These Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! With tender beef, colorful peppers, and melted cheese, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for a quick dinner.
Who doesn’t love a messy, cheesy sandwich? I love serving them with fries on the side—just make sure to have lots of napkins handy! Trust me, you’ll want to dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using 80/20 for the nice balance of fat and flavor. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. They’ll still taste great!
Onion: A small yellow onion works well for sweetness. If you need a substitute, shallots add a similar flavor, or use some green onions for a milder taste.
Green Bell Pepper: Bell peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to swap with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste, or omit it if you’re not a fan.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melty texture. If you want something different, mozzarella or even cheddar work too. Just adjust based on your cheese preference!
How Do I Ensure My Sloppy Joes Are Full of Flavor?
Getting the right flavor balance is key to making delicious sloppy joes. Use fresh ingredients to boost the taste. Here’s how:
- Cook the beef until browned and crumbly for a good texture.
- Don’t rush the veggies! Cooking them until soft brings out their sweetness.
- Let the mixture simmer to thicken and blend the flavors. It’s worth the wait!
For that extra punch, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika as well. You’ll be amazed at the difference!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. You’ll spend about 10 minutes browning the beef and cooking the veggies, and then another 15 minutes simmering the mixture and toasting the buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Remember to break it apart with a spatula while cooking, so it crumbles evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pan. Now, add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step—you want those veggies to be tender!
3. Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
Next, stir in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and thicken the mixture just right.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, slice the hoagie rolls or sandwich buns. Lightly butter them or brush with olive oil. In a separate skillet, toast the buns over medium heat until they’re golden brown and crispy.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Try to load it up because each bite should be delicious!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Top each sloppy joe with a slice of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet for a minute or two to let the cheese melt beautifully over the beef and veggies.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, close the sandwiches with the top bun and serve them immediately. They are best enjoyed warm and gooey, and don’t forget your napkins!
Enjoy these sloppy joes with all the tasty fullness of a Philly cheesesteak, but easy enough for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute. Just keep in mind that it may require a bit more seasoning since it’s milder in flavor. Add a pinch of extra salt and some spices to enhance the taste!
Can I Make These Sloppy Joes Spicier?
Yes, definitely! For a spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while cooking. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of provolone for an extra spicy melt!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a quick snack or warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep things moist.
What Can I Serve with These Sloppy Joes?
These cheesy sloppy joes pair well with a variety of sides! French fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad would be excellent choices. You might also consider serving them with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch!
