These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic! With tasty ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh peppers, they’re messy and delicious.
Who doesn’t love a meal that combines two favorites? I like to serve them with crispy fries or just some napkins for all the drips—trust me, you’ll need them! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives great flavor and texture, but you can use ground turkey for a lighter option. Both work well here, just adjust cooking times slightly for turkey as it can cook faster.
Onion and Bell Pepper: A medium onion and green bell pepper add sweetness and crunch. If you’re out of green pepper, try red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste. You could also use a mix of bell peppers for color and variety.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a classic choice for this dish’s creamy texture. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be good substitutes. For a bolder flavor, try sharp cheddar!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re avoiding it, soy sauce can provide a similar umami taste. Just use a little less, as soy sauce can be saltier.
How Do You Avoid Burning Garlic When Cooking?
Burning garlic can ruin your dish. To get perfectly cooked garlic without the bitterness, always add it after your onions and peppers have started softening. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat for your onions and peppers until they’re just soft (3-4 mins).
- Add the minced garlic and keep stirring for about 1 minute. Watch it closely! If you see it starting to brown, lower the heat.
Your goal is for the garlic to turn fragrant, not brown. This will bring out the best flavors in your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or sliced)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes for cooking and baking. So, you can have your tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ready in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. This will give your Sloppy Joes a nice flavor base!
2. Add the Garlic:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remember to stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn—nobody likes burnt garlic!
3. Brown the Meat:
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Stir in the Sauce:
Next, stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens a little. This will help all those lovely flavors come together!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While your mixture is simmering, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and warm for your cheesy sandwiches!
6. Prep the Buns:
Take the sandwich buns and split them open. Place them on a baking sheet, and then spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy—load them up! Then, top it generously with shredded provolone cheese.
7. Bake the Sandwiches:
Now, put your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melty. You want that cheese bubbly and delicious!
8. Assemble and Serve:
Once out of the oven, place the top half of the buns on each sandwich. Serve these warm and enjoy your hearty, flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still give you a delightful flavor. Be sure to choose a blend with some fat (like ground turkey breast dark meat) to keep the dish juicy!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with an equal amount of mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, especially if you’re using lentils, which need to be cooked until tender before adding the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the mixture if it thickens up.
Can I Freeze the Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Yes! The sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Allow it to cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stovetop or microwave before serving on fresh buns.
