Name: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (90/10 recommended); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese; 2 cups cooked white rice

I’ve always loved the bold, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—but let’s be real, making the traditional version every week just isn’t practical. That’s why I decided to turn the classic sandwich into an easy, no-fuss meal prep bowl using ground beef instead of sliced steak. It’s quicker, more affordable, and just as delicious. I load it up with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melty cheese, then pair it with fluffy white rice to make it a full, satisfying meal you can enjoy all week.

This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep recipe has saved me countless hours during the week and kept me on track with my eating goals without sacrificing flavor. The beauty is in how simple it is to cook and portion. One pan, one pot of rice, and just a few staple ingredients are all it takes. Whether you need quick lunches for work or a go-to dinner option, this one hits the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep

Fast and Easy: Made in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is a great alternative to pricey steak.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream.
Balanced and Satisfying: A great mix of protein, carbs, and veggies.
Customizable: Use your favorite veggies or swap in brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep, I usually go for lean ground beef—something around 90/10. It has just enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful without making the dish greasy. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use 80/20, but you may want to drain some of the fat after browning. On the flip side, extra-lean beef (like 93/7) will still work, just make sure not to overcook it, or it could end up dry.

Another option I’ve tried and liked is ground turkey or ground chicken when I’m looking for something a bit lighter. They don’t have the same richness as beef, but the cheesesteak-style seasoning and veggies make up for that.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, which makes it ideal for meal prep. Here are some great ways to switch things up:

Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Choices: Provolone is classic, but shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack add a nice twist.
Rice Alternatives: Sub with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb.
Veggie Add-ins: Don’t stop at peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Spinach, zucchini, or shredded carrots can sneak in more nutrients.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños if you like heat.

These simple swaps can transform the flavor or nutritional profile without complicating the cooking process. It’s all about finding your personal balance of taste and convenience.

Ingredients for This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep

Ground Beef: The heart of the dish—savory, protein-packed, and full of flavor. I recommend lean beef for a healthier meal prep option that still tastes rich.
Bell Peppers (Green and Red): These add color, crunch, and sweetness. The contrast between red and green peppers also gives it that signature cheesesteak look.
Yellow Onion: Sautéed until soft and golden, onions bring out a natural sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Mushrooms: A meaty, earthy component that adds depth and pairs beautifully with the other vegetables.
Shredded Cheese: Melts into the beef and veggies, bringing everything together. I usually go with provolone or mozzarella for that gooey cheesesteak finish.
Cooked White Rice: A neutral base that soaks up all the flavor from the beef and veggies. It also makes the meal more filling and perfect for prep.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, add a big boost of flavor to the beef as it cooks.
Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami and gives the beef that signature “steakhouse” flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and help them caramelize without burning.

Each of these ingredients plays a key role in delivering that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor in a bowl that’s easy to pack, store, and enjoy throughout the week.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. I usually go with jasmine or basmati for their fluffy texture, but any long-grain rice will do. Once cooked, set it aside and let it cool slightly while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until the veggies are soft and lightly caramelized. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned—about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is well mixed and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine with Veggies and Cheese

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine. Sprinkle in your shredded cheese and gently fold it through until it starts to melt and bind everything together. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls

Divide the cooked rice evenly into your containers. Spoon the cheesy beef and veggie mixture next to or over the rice. Add extra shredded cheese on top if you like it extra cheesy.

Step 7: Let It Cool and Store

Allow the bowls to cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before sealing them with lids and refrigerating.

How Long to Cook the Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep

The total cooking time is about 25 to 30 minutes, making this a quick and efficient recipe for weekly prep. Here’s a general breakdown:

Rice Cooking: 12–15 minutes (depending on type)
Vegetable Sautéing: 6–8 minutes
Ground Beef Browning & Seasoning: 8–10 minutes
Combining Everything: 2–3 minutes

If you cook the rice ahead of time or use microwaveable rice packs, you can cut the total time down to just 15–20 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing vegetables, give them space so they caramelize instead of steam.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Drain the Beef Wisely: If you’re using fattier beef, drain the excess fat to avoid greasy meal prep containers.
Season at Each Step: Lightly season your veggies and beef separately to build deeper flavor.
Cool Before Sealing: Let the food cool a bit before storing to avoid condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
Reheat Gently: Use a microwave at 70–80% power to keep the cheese gooey and the beef tender when reheating.

