These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! They mix tender beef, melted cheese, and tasty peppers, all piled on soft buns. Yum!
I love how easy they are to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to eat their cheesesteak in a casual, sloppy way? 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For this recipe, I recommend using ground chuck for its flavor and fat content. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too!
Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper adds great flavor, but feel free to swap it for red or yellow if you prefer a sweeter taste. Some even use roasted peppers for a twist.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is classic, but you can try mozzarella or even Cheez Whiz for an extra creamy finish. If you like a bit of a kick, pepper jack cheese is a fun alternative!
Beef Broth: Beef broth enhances the flavor, but vegetable broth can be a good substitute if you’re looking for a lighter dish. Just keep in mind it may change the taste slightly.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef properly is key to a great Sloppy Joe. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook the beef on medium-high heat, allowing it to brown evenly. Don’t rush this part!
- Keep breaking it up with a spatula to ensure it cooks through and doesn’t clump.
- After browning, if there’s excess fat, draining it helps avoid a greasy mixture.
- Let it simmer in the broth and seasonings to really soak up the flavors for about 10-15 minutes.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 40 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, followed by 30 minutes of cooking. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and softened.
2. Add the Garlic:
Now, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll love the wonderful smell that fills your kitchen as the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, and keep stirring until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out so your sloppy joes aren’t greasy.
4. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This will thicken up the mixture and enhance all those delicious flavors!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, you can toast the hamburger buns. Either use a separate skillet or an oven to toast them lightly until they’re golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch to your sloppy joes.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once everything is ready, divide the beef mixture evenly among the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. The gooey melted cheese makes it extra tasty!
7. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt nicely over the beef mixture. This only takes a minute or so—just enough time for the cheese to get all melty and delicious!
8. Final Touches:
Carefully place the top halves of the buns onto the cheesy beef mixture. If you like, you can garnish your sloppy joes with some chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in and serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes hot! They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun game day snack. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute! Just keep in mind that turkey may be slightly leaner, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet when cooking to maintain moisture.
What Cheese Can I Substitute for Provolone?
If you don’t have provolone, you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar cheese as alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they all melt beautifully!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the mixture in a skillet and assemble the sandwiches.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave, and toast fresh buns right before serving for that delightful crunch!
