These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix the best of both worlds! They combine tender beef, melty cheese, and tangy peppers, all piled onto a soft bun. Yum!
I love how quick they come together—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? It’s pure comfort food! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a meat-free version!
Onion: Yellow onions work nicely for their sweetness, but red onions can also add a lovely color and flavor. If you’re short on fresh onions, onion powder can be a good substitute, though fresh is always better!
Green Bell Pepper: This veggie adds crunch and a slight sweetness. Feel free to swap in other peppers like red or yellow for a sweeter taste, or even omit them if you’re not a fan.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking to lighten things up, use sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, try cashew cream or a block of vegan cream cheese.
Provolone Cheese: While provolone is traditional, mozzarella or cheddar can easily be used. Just make sure you choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheesesteak Filling is Full of Flavor?
The key to a flavorful filling lies in how you sauté your vegetables and season the meat. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and green bell pepper, cooking them until softened for about 5-7 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Once your veggies are soft, crank the heat to medium-high, and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for even seasoning.
- Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and mustard. These add depth and umami to your dish. Remember, don’t rush this step—allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Lastly, add the cream cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Adding the shredded provolone at the end ensures it stays nice and gooey. Adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ll have a filling that’s bursting with flavor!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably soft)
- Optional: additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or pickles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should have everything ready to serve in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will add a great flavor to your Sloppy Joes!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned (about 5-7 minutes). If there’s any extra fat, be sure to drain it off so your dish isn’t too greasy.
3. Add the Flavorings:
Now it’s time to infuse some flavor! Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together wonderfully.
4. Incorporate the Cream Cheese:
Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and mixes well with the beef mixture. It gives the sloppy joes a creamy texture. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste; this is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking!
5. Add the Provolone Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded provolone cheese until it’s melted and combined into the mixture. This will create a gooey, cheesy filling that you’ll love!
6. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
To serve, take a hamburger bun and scoop some of the cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half. Feel free to add extra toppings if you like, such as sliced jalapeños or pickles, for an added kick!
7. Enjoy!
Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich, and your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are ready to eat! Enjoy them warm and savor every bite—yum!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may not have as rich a flavor as beef, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or even a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based ground meat. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cheesesteak mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy!
What Can I Use Instead of Provolone Cheese?
If you can’t find provolone cheese or prefer a different flavor, mozzarella or even Cheddar cheese can work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that each cheese will change the flavor profile slightly, but they’ll all be delicious!
