These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic dish! Juicy ground beef, cheese, and peppers come together in soft buns for a hearty meal.
Honestly, it’s messy but oh-so-good! I just laugh when I see everyone trying to keep it on their plates. Perfect for a cozy dinner or game night with friends!
When I make these, I love serving them with crispy fries on the side. It makes for a delicious and easy meal that everyone enjoys, and it’s so quick to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, giving that hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just keep in mind it might cook a bit differently.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add sweetness and crunch. You can substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow for a bit more sweetness or use just onions if you’re in a pinch.
Provolone Cheese: I love using provolone for its creamy melt. If that’s not available, mozzarella or cheddar are great alternatives, each adding their own unique flavor to the dish.
Hamburger Buns: Brioche buns are my top choice for this recipe as they’re soft and slightly sweet. If you want to keep it healthier, look for whole wheat or even lettuce wraps!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture in Your Beef Mixture?
Getting the right texture for your sloppy joe filling is important for that hearty feel. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a good-quality skillet and make sure it’s hot enough before adding the beef; this helps to brown it nicely.
- As the beef cooks, keep breaking it up with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly and avoids large chunks.
- Be sure to drain the excess grease after browning, as this will prevent your filling from becoming watery.
- Let the mixture simmer a bit longer if it seems too loose. The longer it thickens, the better it’ll hold up on the buns!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
For the Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or similar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes to cook. In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Brown the Beef:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s aromatic. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease from the skillet afterward!
3. Make the Savory Mixture:
Now, stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together well, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, take the time to toast your hamburger buns until they’re golden brown. This adds a wonderful crunch when you serve the sloppy joes!
5. Add the Cheese:
Once the beef mixture has thickened up nicely, lay a slice of provolone cheese over each serving in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Finally, spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve these tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes right away, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be aware that the flavor may be milder, so consider adding an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or more seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No worries! You can use any melty cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss cheese. Just be sure to melt it on top of the beef mixture as directed for that gooey texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of beef broth to revive it!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, you can mix in crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce when you add the broth and seasonings. Adjust to taste based on your spice preference!
