This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe takes the best of both worlds! You get the tasty flavor of a cheesesteak in a fun, messy sandwich. Soft buns hold it all together!
What’s the best part? Making these is super quick—just cook the beef with peppers and onions, mix in some cheese, and pile it on the buns. Yum! I can’t resist a good sloppy bite! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Bell Pepper and Onion: Green bell peppers give a nice crunch, but you could substitute red or yellow ones for a sweeter taste. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them or use shallots instead.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone adds that classic cheesesteak flavor. If you can’t find it, American cheese melts beautifully too and gives that creamy texture.
Beef Broth: If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use lentils or a meat alternative for the protein.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Sloppy Joes?
For flavor-packed Sloppy Joes, sauté the onions and peppers slowly to bring out their sweetness. Make sure you add garlic just before the beef—it only needs a little time to cook! Also, don’t skip the simmering step with the sauce; it helps everything come together beautifully.
- Cook the onions and peppers until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- Brown the beef while mixing well with the veggies for an even flavor.
- Let everything simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes to enhance flavors.
These small steps lead to a deliciously messy meal that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for good flavor)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 6 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese if preferred)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil) for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, plus a few minutes broiling the sandwiches to melt the cheese. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers to the pan. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Once the veggies are cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, push the vegetable mixture to the side of the pan and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce:
If there’s excess grease in the pan, carefully drain it. In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pour this sauce over the beef and veggie mix, stirring everything together. Let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Prepare for Broiling:
While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven broiler or toaster oven. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the sandwich buns or hoagie rolls. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich.
5. Broil and Serve:
Put the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning! Once done, remove them from the oven, place the top buns on, and serve immediately while they’re nice and hot!
Enjoy this fun, messy sandwich that combines the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with the saucy appeal of sloppy joes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute ground turkey or chicken! Just keep in mind that these leaner meats may require a bit more seasoning or will benefit from a splash of extra broth to maintain moisture.
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
To store leftovers, place the beef mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can toast the buns separately when you’re ready to enjoy them again for a fresh taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and keep it in the fridge for up to two days before serving. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Assemble the sandwiches with fresh buns right before serving!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Some popular toppings include sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños for a kick, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing. You can also swap provolone for other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack based on your preference!
