Get ready for a fun twist on a classic! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and tasty peppers, all piled on soft buns. Yum!
It’s like a Philly cheesesteak and a sloppy joe had a delicious baby! I love serving these at parties—everyone gets messy but happy. Just grab some napkins and enjoy the goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for ground beef for flavor and texture, but ground turkey is a great lean alternative. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute that holds up well in this dish.
Onions & Bell Pepper: A medium onion and a green bell pepper give this dish its classic Philly vibe. If you want to add a twist, red onions can offer a slight sweetness, and yellow or orange bell peppers can add a nice color.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a deep, savory flavor, but if you’re out, soy sauce or tamari can work as substitutions. If you avoid soy, look for coconut aminos as a mild alternative.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a fantastic choice for its melting quality and taste. If you’re not a fan, mozzarella or even cheddar can be used instead for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor Balance in My Sloppy Joes?
The balance of flavors is crucial in this recipe. Start by sautéing your onions and peppers until soft—this builds a flavorful base. Remember to add garlic towards the end of sautéing to keep its lovely fragrance and taste.
- Sauté vegetables on medium heat for about 5 minutes to soften.
- After adding ground beef, break it apart with a spatula; allow it to brown for a richer flavor.
- Mix in your beef broth and sauces, then let it simmer. This helps meld the flavors and thicken the mixture.
- Don’t skip the cheese and baking step; this step gives that gooey, satisfying finish.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes sautéing vegetables and meat, with an additional 5-10 minutes for the mixture to thicken. Plus, a quick 5 minutes baking to melt the cheese. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften up and smell great!
2. Add Garlic and Brown the Meat:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. It should start smelling amazing! Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Create the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
If there’s too much fat, carefully drain some from the skillet. Now stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens a bit. This is where those flavors really combine!
4. Bake to Melt the Cheese:
While the mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the mixture has thickened, take it off the heat. Layer the slices of provolone cheese on top of the cheesy goodness and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
5. Assemble and Serve:
Finally, scoop that delicious cheesy meat mixture onto your toasted hamburger buns. If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that it might result in a slightly lighter flavor, so you may want to increase the seasoning a tad to balance it out.
How to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
If you’d like to make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative, like lentils or crumbled tempeh. You can also add mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. Be sure to adjust the seasoning according to taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance! Simply cook as directed, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop, add cheese, and bake as instructed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet until heated through. If you have leftover cheese, you can add fresh slices on top during the last few minutes of reheating for that melty goodness!
