These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring all the cheesy and meaty goodness of a classic cheesesteak to a fun sandwich! Ground beef, peppers, and lots of cheese make these a crowd-pleaser.
They’re perfect for a quick dinner, and who can resist a gooey, cheesy mess? I love to pile them high on a bun and enjoy every bite—messy hands, happy heart! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken also works well! I sometimes mix ground beef with sausage for an extra flavor boost.
Bell Pepper: Both green and red bell peppers are great. If you’re in the mood for something different, you could use a poblano or even chopped mushrooms for added earthiness.
Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but if you can’t find it or want something else, mozzarella or even cheddar are tasty alternatives. I like to mix in some pepper jack for a bit of a kick!
Buns: While brioche is soft and sweet, any sturdy roll will do. Whole wheat buns add a nice nutty flavor. For a lower carb option, consider lettuce wraps or maybe even portobello mushrooms!
How Can I Make Sure the Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef may seem simple, but there’s a little technique to it! Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, preheat the skillet well before adding the beef. This ensures a nice sear.
- Add the beef and break it up with a spatula, letting it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes to get that browned flavor.
- Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned all over. Don’t rush this step, as it builds a great depth of flavor!
Don’t forget to drain off excess fat afterward. This way, your sloppy joes stay hearty without being greasy!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
For The Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or soft rolls)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be ready to enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and smell lovely.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Once the veggies are soft, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some off.
3. Create the Flavorful Mixture:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and lay the provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, go ahead and lightly toast the hamburger buns to add a bit of crunch. You can do this in a toaster or on a pan for a couple of minutes.
6. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Once the cheese is melted and glorious, spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños on top!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully place the top half of the buns on the loaded bottoms and get ready to dig in! Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes right away for a delicious treat.
Enjoy your yummy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so watch for browning, and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda. Just ensure it melts well, and feel free to mix and match for a different flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as that can make the meat tough and the cheese rubbery.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms. You can follow the same steps for the sauce, and enjoy a delicious veggie version of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!