Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the heartiness of a classic sloppy joe with the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Ground beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese make it oh-so-tasty!
These messy delights are perfect for a casual dinner. I love loading mine up with extra cheese, because honestly, can you ever have too much cheese? 🧀
Making these is super easy; simply cook the meat and veggies together, add your sauce, and pile it on a bun! It’s a fun twist that the whole family will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! You can go for lean beef or a higher fat content for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Onion: A medium onion is perfect for adding sweetness and depth to the flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions or have allergies, you can skip them or use shallots for a milder taste.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and a bit of sweetness. Red or yellow bell peppers can be great alternatives, especially if you want to bring a sweeter note to the dish.
Cheese: Provolone is traditional for this type of sandwich, but Cheez Whiz adds that nostalgic Philly touch. For a unique twist, try using pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Hamburger Buns: Classic hamburger buns fit perfectly, but I prefer using sandwich rolls for more substance. Whole-grain or gluten-free buns are also excellent substitutes!
How Can I Ensure My Sloppy Joes Are Flavorful and Not Watery?
Achieving the right texture is crucial for Sloppy Joes. You want a thick, hearty filling without it being too soupy. Follow these steps:
- Sauté the vegetables well to enhance their flavors before adding the beef.
- Let the beef mixture simmer until it thickens up, absorbing the broth and sauce—this usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Don’t be afraid to drain any excess fat after browning the beef; it helps keep your filling from becoming greasy.
- If you find the mix is still watery, simmer a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.
Pay attention to seasoning; taste as you go to hit the perfect balance! Enjoy making your Sloppy Joes!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (or beef stock)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz, if preferred)
For the Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (or sandwich rolls)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’ll spend about 35 minutes to have your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and nice.
2. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to your skillet. Stir and cook for another minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma. It’s going to make your dish even tastier!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Remember to break it apart using a spatula as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and completely cooked, which should take about 7-10 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain it off carefully.
4. Stir in the Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens a little. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Toast the Buns:
If you like your buns a bit crispy, preheat your oven broiler. Place the hamburger buns under the broiler for a couple of minutes until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Divide that flavorful beef mixture evenly among the hamburger buns. Top each one with 2 slices of provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese) to make them extra creamy and delicious.
7. Melt Cheese:
Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for just a few minutes until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. You want that cheesy goodness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, they’re ready to serve warm. Enjoy your tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives. Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster, so watch them closely to prevent drying out. You might want to add a bit of extra seasoning to enhance the flavor if using a leaner meat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative like lentils, mushrooms, or a store-bought meat substitute. You may want to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors, adding more spices or a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Can I Store Leftovers and How Long Do They Last?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, just add a splash of beef broth to keep the mixture moist while reheating!
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Sloppy Joes?
These Sloppy Joes are fantastic served with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, you could also serve them with pickles or sautéed mushrooms on top for extra flavor!
