These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on two classic favorites! Ground beef, gooey cheese, and peppers come together in a tasty mix, all piled on toasted buns.
Honestly, who can resist a meal that combines cheesesteaks and sloppy joes? I love serving these with crispy fries on the side for a perfect dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe to reduce excess grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken also works well. You could even use lentils for a vegetarian twist!
Green Bell Pepper: Fresh green bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, you could go for red or yellow peppers. For a spicier kick, try using jalapeños instead!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is my favorite for its melting ability. However, if you can’t find it, feel free to substitute with mozzarella or cheddar. Each cheese will give a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
Hamburger Buns: Brioche buns are lovely because they’re soft and buttery. If you want a healthier option, consider whole wheat or gluten-free buns. You could even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef to perfection is key to a great sloppy joe. To elevate the flavor, here are the steps you can follow:
- First, ensure your skillet is hot enough by letting it preheat before adding the olive oil.
- Once you add the beef, break it up thoroughly with a spatula and spread it out in the pan. This helps it brown evenly.
- Don’t rush the browning process! Allow the beef to sit for a bit before stirring to create a nice crust.
Finally, remember to drain excess fat for a lighter dish. Taking these simple steps will ensure your beef mixture is tasty and satisfying!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese
For the Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef mixture, plus another 5 minutes to toast the buns, making this an easy and quick meal option for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re nice and soft. This adds flavor and sweetness to your Sloppy Joes!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for 1-2 more minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; we want it to enhance the dish, not overpower it!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned throughout. If there’s a lot of fat, feel free to drain some off to keep it from being greasy.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if you like a bit of heat), onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly. This is the heart of your Sloppy Joes!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, pop the hamburger buns in a toaster or on a skillet to toast them until they are golden brown. Toasting adds a great texture and flavor to your sandwiches.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Once the beef mixture has thickened, lay a slice of provolone cheese over each portion in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it cook for a couple of minutes, just until the cheese melts. Yum!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and pile on a generous scoop of the beef mixture. Top it off with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your scrumptious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be aware that they tend to be drier, so you might want to add a little extra beef broth to keep the mixture moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or by using mushrooms and lentils for a hearty texture. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian version!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to bring back moisture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet, melt the cheese on top, and serve on toasted buns!
