These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! With juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and colorful peppers piled on a soft bun, every bite is full of flavor.
They’re perfect for a quick dinner or game day! I love to serve them with extra cheese on top because, let’s be honest, who can resist more cheese? It’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A key player in this dish, use lean ground beef for less grease. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too, just keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out faster.
Onion: A small onion adds sweet flavor when sautĂ©ed. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even green onions can be good substitutes. I find yellow onions to be the sweetest.
Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers add a nice crunch and slightly bitter taste, typical for Philly cheesesteaks. Red or yellow bell peppers can replace them for a sweeter touch.
Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but you can also use mozzarella or cheese whiz for a gooey experience. Personally, I enjoy a mix of provolone and cheddar for added depth.
Buns: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, but any hearty hamburger bun will do. Try whole wheat or gluten-free buns for healthier or dietary-friendly options.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauté for My Veggies?
Sautéing your onions and peppers properly is crucial for great flavor. The goal is to soften them while developing some caramelization. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Make sure it’s hot before adding veggies.
- Add the diced onion first, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Then, add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally, so they don’t stick or burn.
Cooking slowly at the right heat enhances their sweetness and brings out their full flavor.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 4 slices provolone cheese
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to enjoy these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes that are straightforward to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a splash of cooking oil. Once the oil is nice and hot, throw in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it around for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
2. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time to crank up the heat! Increase the skillet to medium-high and add in the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, using a spatula to break it apart while it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off before continuing.
3. Mix in the Sauce:
Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. This will help all those delicious flavors combine and the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the meat mixture is simmering, get another pan ready or use a toaster to lightly toast your hamburger buns. This will give them a nice crunch!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Once the meat mixture has cooked nicely, reduce the heat to low. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the cheesesteak mixture, letting it melt for about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now, it’s time to put it all together! Spoon the cheesy meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun and then top it with the other half. Get ready to enjoy your sloppily delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately and watch them disappear in no time! Enjoy every savory bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that it may cook slightly faster, so watch it closely while browning. You can also add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover sloppy joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
What’s the Best Way to Toast Hamburger Buns?
The best way is to lightly butter the insides of the buns before toasting them in a skillet over medium heat, or use a toaster oven. This adds flavor and creates a nice, crispy texture that holds up well against the sloppy filling!
