Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food! These tasty sandwiches bring together ground beef, melty cheese, and sweet peppers all in a soft bun. Yum!
I love how quick and easy they are to whip up, perfect for a busy weeknight. Pair them with some crispy fries, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in your sloppy joes. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re looking for plant-based choices, try lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add great flavor and texture. If you want a sweeter taste, use red bell peppers instead. For a spicier kick, jalapeños or poblano peppers work well too!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone brings that cheesy goodness! Feel free to swap it with mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just make sure it melts well!
Burger Buns: Brioche buns add a nice touch of sweetness and softness. If you’re looking for something different, sub with whole wheat buns or even ciabatta rolls if you prefer a crusty option.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef to the right texture is key for juicy, flavorful sloppy joes. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by heating the skillet on medium-high for even cooking.
- Add the beef and let it sear without stirring for a couple of minutes. This helps it brown nicely.
- Break it apart with a spatula, allowing it to brown evenly. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- If there’s excess grease, drain it carefully to avoid a greasy mixture.
Keep an eye on the heat; high heat will cook it too fast and leave it chewy. Moderate heat will give you tender beef!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
For the Buns:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche for added sweetness)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes sautéing veggies, cooking the beef, and letting everything simmer. Just toast your buns right before serving, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This is where your flavors start to develop!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You want it to smell amazing!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to your skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it around until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of grease, feel free to drain some off.
4. Mix in the Sauce Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken up nicely.
5. Melt the Cheese:
While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to broil. Once the beef is thickened, lower the heat and lay the slices of provolone cheese over the meat mixture. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt into all that deliciousness.
6. Toast the Buns:
Take your burger buns and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—broilers can work fast!
7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Now, it’s time to put it all together! Spoon the cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, place the top half of the bun on top. There you have it—a perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Sloppy Joes immediately and enjoy! They’re perfect for a fun family dinner or a cozy night in.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be aware that it may not have the same rich flavor as beef, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning or use a beef broth for added depth.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can easily swap it out for mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick! Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well to achieve that gooey texture.
How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meat mixture on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry, or microwave while covered to keep the moisture in.
