These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix all the yummy flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the fun of a sloppy joe. Ground beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese come together in a soft bun!
Eating these is like winning the messy food lottery! I love piling on the toppings and getting my fingers all cheesy… it’s worth every bite. Just keep some napkins handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, delivering that hearty flavor. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, use lentils or a meat substitute like mushrooms and tofu!
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These veggies add great flavor and texture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to substitute with red or yellow bell peppers. For a little heat, jalapeños can also be great. Use what you have on hand!
Provolone Cheese: This cheese is perfect for a gooey topping. If you can’t find provolone, consider mozzarella or even cheddar for a different flavor. Just make sure it melts nicely!
Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients provide a nice sweetness and depth. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or A1 sauce can work in a pinch. For ketchup, you can use pureed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitution.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing is an essential technique that enhances the flavors of your vegetables. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Add your diced onion and bell pepper. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft but not browned. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to develop.
- Finally, add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it!
Now you have a wonderful base of flavor for your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe 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
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 35-40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready and about 25-30 minutes cooking it. Once it’s done, just pile it on the buns and 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 onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re nice and soft. This will add a lot of great flavor to your sloppy joes!
2. Cook the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want to cook it just until it’s fragrant, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the beef until it’s well browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it to keep things from getting greasy.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring this mixture to a simmer, which will start to blend those flavors beautifully!
5. Simmer and Thicken:
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it thicken up slightly, making it perfect for piling onto your buns.
6. Add Cheese:
As you approach the end of cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on each serving of the beef mixture. Cover the pan for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt. The gooey melted cheese is what makes this dish truly special!
7. Serve It Up:
Finally, use a spoon to scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto your toasted burger buns. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as healthier alternatives to ground beef. Just note that these meats can dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor the cooking time and consider adding a bit more broth if needed to keep the mixture moist.
How to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like tempeh or a store-bought veggie ground. Adjust seasonings as necessary to enhance the flavors, and ensure the broth used is vegetable broth.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat before serving. You might want to add a splash of beef broth while reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
