These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the best of two worlds! You get the cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak inside a tasty, messy bun. How can you resist that?
I love making these for game nights! They’re so easy to whip up, and always make a big splash. Just serve with some chips, and watch everyone smile with every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe shines with ground beef, which brings a rich flavor. You could use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: Both add depth and sweetness. Sweet onions or red bell peppers can be used if you prefer a milder flavor. Don’t have bell peppers? Zucchini or mushrooms can work too.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is amazing in this dish for its meltiness. If it’s not available, mozzarella is a great substitute. You might also enjoy cheddar or Swiss for a different flavor.
Beef Broth: Beef broth adds richness to the mixture. If you need a lighter flavor, chicken broth works fine. There’s also vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Ensure My Sloppy Joes Are Full of Flavor?
Flavor comes from well-cooked ingredients and proper seasoning. Start with sautéing the onion and green bell pepper in olive oil; this builds a tasty base. Cooking the garlic until fragrant is also key—a minute is usually perfect.
- Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly; this enhances the savory depth.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds umami and tang.
- When adding the beef broth, let it simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken up.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns or sandwich rolls
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you should expect to spend around 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and starting to become translucent.
2. Cook the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. You want to cook it just until it’s fragrant; be careful not to burn it because burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time to increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, you can drain some off if you like.
4. Season the Mixture:
Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will help to make the filling juicy and flavorful!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the shredded provolone cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and everything is well combined. It should be ooey-gooey delicious!
7. Toast the Buns:
If you love a crispy bun, you can toast your burger buns or sandwich rolls in another skillet until they’re golden brown. This step adds extra crunchy texture and is totally optional but highly recommended!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns, and if you want, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top. Enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes — they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that these meats can cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure they are fully cooked before adding the broth and cheese.
What Cheese Can I Use Besides Provolone?
If provolone isn’t available, you can substitute with other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Cheddar, or even gouda. Each will add a different flavor, so choose one you enjoy!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the mixture moist and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tempeh. Just sauté your chosen substitute until cooked, then follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
