Get ready for a fun twist on a classic! Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and colorful peppers all in a soft bun. Yum!
These messy sandwiches are perfect for a casual dinner or game day feast. I love piling mine high with extra cheese and feelings of pure joy! Who needs forks, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a great texture without too much fat. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Onion and Bell Pepper: Yellow onions add sweetness, but you can use any kind you have on hand. For bell peppers, if green isn’t available, red or yellow will work perfectly and add a bit of sweetness.
Cheese: Provolone delivers that classic cheesesteak flavor. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even cheddar are tasty alternatives. Just remember, the meltability is key!
Buns: A soft bun is ideal to hold all that cheesy goodness. If you want something healthier, whole wheat or lettuce wraps can be a nice change!
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Cooking the ground beef to the right point is crucial for this dish. First, make sure it’s browned for that depth of flavor. A medium-high heat works best here!
- Once you add the beef, stir continuously and break it apart with a spatula. This keeps it from clumping and ensures even cooking.
- If you notice excess grease collecting in the pan after browning, carefully drain it off. It helps keep your Sloppy Joes from being too greasy!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or another soft type)
- Optional garnishes: sliced jalapeños, parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a deliciously cheesy meal ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and smell great.
2. Cook the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook for an additional minute. The garlic should become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s browned. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it thicken up a bit and let all those yummy flavors combine.
6. Melt the Cheese:
In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid to create steam and help the cheese melt beautifully.
7. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, you can toast the hamburger buns lightly. This adds a nice crunch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns. If you like, garnish with sliced jalapeños or parsley for some extra flavor and color. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink, as it can dry out faster than beef. You might want to add a little extra broth to keep it moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a little kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet when you sauté the onions and peppers. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for added heat!
Can I Make These Sloppy Joes in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving and toast the buns fresh!
How Should I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, store the beef mixture separately from the buns. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving, and toast the buns quickly to refresh them.
