: Yes, it freezes beautifully. Portion into single servings, freeze, and thaw before reheating for best flavor and texture.
• Q: Can I make this low-carb? A: Totally! Swap the basmati rice for cauliflower rice, or enjoy the cheesesteak mixture over steamed veggies.
• Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out? A: Add about a teaspoon of water, cover, and microwave gently. Or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
• Q: Can I use shaved steak to make a more classic Philly? A: Yes, but this recipe is built around ground beef for convenience and speed, so the cooking process and timing will be different with shaved steak.