Ingredients
— The Meat & Veggies —
1.5 lbs (700g) lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 large green bell pepper, diced or sliced into strips
1 large yellow onion, diced or sliced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
— The Sauce —
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup (or steak sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
— Assembly —
6 Hoagie rolls or sub buns
6-8 slices Provolone cheese (or mild white cheddar)
Mayonnaise (for the buns)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting buns)
Instructions
1. **Brown the Beef:** In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and remove the beef from the pan. Set aside.
2. **Sauté Veggies:** In the same skillet, add the olive oil (or butter). Add the bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. **Combine:** Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the top.
5. **Simmer:** Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken, coating the meat and vegetables in a glossy glaze.
6. **Melt Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low. Lay the slices of Provolone cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
7. **Toast Buns:** While the cheese melts, brush the insides of the hoagie rolls with melted butter. Toast them in the oven or on a griddle until golden brown. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the toasted buns.
8. **Serve:** Scoop the cheesy beef mixture generously into the buns and serve hot.
Notes
Bread Choice: Hoagie rolls are traditional, but this filling is also delicious on hamburger buns, slider rolls (for parties), or even over rice for a gluten-free bowl.
Cheese Options: Provolone is the classic choice for its meltability and mild flavor, but Cheez Whiz or White American cheese are also popular authentic options.
Make Ahead: The beef filling stores perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld!
Veggie Variations: Feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat or red bell peppers for sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American