Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

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Introduction

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites, offering all the rich, savory flavors you crave in one irresistible dish. Picture juicy ground beef cooked with tender, caramelized onions and bell peppers, then seasoned with a hint of Worcestershire sauce for depth. The mixture is topped with gooey, melted provolone cheese and spooned onto a soft, toasted bun, creating a hearty, saucy, and flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

The first time I whipped up these Sloppy Joes, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. Sautéing the peppers and onions alongside the beef filled my kitchen with the enticing aroma of a classic Philly cheesesteak. By the time I piled everything into buns, the cheesy, savory mixture had everyone eagerly lining up for seconds.

What I love most about Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is their versatility and ease. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet indulgent, but they also shine as a crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings. Pair them with fries, a side salad, or even some chips for a complete meal. You can also customize the recipe—try adding mushrooms for an extra savory touch or swapping the provolone for American or mozzarella for a cheesy twist. No matter how you serve them, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Busy weeknight dinners
  • Casual get-togethers
  • Game-day meals
  • Family-friendly comfort food
  • Cheesesteak lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes will be a hit at your table:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast, satisfying meal after a long day.
  • Cheesy and Delicious: Loaded with melted provolone cheese, each bite is irresistibly creamy and savory.
  • Classic Flavors: Brings together the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with a fun, messy twist.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Kid-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, making it a versatile family favorite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 24g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 4-6 hamburger buns

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
  • Provolone Cheese: The creamy, mild flavor of provolone is a hallmark of Philly cheesesteaks.
  • Bell Peppers and Onions: These add sweetness and a subtle crunch to the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory, umami flavor of the beef mixture.
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft buns are essential for holding all the delicious, messy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Filling:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Add Flavorings: Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, coating the beef evenly.
  2. Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: If desired, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

  1. Melt the Cheese: Lay the provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Toast the Buns: While the cheese melts, lightly toast the hamburger buns on a griddle or in the oven.

Serve:

  1. Build the Sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

How to Serve

  • Classic on a Bun: Serve the sloppy joes on toasted brioche or hamburger buns for a soft, flavorful base.
  • With Hoagie Rolls: Use hoagie rolls or sub bread for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe.
  • Open-Faced Style: Serve on half a bun or slice of bread and top with extra cheese for a fork-and-knife version.
  • Over Fries: Pour the sloppy joe mixture over crispy fries for a Philly cheese steak-style loaded fry dish.
  • As a Quesadilla: Spread the mixture between two tortillas with shredded cheese, then grill until crispy and melty.
  • On Baked Potatoes: Spoon the mixture over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty and creative twist.
  • With Garlic Bread: Serve on slices of garlic bread for a flavorful and crispy alternative to buns.
  • In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps instead of bread.
  • As a Dip: Serve the mixture in a bowl with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
  • With Rice or Pasta: Spoon the mixture over cooked rice or pasta to create a Philly cheese steak-inspired bowl.

Additional Tips

  • Customize the Veggies: Add red bell peppers or skip the mushrooms if you prefer.
  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own provolone instead of using pre-sliced.
  • Control the Mess: Let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling to reduce the chance of the buns getting too soggy.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Use Different Buns: Try brioche buns or pretzel rolls for an upgraded sandwich experience.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chicken Philly Sloppy Joes: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.
  2. Spicy Philly Joes: Add hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  3. BBQ Philly Joes: Add barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
  4. Mushroom Lovers’ Joes: Use double the mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.
  5. Philly Cheesesteak Bowl: Skip the buns and serve the filling over roasted potatoes or cauliflower rice.
  6. Cheese Whiz Version: Replace provolone with Cheese Whiz for an authentic Philly vibe.
  7. Italian Philly Joes: Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired version.
  8. Philly Breakfast Joes: Top the filling with a fried egg for a breakfast twist.
  9. Low-Carb Philly Joes: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or stuffed into hollowed-out bell peppers.
  10. Philly Patty Melt: Serve the filling between slices of toasted bread for a cheesy sandwich.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef mixture (without the cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding cheese and serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking for the ground beef and vegetables.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef while cooking and stirring the mixture.
  • Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing onions, peppers, and other vegetables quick and precise.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping vegetables and slicing bread.
  • Cheese Grater: Ideal for freshly grating provolone or any cheese you’re using for the recipe.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like broth, seasonings, or sauces.
  • Slotted Spoon: Useful for serving the mixture without transferring too much liquid.
  • Toaster Oven or Broiler: Handy for toasting hoagie rolls or melting cheese over the sloppy joe mixture.
  • Ladle: Helps scoop and serve the sloppy joe filling neatly onto the rolls.
  • Non-Stick Pan Spray or Oil Brush: Keeps rolls from sticking when toasting them or greasing the skillet.

FAQ

  1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, the beef mixture can be made in advance and reheated before serving.
  2. Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese work well as substitutes.
  3. What can I use instead of hamburger buns? Try hoagie rolls, sandwich bread, or even pita pockets.
  4. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative.
  5. How do I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free buns and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes combine the best of two comfort food classics into one fun, family-friendly dish. With savory ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, melted provolone, and soft, toasty buns, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or game-day feasts.

This hearty dish delivers all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the ease and simplicity of a sloppy joe. Whether you customize it with extra toppings or serve it alongside crispy fries, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

I can’t wait to see your twist on Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this dish your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!

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