Get ready for a fun twist on a classic! Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix tender beef, peppers, and onions with a cheesy sauce—all in a soft bun. Yum!
These messy sandwiches are a hit at parties. I love piling mine with extra cheese, because why not? Who doesn’t enjoy a cheesy bite that drips everywhere? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually opt for ground beef for that classic flavor, but a mix with ground pork adds extra richness. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Onion & Bell Pepper: Diced onion and green bell pepper give the base great flavor. Yellow or red onion also works if you prefer. You can swap bell pepper for diced mushrooms or zucchini if you like.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. If you have chicken broth or vegetable broth on hand, they’ll work just as well. For a lighter flavor, low-sodium versions are great options.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives that gooey cheesesteak feel. Feel free to swap it for mozzarella or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. I think a mix of cheeses can elevate the dish!
How Do I Get the Meat Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Cooking the meat right is key for a great texture and flavor. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Sauté your onion and bell pepper first—this softens them and enhances their flavors.
- When you add the ground meat, increase the heat to medium-high. This helps brown the meat nicely.
- Break the meat apart with your spatula as it cooks. Aim for even cooking and avoid large chunks.
- After browning, drain excess fat. This keeps the dish from being greasy and allows the flavors to shine.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground pork)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or sliced)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns (preferably soft)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. So overall, you can make these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in about 35 minutes. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they get a little soft and fragrant. This is where the magic starts!
2. Add the Garlic:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This will give your filling an amazing aroma. You want to keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn.
3. Cook the Meat:
Turn up the heat to medium-high and add your ground beef (or the beef-pork mix). Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula while it cooks for a nice even texture.
4. Add the Flavor:
If there’s any excess fat, drain it from the skillet. Then stir in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Reduce the heat back to medium and let this simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This is when the mixture will thicken up and get flavorful!
5. Melt the Cheese:
During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the meat mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit until the cheese melts. Yum!
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can toast your burger buns in another skillet or even in the oven for a couple of minutes. This step adds a nice crispy texture to hold all that cheesy goodness.
7. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Pile that cheesy ground beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve them up hot and enjoy your fabulous Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great healthier alternative. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink and consider adding a touch more seasoning, as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or lentils. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute to keep the same texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it’s heated through. You might want to add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist!
Can I Freeze the Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the mixture! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
