These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on two classics! Ground beef, peppers, and melty cheese come together in a tasty sauce for a messy and delicious meal.
Who doesn’t love a great sandwich that’s easy to eat with just one hand? I love serving mine with crispy fries or a side salad. It’s the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your sloppy joes. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can even use plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add sweetness and flavor. If you’re out of green bell pepper, feel free to use red, yellow, or even jalapeños for a spicier kick!
Mushrooms: While optional, they add a lovely texture. If you’re not a fan, leave them out or replace them with chopped zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
Provolone Cheese: It melts really well! However, mozzarella or cheddar work just as beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese alternatives!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce enhances the umami flavor. If you need a substitute, soy sauce or tamari offers a similar depth, especially for gluten-free needs.
Why Is Proper Sautéing Important?
Sautéing your onions, bell pepper, and garlic properly sets the flavor foundation for your dish. It’s important to soften these veggies without burning them.
- Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers first, which take longer to soften.
- Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender. This step builds sweet, caramelized notes!
- Next, add garlic and mushrooms. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Remember, cooking on medium heat rather than high helps prevent burning and allows the flavors to develop fully. Happy cooking!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes!
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 hot, add in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened and starting to get a little golden.
2. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if you decided to use them) into the skillet. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes until you can really smell the garlic and the mushrooms have softened a bit.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it off to keep the dish from being too oily.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Once the beef is browned, pour in the beef broth along with the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the mixture to thicken up nicely.
5. Add the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese. Mix it in until the cheese melts and is fully combined with the beef and vegetables—this is where the magic happens!
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Now, it’s time to put it all together! Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted hamburger buns.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes warm!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It’s leaner, but you might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash more broth to keep the mixture flavorful and moist. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and let it simmer well to develop the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! If provolone isn’t available, you can substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Both will melt nicely and add great flavor to your sloppy joes. Just remember, mozzarella will create a stretchier texture if that’s what you love!
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the sloppy joe mixture for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition. Just chop them finely and sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper to ensure they cook properly and blend well in the mix.
