Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! This dish brings together tasty ground beef, bell peppers, and gooey cheese, all piled into a soft bun. What’s not to love?
Making these Sloppy Joes is a breeze! I just toss everything together in a pan and serve them up with a smile. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or game day with friends! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice for sloppy joes, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. When I want something different, I also opt for ground pork for a unique twist!
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add a lot of flavor and texture. If you prefer, swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste. You can use frozen diced veggies in a pinch too!
Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but if it’s hard to find, try mozzarella or American cheese. For a classic touch, Cheez Whiz is a fun and nostalgic substitute!
Brioche Buns: These are perfectly soft and slightly sweet. If you’re looking for something heartier, consider using whole wheat or a gluten-free option. Toasting your buns adds a nice crunch, too!
How Do I Get My Beef Mixture Just Right?
Getting the beef mixture to the perfect consistency is key for great sloppy joes. The goal is for it to be flavorful and not too watery. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start by browning your ground beef well; don’t rush this step. Even a little bit of caramelization adds flavor.
- Drain excess fat but keep some for flavor—it makes a difference!
- When adding the liquids (broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce), let it simmer to thicken. Adjust the heat as necessary; medium-high usually works well.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for a classic touch)
For The Buns:
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them together until they start to soften, which will take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant—this will really boost the flavor!
3. Browning the Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s too much grease, feel free to drain some off.
4. Simmering the Sauces:
Pour in the beef broth along with the Worcestershire sauce and the soy sauce. Stir everything well and let the mixture simmer on low for about 5-10 minutes so it thickens slightly.
5. Seasoning the Mixture:
Time to add some flavor! Season your beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick stir to combine the spices.
6. Melting the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and blends well with the beef mixture.
7. Preparing the Buns:
If you like, toast the brioche buns for an extra touch. Then, scoop the cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half of each bun generously.
8. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
Top each bun with the upper half. If you want, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh and colorful garnish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are ready to serve! Enjoy them while they’re hot and savor each delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter option while still being delicious. Just remember to adjust cooking times as they may cook a little faster. Ensure the meat is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If provolone isn’t available, you can use mozzarella for a similar mild flavor or opt for Cheddar for a sharper taste. For a classic cheesesteak experience, Cheez Whiz works wonderfully as a substitute too!
How Do I Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Filling?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make These Sloppy Joes Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, textured vegetable protein, or your favorite meat substitute. Just follow the same cooking instructions to create the filling!
