These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix classic flavors in a fun, messy way! Think tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers all piled on soft buns. Yum!
I love how quick they are to whip up after a long day. Just cook, mix, and serve—who doesn’t like a meal that’s tasty and easy? Perfect for family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its good balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner option, go for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Onion is essential for flavor, and green bell pepper adds a nice crunch. You can swap in yellow onions for a sweeter taste. If bell peppers aren’t your thing, feel free to use diced mushrooms or zucchini instead.
Cheese: Provolone is a classic choice for its meltiness and flavor. If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella or even Cheez Whiz work perfectly too. For a tangy kick, try using pepper jack cheese.
Buns: I prefer soft hamburger buns for this recipe, but you could opt for hoagie rolls if you’re feeling adventurous! Gluten-free buns are also a great substitute if needed.
How Do I Get the Beef Mixture Just Right?
Getting the beef mixture to be flavorful and the right consistency is key to tasty Sloppy Joes. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Start by sautéing the onions and bell peppers until soft. This builds a great base flavor.
- Cook the ground beef well, breaking it apart with a spatula. Make sure it’s browned all over to enhance the taste.
- After draining excess fat, add broth and other sauces to bring moisture. Stir it all together and let it simmer gently so the flavors can blend well.
- Keep an eye on it as it simmers for about 10 minutes to avoid burning. You want it to thicken slightly without getting dry.
Feel free to adjust spices to your liking. Enjoy making this hearty dish!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness!
2. Cook the Garlic:
Once the onions and peppers are ready, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook this for an additional minute until you can smell the wonderful garlic aroma. It adds so much flavor!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the skillet afterward!
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Next, stir in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, which will help all those flavors blend beautifully.
5. Let it Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Stir occasionally and watch as the sauce thickens up, creating a delicious filling.
6. Toast the Buns:
While your beef mixture is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns. You can do this in the oven or on a skillet until they’re nice and warm—this will add an extra delicious touch!
7. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
It’s time to put it all together! Spoon the hearty beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, making sure to give them a generous amount. Then top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. Yum!
8. Melt the Cheese:
If you like your cheese extra melty, you can place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You want the cheese melted and bubbly!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot, and if you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Dive into this big, messy, and oh-so-delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. Just remember they may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully browned and cooked through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or diced mushrooms and additional veggies like zucchini or carrots. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a flavorful base!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Toast fresh buns to serve again for extra crunch!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can make the beef mixture a day ahead! Just prepare, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently before assembling the sandwiches and toasting the buns.
