You know that classic, mouthwatering flavor of a Philly cheesesteak? Well, imagine all that goodness—the savory beef, the melty cheese, the soft onions and peppers—piled onto a soft slider bun and baked until it’s one glorious, shareable sheet pan of deliciousness. That’s exactly what you get with these Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sliders. They take the busy work out of a weeknight favorite and turn it into the perfect easy meal for feeding your family or a group of friends. Honestly, they’re so much simpler to make than traditional cheesesteaks but deliver on every bit of that cozy, satisfying flavor we all love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Is there anything better than a dinner that comes together with minimal fuss but still feels like a real treat? I don’t think so. These sliders are my go-to for busy nights because they check all the boxes. They’re incredibly easy to throw together, especially if you grab a pre-chopped veggie mix to save time. They’re budget-friendly, using ground beef instead of pricier steak. And they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike go crazy for them. They’re the kind of dinner dish that makes everyone feel happy and full. So good.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sweet, savory base flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a mild, fresh crunch.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty, affordable main protein.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a essential punch of savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the meaty, umami taste.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: To enhance all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a little background warmth.
- 12 slider buns (like Hawaiian rolls): The soft, slightly sweet vehicle for all that goodness.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesesteak experience.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Brushed on top for a golden, buttery finish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Mixed with the butter for extra flavor on the bun tops.
Step-By-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and starting to get a little color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Push the veggies to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the beef and veggie mixture. Stir everything together and cook for one more minute until it’s fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire sheet of slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in your baking dish.
- Spread the warm beef and pepper mixture evenly over the bottom layer of buns. Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the beef.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the cheese. Mix the melted butter with the onion powder and brush it generously over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown.
- Let the sliders sit for a couple of minutes before using a sharp knife to slice them into individual sliders. Serve warm!
Oven Temperatures for Perfect Sliders
Getting the temperature right is key for sliders that are warm all the way through with a toasty top. 350°F is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to melt the cheese and heat the filling without burning the buns before the inside is warm. If you’re in a real hurry, you can bump it to 375°F, but keep a close eye on them and tent them with foil if the tops are browning too fast. And if you’re using a glass baking dish, just know it might hold heat a bit more, so your sliders could be done a minute or two sooner.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. For a little kick, add a diced jalapeño to the peppers and onions when you sauté them. If you have some mushrooms in the fridge, slice them up and toss them in with the veggies—they add a wonderful, earthy flavor. Not a fan of provolone? Swiss cheese or even a white American cheese would be delicious. You could even swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a slightly lighter version. These are your sliders, so have fun with them!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These sliders are a meal all on their own, but a couple of simple sides can turn it into a real feast. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly. If you’re craving something warmer, a bowl of tomato soup for dipping is pure comfort. For a picky eater, a side of crispy potato chips or carrot sticks always works. And honestly, on those super busy nights, I often just serve these with a pile of baby carrots and some apple slices. Easy, healthy, and done.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. Let the sliders cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find the best method is the oven or a toaster oven. Just warm them at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the buns a bit soggy. You can also freeze them! Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Easy Meals
Keeping dinner affordable is always on my mind. For this recipe, buying a larger package of ground beef when it’s on sale and freezing it in one-pound portions is a great start. Those bags of frozen pepper and onion stir-fry mixes are a fantastic time and money saver—no chopping required! And when it comes to the buns, the store brand slider rolls are almost always cheaper than the name-brand Hawaiian rolls and work just as well. These little tricks help make these healthy dinner recipes and cheap dinners for a family a reality without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
FAQs About Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pan of sliders, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time since everything will be cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to cut the sliders without squishing them?
Use a long, sharp serrated knife. And don’t press down—use a gentle sawing motion. Letting them rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven also helps the cheese set a bit, making them easier to cut.
Are there any healthy dinner ideas to make this recipe lighter?
Sure! Using a lean ground beef (93/7 or leaner) helps. You can also load up on the peppers and onions for more veggies, use low-fat provolone cheese, and opt for whole-wheat slider buns if you can find them.
Can I use something other than ground beef?
Of course. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. For a vegetarian twist, you could use a plant-based ground crumble and your favorite vegan cheese slices. It’s a very adaptable recipe for quick dinner ideas.