These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic! Juicy ground beef mixed with peppers, onions, and gooey cheese makes a messy but oh-so-delicious sandwich.
Who needs forks when you can enjoy these tasty sandwiches with just your hands? I love serving them with crispy fries on the side. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for its perfect balance of flavor and fat. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, just keep an eye on cooking times as they may differ.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Using both adds great flavor and texture. If you’re out of green bell pepper, try using red or yellow for a sweeter taste. Onion can be swapped with shallots for a more delicate flavor.
Provolone Cheese: This cheese adds that classic cheesesteak flavor. If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella or even cheddar could be delicious alternatives. I sometimes mix cheeses for extra flavor!
Brioche Buns: Brioche buns give a nice, buttery flavor but if you have other buns on hand, use those! A hearty hoagie roll or even regular hamburger buns will do just fine.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Beef Mixture?
Cooking the beef mixture is crucial to get those flavors just right. Make sure to follow these steps closely to get a thick and tasty filling.
- Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil. This helps the veggies soften nicely and adds flavor.
- Don’t rush the browning of the ground beef. Let it cook well until there are no pink spots left. This builds flavor.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef. This keeps your sloppy joes from being greasy.
- Allow the mixture to simmer long enough for it to thicken—about 5-10 minutes. This will meld the flavors beautifully.
Remember, seasoning during cooking is important. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to make it perfect for you!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly golden.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you smell that lovely garlic aroma. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it is nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess fat.
3. Build the Flavorful Sauce:
Now, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Give it all a good stir to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Sloppy Joes:
While your mixture is cooking, it’s a good time to preheat your broiler if you plan to melt the cheese that way. Once the beef mixture is thick and tasty, divide it evenly among the brioche buns so each one is stuffed with goodness.
5. Cheese It Up:
Take a slice of provolone cheese and place it on top of each sloppy joe. If you’re broiling, now’s the time to place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re not broiling, just cover the sandwiches with a lid to help the cheese melt.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is all melted, it’s time to serve! Grab your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and enjoy them warm. They are hearty, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink. You might need to adjust the seasoning slightly, as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If provolone isn’t available, you can swap in mozzarella for a similar melty texture or use cheddar for a sharper flavor. Swiss cheese also works wonderfully in this recipe for a bit of different taste.
How Do 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, it’s best to store the beef mixture and buns separately, then toast the buns lightly before serving again.
