Get ready for a tasty twist with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This dish combines juicy beef, peppers, and onions topped with melted cheese on soft buns. Yum!
Whenever I make these, my kitchen smells amazing! I love serving them with crispy fries. It’s like having a cheesesteak and a Sloppy Joe all in one—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for less fat, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add sweetness and crunch. Yellow or red onions can be swapped for the medium onion, and red or orange bell peppers work well too. You could even throw in some mushrooms for extra flavor!
Marinara Sauce: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re out, you can easily use diced tomatoes or homemade sauce. Just remember to season with some Italian herbs to get that rich tomato flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melty touch. If you can’t find it, mozzarella is an excellent substitute. For a bit more flavor, cheddar or pepper jack can work too!
How Can I Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the ground beef right is key for a tasty sloppy joe. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet and make sure the oil is shimmering.
- Add the beef and break it up gently with your spatula as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Look for a nice brown color; this will bring out the flavors! If there’s a lot of fat, tip the pan to drain some off.
- Don’t rush this step; it typically takes about 5-7 minutes to get perfect results.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably soft)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
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 soft and fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your sloppy joes!
2. Add the Garlic and Beef:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Now, raise the heat to medium-high and add in the ground beef. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spatula, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, feel free to drain it away.
3. Combine the Sauces:
Now it’s time for some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; you want those flavors to blend nicely.
4. Let It Simmer:
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it thicken up a bit, creating that perfect sloppy joe texture.
5. Prepare the Buns:
While the sloppy joe mixture is cooking, preheat your oven broiler. Toast your hamburger buns under the broiler until they are lightly browned — keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Assemble and Melt the Cheese:
After the mixture has thickened, take the bottom half of each toasted bun and spoon the sloppy joe filling on top. Place a slice of provolone cheese over the meat, then pop them back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven. Assemble each sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, so you may want to add a dash more Worcestershire sauce for a deeper taste.
What Can I Do if I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No worries! If provolone isn’t available, you can easily substitute with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Both will melt well and complement the flavors of the sloppy joes beautifully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the mixture cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, keeping an eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein, and use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This will give the dish a similar texture and flavor while keeping it meat-free!
