These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! Juicy ground beef mixed with peppers, onions, and melted cheese, all piled high on soft buns. Yum!
You won’t be able to resist these messy but delicious sandwiches! I love making them on busy nights—they’re quick to whip up and always a hit with everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or chicken. They work well, but might require a bit more seasoning for flavor.
Olive Oil: If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil. It’s still great for sautéing and adds a nice touch.
Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers give a classic taste, but you can switch to red or yellow for a sweeter flavor. They both make the dish colorful!
Provolone Cheese: While provolone is delicious, mozzarella or Swiss cheese can also fit right in. Both melt beautifully too!
Sandwich Buns: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, but whole wheat or even hoagie rolls can work as well. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
How to Get the Right Consistency for the Beef Mixture?
The beef mixture needs to be just right – not too runny or dry. After adding the broth and other seasonings, keep an eye on the simmering process. To thicken it:
- Keep cooking the mixture on medium heat until it reduces, stirring occasionally.
- If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
This will give you a nice, hearty filling that sits well in the buns.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
For the Sandwich:
- 4 to 6 sandwich buns (preferably brioche)
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they’re softened and start to smell good.
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
3. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Next, stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Once the sauce is ready, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes—this will help the cheese melt wonderfully.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, take a moment to toast your sandwich buns until they’re lightly golden. This adds a lovely crunch to your Sloppy Joes!
6. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spoon the yummy Philly cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top before placing the other half of the bun on. Serve right away and enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. Just be aware that they may release more moisture during cooking, so you might want to reduce the beef broth slightly—or simply allow extra cooking time to thicken the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute provolone with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Each will give a different flavor, but they will melt well just like provolone. If you want a bit more tang, try using gouda or pepper jack cheese!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for a meat alternative like lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and your vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are ready to enjoy!
