Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic! They mix ground beef with melted cheese, onions, and peppers all in a soft bun that hugs it all together.
You’ll be reaching for seconds (or thirds) on these tasty bites. Perfect for a family dinner or a game night! I love serving them with crispy fries on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using regular ground beef for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option or a different taste, ground turkey works just as well. It’s leaner but still delivers on the dish’s overall taste.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add necessary sweetness and crunch. While this recipe calls for green bell pepper, you can switch it up with red or yellow peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is my favorite for that classic cheesesteak flavor. If you can’t find it, mozzarella is a lovely alternative, offering a similar meltiness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce is a flavor enhancer, giving depth to your mixture. If you’re out of Worcestershire, soy sauce is a good substitute, though it has a stronger flavor.
Brioche Buns: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet. You can swap them with whole wheat or ciabatta buns if preferred, but keep in mind, the texture will be different!
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Cooked Beef Mixture?
Getting the beef mixture just right is crucial for a delicious sloppy joe. Make sure to brown the meat evenly. Here’s the technique:
- Start with a hot skillet and make sure your ground beef is spread out in the pan. This helps in browning it evenly.
- Cook the beef without stirring too much at first. Allowing it to sit gives it a chance to get a nice brown color.
- Once it’s browned, you can break it apart with a spatula and mix in those flavorful ingredients.
- Cook until there’s no pink left, and drain any excess fat for a less greasy finish.
Using these tips will make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes even more delicious! Enjoy the cooking process!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or sliced)
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the beef mixture, then just a few minutes to toast the buns and assemble the sandwiches. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them together until they are softened and the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This will give your Sloppy Joes a nice flavor base!
2. Add the Garlic and Cook the Beef:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey). Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Brown the meat until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it out now.
3. Simmer in Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring your mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes. This will let the sauce thicken slightly and become rich in flavor.
4. Melt the Cheese:
While your beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Once it’s ready, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Let it melt for about 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, grab your hamburger buns and place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown—this helps to add a nice crunch!
6. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
When everything is ready, spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish your Sloppy Joes with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve them immediately to enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness. Enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or a splash of beef broth to keep the mixture moist as it cooks.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like veggie crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or opt for soy sauce instead.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. It’s also great in wraps or served over rice!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! Cheese options like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a cheese blend will work well in this recipe. Just remember that the flavor will change slightly based on your choice, but all will still be delicious!
