These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix the flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the fun of a sloppy joe! Using ground beef, cheese, and onions, they are super tasty and messy in the best way.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good messy meal? I like to pile mine high with extra cheese and serve it with crispy fries. It’s comfort food at its finest! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for ground beef because it gives a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just remember it may change the texture a bit.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Diced onions add sweetness, and green bell pepper gives a fresh crunch. You can substitute with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste. Even frozen veggies can work in a pinch!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can substitute, but you might want to add a little sugar to balance the flavors.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully, perfect for a cheesy topping. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even cheddar are great alternatives—just a bit stronger in flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Browned Meat?
Getting your meat browned well is key for flavor. Start with a large skillet and make sure it’s hot before adding your meat. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps the meat brown instead of steam.
- Break apart the meat with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning all over.
- Patience is key—let it sit a bit before stirring to form a nice crust!
Follow these steps and you’ll have perfectly cooked beef that enhances your Sloppy Joes! Enjoy!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or soft sandwich-style)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and chopping your ingredients, and 20 minutes cooking and assembling the deliciousness. Quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir it often to avoid burning—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Brown the Meat:
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary, then return the skillet to the heat.
4. Flavor It Up:
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This will thicken the mixture up a bit and combine all those delightful flavors.
5. Melt the Cheese:
When the mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each portion of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can toast the hamburger buns lightly in another skillet or in a toaster. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
7. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately. They are best when warm!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra pop of color. Now you’re ready to enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—delicious!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give a lighter flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink and adjusts the seasoning as needed since turkey can be milder than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella or even cheddar for a different twist. Both melt well and will provide a delicious creaminess, though the flavor will vary slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesy beef mixture! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
