Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic! They combine tasty beef, melted cheese, and veggies, all piled high on a soft bun. Yum!
These sandwiches are great for lunch or dinner and perfect for sharing. I love how quick they are to make—who can resist cheesy goodness on a bun? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of the sloppy joes. If you want a leaner option, consider ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, you can use lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground beef.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add essential flavor. Yellow or red onions can be used instead of white, and any color bell pepper works well. If you’re out of bell peppers, try using diced zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
Provolone Cheese: For that classic cheesesteak flavor, provolone is best. However, you can switch it up with mozzarella or even cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. A blend of cheeses adds extra depth!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami kick to the dish. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can work in a pinch. Look for low-sodium varieties to keep it from being too salty.
Buns: While brioche is soft and sweet, any sturdy sandwich roll will do. If gluten-free is a requirement, check out gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a light option.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Meat Mixture?
Getting that perfect mix of flavors in your sloppy joes is all about cooking the meat and veggies correctly. Start with high heat to brown the beef for great flavor, then lower it once you add the veggies.
- Brown the meat: Cook the ground beef until it’s well browned, around 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Simmer: Stir in remaining ingredients and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
- Melt the cheese: Remove it from heat once thickened, then add cheese until melted before serving.
Don’t rush the simmering! This step is crucial for developing those delicious flavors.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or soft sandwich rolls)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Additional cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes ready in 25 minutes or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. If you have a lot of fat, drain the excess before moving on to the next step!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
To the browned beef, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Give everything a good stir and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Don’t forget to add some salt and pepper to taste! Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
4. Let it Simmer:
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together nicely and make the sauce a bit thicker.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While your mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps prepare for that delicious melted cheese topping!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Once your beef mixture has thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese. Mix it well until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Prepare to Bake:
Split your hamburger buns and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon an ample amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
8. Broil for Extra Cheese:
If you fancy more cheese, sprinkle extra on top of the filling. Place the buns under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
9. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Take the buns out of the oven, add the top halves of the buns, and if you’d like, garnish with chopped parsley to add a pop of color!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while they’re warm and enjoy the fantastic flavors of your Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes. Perfect for a casual dinner with family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just keep in mind that these meats may be leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet while cooking to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
What if I Can’t Find Provolone Cheese?
No worries! If provolone cheese isn’t available, you can use either mozzarella or cheddar cheese as a substitute. Mozzarella will give you that gooey, melty texture, while cheddar will provide a sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients nicely.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesesteak mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems too dry. You can assemble fresh sandwiches as needed, or enjoy the filling on its own!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! Cook the beef mixture, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, stir in the cheese, and assemble your sandwiches.
