Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a mouth-watering twist on two American classics: the beloved Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the all-time favorite sloppy joes. By combining the savory flavors of ground beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables, this meal promises to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or entertaining friends on game night, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground beef (you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for added tang)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional for a little extra zing)
6 sandwich buns (brioche or Kaiser rolls work well)
1½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to coat the bottom of the pan. Toss in the finely chopped onions and green bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into smaller chunks as it cooks. You’ll want to cook the beef until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, which should take around 7-10 minutes. If you’re using ground turkey or chicken, the cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness.

Once the meat is cooked, drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to prevent the mixture from becoming too greasy, especially if you’re using beef with a higher fat content.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Sauce

With the beef and vegetables cooked, it’s time to season the mixture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir these spices into the meat mixture to evenly distribute the flavors.

Now, add the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and beef broth. The tomato paste gives the sloppy joes a rich, tangy base, while the Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor. The beef broth will ensure the mixture remains moist and flavorful without being too runny.

Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering process helps the flavors meld together, resulting in that signature sloppy joe taste we all love. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the skillet.

If you like your sloppy joes on the tangier side, you can add the white vinegar now. This ingredient is optional, but it can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar.

Step 3: Toast the Buns (Optional)

For a gourmet touch, consider toasting the sandwich buns before serving. To do this, lightly butter the insides of the buns and place them cut-side down on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Toast for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. This step adds a delightful crunch to the final sandwich, and it also helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy when topped with the sloppy joe mixture.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Once your sloppy joe filling has simmered to perfection, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. Turn off the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a gooey, creamy layer over the beef, creating that irresistible cheesesteak flavor.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add a little more cheese on top of the meat mixture once you’ve spooned it onto the buns. Another option is to place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a minute or two, allowing the cheese to bubble and brown slightly.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now for the final step—assembling the sandwiches. Place a generous spoonful of the cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with a side of crispy fries, a simple green salad, or some crunchy pickles. For an extra special touch, consider serving with sweet potato fries or seasoned potato wedges.

Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

Use a good quality ground beef: While this recipe works well with any ground meat, using 85% lean ground beef strikes the perfect balance between flavor and texture. If you’re aiming for a healthier dish, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives.
Cheese Options: While provolone is the traditional choice for cheesesteaks, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese for extra creaminess. You can also mix and match cheeses for a unique flavor blend.
Vegetables: Although green bell peppers are the classic choice, you can add red bell peppers, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a bit of a kick. For a low-carb version, you can serve the sloppy joe mixture in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This will give your sloppy joes an extra spicy kick.
Make it Ahead: The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two in the fridge, making this a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

Nutritional Information:

Calories per serving: 480
Total fat: 20g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 950mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 25g

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a hearty, flavorful dish that blends the best of two comfort food classics. Perfect for a quick dinner or a casual get-together, these sandwiches are sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and savory vegetables makes every bite a satisfying experience.