These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes blend two favorites into one tasty meal! With ground beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese, they are hearty and super fun to eat.
Who doesn’t love messy sandwiches? I like to serve them with a side of crispy fries. Just be sure to have napkins ready—things might get a little saucy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your sloppy joes. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be used instead. Vegetarians can try lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a similar texture.
Bell Pepper: A green bell pepper gives a nice slight bitterness, but you could swap it out for red or yellow peppers for sweetness. Any color works, so pick your favorite!
Onion: I always go for yellow onions because they’re sweet when cooked and add great flavor. If you want a sharper taste, red onions are a good choice too.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is classic, but feel free to use cheddar or mozzarella if that’s what you have. Cheese is all about personal taste, so pick what you love!
Hamburger Buns: Brioche buns are sweeter and buttery, which I enjoy. For a gluten-free version, you can find gluten-free buns or use lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
How Do I Get the Meat Mixture Just Right?
Getting the meat mixture full of flavor is key! Start by cooking the onions and peppers until they’re soft. This lays a tasty foundation for the beef.
- Use a medium heat for even cooking of onions and peppers, about 5 minutes.
- When adding ground beef, let it brown nicely. This step releases those tasty flavors. Don’t stir too often; let it brown before breaking it apart.
- For a rich sauce, add your beef broth and other seasonings; then let it all simmer. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Make sure you stir well; you want every bite to be delicious!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 40 minutes. It’s a quick and fun meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers to the pan. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and slightly translucent. This step builds a great base flavor!
2. Adding the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic smells amazing and fragrant!
3. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Now, crank up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Make sure to drain any excess grease from the skillet when you’re done.
4. Mixing in the Sauces:
Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and is full of flavor. This is what makes your Sloppy Joes saucy and delicious!
5. Melting the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low, and place the slices of provolone cheese on top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted. Who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
6. Toasting the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, you can toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or in the oven until they are golden brown. Toasting adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.
7. Serving Up the Sloppy Joes:
Finally, it’s time to enjoy! Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, place the top half on, and dig in. Your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are ready to be devoured!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that these meats may require a bit more seasoning since they’re milder in flavor. Follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring to cook until fully browned and seasoned to your liking.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute provolone with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss. Each will offer a different flavor profile while still melting beautifully over the meat mixture. Choose a cheese that you love to make your Sloppy Joes more delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, allow it to cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then add the cheese and continue as directed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, simply reheat the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to toast the buns fresh for a better texture when serving!
