These Philly Cheesesteak Burgers are an easy gourmet burger recipe loaded with sautéed onions, bell peppers, juicy beef patties, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for summer grilling, game day, or weeknight dinners, this Philly cheesesteak burger recipe brings classic sandwich flavors to an irresistible burger.
Philly Cheesesteak Burgers are what I like to call easy gourmet. They feel special enough for a party but are simple enough to make any time of year. If you love classic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and you love burgers, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together.
These burgers are piled high with tender onions, colorful bell peppers, and a smooth, melty cheese sauce that really makes the whole thing. They are hearty, messy in the best way, and guaranteed to impress without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
The vegetables cook quickly and add tons of flavor and texture, while the burgers stay juicy thanks to simple seasoning and gentle mixing. The cheese sauce comes together in minutes and gives these burgers that true cheesesteak vibe.
Whether you make them for a summer cookout, game day, or a fun family dinner, these Philly Cheesesteak Burgers always disappear fast.
What I Love About This Recipe
- It combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with a juicy burger in one easy meal.
- The cheese sauce is quick to make and melts perfectly over the burgers every time.
- It works great on the grill or the stovetop, so it is flexible year-round.
- The toppings are simple but full of flavor and easy to customize.
Equipment You May Need
- Large Skillet or Grill Pan – For cooking the onions and bell peppers until tender.
- Mixing Bowl – To gently combine the burger ingredients.
- Grill or Stovetop Skillet – For cooking the burger patties.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl or Small Saucepan – To melt the cheese sauce smoothly.
- Spatula – For flipping burgers and vegetables easily.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Helps sauté the onions and peppers until tender and flavorful.
- Onions – Add sweetness and classic cheesesteak flavor.
- Bell Peppers – Bring color, crunch, and freshness to the burgers.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasoning for the vegetables.
- Ground Beef – Forms the base of the juicy burger patties.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds savory depth to the beef.
- Seasoned Salt – Enhances the flavor of the burgers without extra work.
- Garlic Powder – Adds subtle garlic flavor to the beef.
- Deli White American Cheese – Melts smoothly for a creamy cheese sauce.
- Milk or Heavy Cream – Helps create a smooth and pourable cheese sauce.
- Hamburger Rolls – Lightly toasted to hold all the toppings.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Burgers
Step One: Cook the Vegetables
Place olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat on the grill or stovetop. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 8 minutes or until fork-tender. Season with salt and black pepper and stir to combine.
Step Two: Prepare the Burger Patties
Add ground beef to a large mixing bowl and gently stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and garlic powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into 4 large patties sized to fit the buns.
Step Three: Cook the Burgers
Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat. Cook the burgers for about 3 to 5 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness.
Step Four: Make the Cheese Sauce
Place the chopped cheese and milk or cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the cheese is melted and smooth, about 2 to 4 minutes.
Step Five: Assemble the Burgers
Place each burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top with cooked onions and peppers, then spoon the cheese sauce over everything. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with classic fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy potato wedges.
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the burgers.
- Add pickles or hot peppers on the side for extra crunch and heat. This Boom Sauce would also be delicious.
- Serve with extra cheese sauce for dipping fries or drizzling on top.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Do not overmix the ground beef or the burgers may become tough.
- Deli American cheese melts best for a smooth sauce, so substitutions may change texture.
- Toast the buns lightly, so they hold up to the toppings.
- Reheat the cheese sauce briefly if it thickens before serving.
- These burgers are a big half-pound each, but you can make them into any size, including sliders!
Philly Cheesesteak Burger FAQ
How should I store Philly Cheesesteak Burgers?
Store leftover burger patties, vegetables, and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Burgers?
The cooked burger patties can be frozen, but freezing the cheese sauce is not recommended because it may separate when thawed.
How long will Philly Cheesesteak Burgers last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days.
Substitutions?
You can substitute mushrooms for the onions or peppers, or use white cheddar or provolone cheese, though melting may vary.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Leaner ground beef and low-fat milk can be used, but the burgers and cheese sauce may be less rich.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of spicy sauce are great additions for extra flavor.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – This would be a tough one to make vegan, but you could make a vegan burger patty and use a vegan cheese sauce.
Vegetarian – You could use a vegetarian burger patty.
Low-Carb – You can use a lettuce wrap instead of a roll, or use a low-carb roll.
Gluten-Free -Use a gluten-free roll and double-check your Worcestershire sauce.
Hope you enjoy these big, hearty Philly Cheesesteak Burgers! You may also like these Caribbean Mango Chicken Burgers and French Onion Beer Burgers. Yum!
Philly Cheesesteak Burger
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onion
- 4 cups sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound deli white American cheese coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 hamburger rolls split & lightly toasted
Instructions
- Place olive oil in large skillet over medium heat on the grill (or stove). Add onion and pepper, stirring occasionally, cook about 6-8 minutes or until fork tender. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top and mix to combine.
- Meanwhile, add ground beef to large mixing bowl. Gently stir in Worcestshire, seasoned salt, and garlic powder until just combined being careful to not overmix meat. Form into 4 large patties to fit the buns.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (or place skillet on stove over medium heat). Cook burgers about 3-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
- Place chopped cheese and milk (or cream) in a medium microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth, about 2-4 minutes.
- To assemble burgers, place a burger patty on the bottom of each toasted bun. Top patty with onions, pepper, and cheese sauce then cover with top of each bun.
Notes
- The burgers may be cooked on a pan on the stove or on the grill.
- Instead of onions and/or peppers, you could substitute sliced mushrooms.
- I strongly recommend deli American cheese. If you substitute other types of cheese, it may not melt very well.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
Karly says
Holy drool. I’m seriously losing it over this deliciousness. I must try this soon!!