Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Craving the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but don’t have time to whip up the real deal? Enter Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—a mouthwatering fusion of two classic sandwiches: the hearty, meaty Sloppy Joe and the iconic, cheesy Philly cheesesteak. This recipe combines juicy ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted provolone cheese, all piled high on soft sandwich buns. It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Keep reading for a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this deliciously messy dish that everyone will love!

this Recipe

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What is a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe?

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun and creative mashup of the traditional Philly cheesesteak and the Sloppy Joe sandwich. Rather than using thinly sliced steak as in a traditional cheesesteak, this recipe uses ground beef, making it quicker to prepare and budget-friendly. The sloppy joes get a Philly-style upgrade with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and melty provolone cheese. The result? A savory, cheesy, and irresistibly messy sandwich that hits all the right flavor notes.

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Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this quick and satisfying meal:

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy, flavorful filling.
• Yellow Onion: Finely chopped to add a sweet, savory flavor to the meat.
• Green Bell Pepper: Diced to give the dish that classic Philly cheesesteak crunch and taste.
• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavor and adds a touch of pungency.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and richness to the ground beef mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of this savory sauce gives the beef a deeper flavor and a touch of umami.
• Ketchup: Provides the slight sweetness characteristic of Sloppy Joes.
• Provolone Cheese: Slices of provolone cheese melt beautifully over the beef mixture for that classic cheesesteak taste.
• Soft Sandwich Buns: Use soft, sturdy buns like brioche or hamburger buns to hold all the juicy goodness.

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Ingredients List for Toppings:

While the main filling is the star of this dish, adding the right toppings can elevate the flavor and texture. Here are some optional toppings to consider:

• Sautéed Mushrooms: For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak vibe, sautéed mushrooms are a perfect addition.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who like a little kick, pickled jalapeños add a spicy twist.
• Mayonnaise or Mustard: A little smear of mayo or mustard can add creaminess or tang.
• Extra Provolone or Cheese Whiz: If you want to make it extra cheesy, go ahead and add more cheese!

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative or adapt it to suit your dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Protein Options: If you want to go leaner, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Cheese Alternatives: While provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, feel free to use other melty cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese for a more Sloppy Joe-like experience.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add some variety to the filling by including other vegetables like red bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for a boost of nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve the filling over gluten-free buns or even stuffed inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a low-carb, gluten-free meal.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the bun altogether and serve the filling in a lettuce wrap or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is a breeze. You’ll only need about 30 minutes from start to finish to get this dinner on the table. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent, and the peppers are slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Broth

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the beef mixture, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes. Once the cheese is melted, stir everything together to incorporate the gooey cheese throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Toast the Buns (Optional)

If you like your sandwich buns toasted, heat a small skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the buns until golden brown. This step adds an extra layer of texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spoon a generous amount of the Philly cheesesteak Sloppy Joe filling onto the bottom half of each sandwich bun. Top with additional provolone or your favorite toppings, then place the top bun over the filling. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the veggies: Begin by softening the onions and peppers in a little oil.
2. Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbled.
3. Mix in broth and seasonings: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to the pan.
4. Melt the cheese: Layer the provolone slices over the beef mixture and stir until melted.
5. Toast the buns (optional): Toast sandwich buns for extra crunch.
6. Assemble and serve: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto your buns, and top with your favorite extras.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes come out perfect every time, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the onions and peppers. They should be tender but still have a bit of bite for added texture.
• Skipping the Cheese: The cheese is what makes this dish! Don’t skimp on the provolone—melting it into the meat mixture creates that ooey-gooey, delicious texture that everyone loves.
• Soggy Buns: If you don't toast the buns or let the beef mixture sit too long, the buns can become soggy. Serve immediately after assembling the sandwiches.
• Using Low-Fat Ground Beef: While you can opt for leaner ground beef, you might miss out on some of the juicy flavor that comes from the fat. If using lean beef, be sure to add a little extra oil or butter for moisture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation doesn’t have to be fancy, but these tips will make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes look as good as they taste:

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Serve them hot, straight from the skillet onto toasted buns.
• For a party or casual gathering, serve the beef mixture in a warm skillet or crockpot with a stack of buns on the side, allowing guests to build their own sandwiches.
• Pair with classic sides like French fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the meat mixture for a pop of color.
• Serve with pickles or pickled jalapeños on the side for a crunchy, acidic bite that complements the rich, cheesy beef.

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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: The beef mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed, and serve.
• Freeze for Later: The beef filling can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.

What can I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Serve them with classic sides like French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone is traditional, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese for a different flavor.

Can I freeze the beef mixture?

Yes, the beef filling freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

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Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the classic heartiness of a Sloppy Joe. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own twist on it, one thing is certain: these sandwiches are sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, grab your skillet and some buns, and get ready to enjoy this messy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meal!

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