Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic sandwich! This dish combines savory ground beef with melted cheese, bell peppers, and onions all smothered in a tasty sauce.
You’ll love how easy they are to whip up for a quick dinner! Just pile the filling on a bun, and you’re ready to enjoy. Plus, they can get a bit messy, which makes eating them extra fun! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe shines with ground beef, but you might try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You could even go meatless with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Onion: Diced onions add sweetness and depth. If you prefer a milder flavor, try using green onions instead. Red onions can also work, bringing a bit of color to your dish.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and a fresh taste. If green ones aren’t your favorite, feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers—a great way to add a pop of color!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melt and flavor. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even cheddar will work. I love mixing different cheeses for added taste!
How Do You Perfectly Sauté Your Onions and Peppers?
The technique behind sautéing is key to a great texture! You want your onions and peppers to be soft but still have some bite. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat a skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Don’t rush this; let the oil heat up.
- Add the diced onions first and stir for 3-5 minutes until they become translucent.
- Next, add the green bell pepper. Cook together until both are softened. It’s essential to stir occasionally!
This method ensures a nice balance of flavors, bringing out their natural sweetness while retaining some crunch for a perfect bite!
Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total for this recipe. This includes about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Easy and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn soft and fragrant. This gives a wonderful base to your sloppy joes!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells amazing!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s evenly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the skillet, feel free to drain it off.
4. Simmer the Mixture:
Now, turn the heat back down to medium and stir in the beef broth, marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken up a bit.
5. Melt the Cheese:
During the last few minutes of cooking, place the provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt nicely.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, you can toast the hamburger buns. Use a toaster or cook them in a skillet until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch to your sloppy joes!
7. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Once everything is ready, scoop a generous amount of the cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun to close it up.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes right away and enjoy! They’re messy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lean substitute. Just be aware that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You might want to add a bit more seasoning, as ground turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
If you’d like to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and check your marinara for any non-vegan ingredients if that’s a concern!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, and then continue with the cheesesteak assembly as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the mixture seems dry after reheating, add a little beef or vegetable broth to bring back the moisture!