These small tricks go a long way in turning a good meal prep into a great one—flavorful, balanced, and satisfying even after a few days in the fridge.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this one can go sideways with a few small missteps. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Overcooking the Ground Beef: It can dry out quickly, especially if you’re using lean beef. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it’s browned and cooked through.
Skipping the Drain Step: If you use higher-fat beef and don’t drain the excess grease, your meal prep containers could turn oily and heavy.
Undercooking the Veggies: You want them soft with a slight char—not raw or overly crunchy. This gives the dish its signature cheesesteak texture.
Adding Cheese Too Early: If you toss the cheese in while the heat’s too high, it could clump or burn. Always add it at the end and stir gently.
Packing While Hot: Sealing your containers too soon creates steam buildup, which makes the rice soggy and ruins texture. Let everything cool first.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep?

This recipe is great on its own, but if you want to round out the meal or mix it up, here are some tasty pairings:

Simple Side Salad

A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.

Roasted Veggies

Broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic pair beautifully with the savory flavors of the bowl.

Sweet Potato Wedges

Adds a bit of sweetness and extra fiber. Roast them with paprika or cinnamon for a flavor boost.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Great for extra protein on the side, especially if you’re eating this as a post-workout meal.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

That briny crunch adds contrast and cuts through the richness of the meal.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

If you’re skipping rice, turn this into an open-faced cheesesteak sandwich using crusty bread.

Fruit Cup or Grapes

A light and juicy way to end your meal. Grapes or citrus segments add a refreshing finish.

Sparkling Water or Iced Tea

A crisp drink helps cleanse the palate and keeps the meal feeling light.

Storage Instructions

This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep is made for storing and reheating—it’s meal prep gold. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Glass containers with separate compartments for rice and beef/veggie mix work best to maintain texture.
Freezer: You can freeze these bowls for up to 2 months, but for best results, leave the cheese out and add it fresh when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before microwaving.
Reheating Tips: Microwave on medium power (70–80%) for about 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This helps reheat evenly without drying out the beef or overcooking the rice.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Keep in mind, actual values may vary based on the type of cheese and exact portion sizes.

Calories: 520
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 85mg

This meal offers a solid balance of macronutrients—great for fueling your day or refueling after a workout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteak flavor, but mozzarella or a mild cheddar melts beautifully too. Avoid strong cheeses like blue cheese or feta—they overpower the dish.

Can I make this low-carb?

Absolutely. Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice or chopped sautéed cabbage. It keeps the dish hearty without the carbs.

Is this meal prep freezer-friendly?

Yes! It freezes well for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the beef and veggie mixture separately from the rice, and add cheese fresh when reheating.

How do I keep the rice from getting soggy?

Let everything cool completely before sealing the containers. This prevents steam from making the rice mushy. Also, don’t overcook the rice in the first place—al dente is best for meal prep.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives. Just add a bit more seasoning, as they’re naturally less rich than beef.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored properly in airtight containers, it stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

What veggies can I add or substitute?

Zucchini, spinach, shredded carrots, or even kale work great. Just be sure to sauté them well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead?

Definitely. Brown rice adds more fiber, and quinoa brings in extra protein. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and season the grains lightly for added flavor.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep brings all the bold, cheesy, savory flavor of the classic sandwich—without the bread, grease, or fuss. It’s a quick, customizable, and balanced recipe that works perfectly for lunches, dinners, or fueling your week. Whether you’re counting macros, cooking on a budget, or just want something seriously satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and minimal cleanup? That’s a meal prep win.