These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring a fun twist to a classic! Packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and bell peppers, they are messy in the best way possible.
Who doesn’t love a sandwich you can eat with a fork? I always end up making extra so I can enjoy leftovers the next day. Grab your napkins, it’s going to be a tasty ride!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I personally prefer ground chuck for its flavor and fat content, which keeps the mixture juicy.
Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan, try using shallots or green onions instead for a milder taste.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and a slight bitterness. If you want more color and sweetness, you can swap it with red or yellow bell peppers. I often mix different colors for a vibrant look!
Provolone Cheese: My favorite for its melting quality! However, mozzarella or cheddar are great substitutes. Each will give a different flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a tangy flavor. A good alternative could be soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar if you’re out of Worcestershire.
How Can I Get the Beef Just Right?
Browning the beef properly is key to flavor. Start by heating your skillet well—this helps to create a nice sear. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This prevents it from steaming.
- As the beef cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon. Don’t constantly stir; let it sit a bit to brown before flipping.
- If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep the sloppy joes from being too oily.
Following these tips will lead to rich, flavorful beef that’s perfect for your sloppy joes!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably soft)
Optional:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that will please the whole family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there’s too much grease, feel free to drain some out.
3. Flavor the Mixture:
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Mix everything well and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until the liquid reduces a bit and thickens up nicely.
4. Cheese It Up:
Season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the skillet from heat. Place a slice of provolone cheese over each portion in the skillet and cover it for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, you can toast your hamburger buns. Do this in a skillet for a few minutes on each side, or pop them in a toaster until they are lightly golden.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to create your sloppy joes! Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then place the top half on top. If you want, sprinkle some chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy your warm and delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can make a lighter version of this dish. Just keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be drier than beef, so you may want to add a bit more beef broth or a splash of olive oil to keep the mixture moist.
What Cheese Can I Substitute for Provolone?
If provolone isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure to melt it over the beef mixture for that gooey, cheesy goodness!
How Do I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist. You can also reheat in the microwave, but cover the dish to avoid drying out the mixture.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the mixture, melt the cheese on top, and assemble it on the buns. This makes for a quick and easy dinner!
