These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring together the best of both worlds! Tender beef and melted cheese come together on a soft bun, making each bite super tasty.
Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one! I love to load mine up with extra peppers, making it feel like a pizza party. Perfect for a fun family dinner or game night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. You could also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. Veggie crumbles work well for a meatless version!
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing, but you can use vegetable oil or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand. I sometimes add a splash of butter too for that extra richness.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These two veggies add great flavor. If you’re not a fan of green bell pepper, red or yellow peppers also work nicely. Shallots or leeks are delicious onion alternatives, too!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is classic for cheesesteaks, but you can switch it up with mozzarella or even cheddar for a different taste. If you want a kick, pepper jack is an exciting choice!
How Do You Know When the Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
Sautéing vegetables is key to building flavor in your dish. You want them soft but not mushy. Start with medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion and green bell pepper first, stirring occasionally.
- They should become slightly translucent and tender. Then, add the minced garlic.
- Cook the garlic for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
This technique ensures your veggies add just the right amount of flavor to your sloppy joes! If they caramelize a bit, that’s even better.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 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 another 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and easy option that you can enjoy on a weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and soft. This will bring out their flavors and get things started!
2. Cook the Garlic:
After the vegetables have softened, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often, so it doesn’t burn. You’ll start smelling a wonderful aroma—can’t wait to dig in!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, turn up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. This may take around 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much in the pan.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this hearty mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens up nicely.
5. Prepare for Broiling:
While the filling is simmering, preheat your oven broiler. Split the hamburger buns and lay them out on a baking sheet. This way, they’ll be ready for the filling!
6. Assemble and Broil:
Divide the flavorful beef mixture among the buns, making sure they’re generously filled. Top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. Then, pop the baking sheet into the oven and broil for about 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and is bubbly. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cheesy sloppy joes cool slightly. If you want, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a bit of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that turkey or chicken may be a bit drier than beef, so consider adding a splash more broth or a touch of olive oil when cooking to maintain moisture. You can follow the same cooking instructions, and the flavors will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat it on the stove until warmed through, then assemble the sandwiches and broil the cheese just before serving for that melty goodness!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! You can easily substitute with mozzarella for a similar melty texture, or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just make sure to slice or shred it for even melting on top of your Sloppy Joes.
How Do I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the mixture separate from the buns to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave, and then assemble fresh sandwiches just before serving!
