These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic sandwich! Loaded with savory beef, melty cheese, and veggies, they’re super tasty and messy—in the best way possible!
Perfect for a quick dinner, I love serving them with fries or a side salad. Just be ready for some cheese to ooze out—it’s part of the charm! Who can resist a good cheesy bite? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using ground beef with a bit of fat for flavor. If looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, crumbled tempeh or mushrooms can work great!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone adds a nice melt and flavor. If you can’t find it, mozzarella is a good substitute for a milder taste, while cheddar gives a sharper bite. Try pepper jack if you want a bit of spice!
Brioche Buns: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, perfect for this dish. If they’re not available, you can opt for ciabatta rolls or whole wheat buns for a healthier choice.
Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers add crunch and flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter taste. Just remember that different colors will change the overall flavor a bit!
How Can I Get My Beef Mixture to Thicken Just Right?
Thickening your beef mixture is key for a satisfying sloppy joe. After cooking the beef and adding your broth and spices, let it simmer. The goal is to let some of the liquid cook off for a thicker consistency.
- After adding the broth, bring to a simmer but don’t rush it. Let it quietly bubble for about 5-7 minutes.
- For an extra thick option, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in at the end.
- Keep an eye on it! If it looks too runny, let it simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash more broth.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 slices provolone cheese
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes until they become soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon while stirring, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it from the pan.
3. Create the Flavorful Mixture:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mix thickens up a little bit.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven broiler. Place the hamburger buns on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, just until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Assemble and Melt the Cheese:
Once the beef mixture has thickened, take it off the heat and generously scoop it onto the toasted buns. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each bun. Now, return the baking sheet to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these cheesy, delicious Sloppy Joes immediately! If you like a little heat, top them with sliced jalapeños, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for that extra touch. Dig in and savor every bite of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a bit more beef broth to keep the mixture moist while cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian meal, swap the ground beef for crumbled tempeh or lentils. You may also want to add more veggies, like mushrooms, for added texture and flavor. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave or heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can make the beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it up on the stove, toast your buns, and assemble with the cheese!
