Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you love the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak and the messy deliciousness of a Sloppy Joe, then you're going to adore this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe! This mash-up brings together the best elements of both sandwiches, creating an easy-to-make, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. With tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey melted cheese, and a rich sauce served on a soft bun, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Ready to dive in? Keep reading for the complete step-by-step guide to making this ultimate comfort food.

What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the ease and messiness of a Sloppy Joe. Traditionally, a Philly cheesesteak features thinly sliced beef, onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, while a Sloppy Joe is a ground beef sandwich in a sweet, tangy sauce. This recipe blends the two by using ground beef and incorporating the key flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and lots of cheese—all in a single, satisfying bite.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering sandwiches:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the veggies.
• 1 large onion, diced – Yellow or white onion works best.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• ½ cup mushrooms, chopped – Optional, but adds extra flavor and texture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a burst of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For a rich, umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ketchup – Adds sweetness and a slight tang.
• 1 cup beef broth – This creates the base of the saucy mixture.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season according to your preference.
• 4 slices provolone cheese – Or use any melty cheese like American or mozzarella.
• 4 hamburger buns – Soft buns work best for this recipe.

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning – For extra depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a slight tanginess.
• Pickled jalapeños – For a spicy kick.
• Sliced cheese options – Consider using Cheez Whiz or white American cheese for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience.

Substitutions and Variations

Like all great comfort food, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ideas for customizing it to fit your dietary preferences and tastes:

• Meat Options: You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Cheese Variety: While provolone is the go-to for cheesesteaks, you can swap it for other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even cheese sauce for a creamier texture.
• Buns: Opt for whole wheat buns for a healthier twist, or go all out with brioche buns for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or serve the mixture over rice or mashed potatoes for a gluten-free version.
• Low-Carb: Serve the cheesy beef mixture in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like sautéed spinach, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers for more flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let's get into the cooking process. This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is quick and simple, so you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

Push the sautéed veggies to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add the Seasonings:

Stir the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and beef broth into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the beef mixture to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the Cheese:

Lay the slices of provolone (or your cheese of choice) over the top of the beef mixture in the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt completely into the mixture. You can stir it in to make the entire mixture cheesy, or leave the cheese on top to melt into a gooey layer.

6. Toast the Buns:

While the cheese is melting, toast your hamburger buns in a separate skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the sandwich.

7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add any desired toppings such as pickled jalapeños or extra cheese. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

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

1. Sauté Veggies: Cook onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in a skillet with olive oil.
2. Brown Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and beef broth.
4. Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
5. Melt Cheese: Top the beef mixture with cheese and let it melt.
6. Toast Buns: Lightly toast your hamburger buns.
7. Assemble: Scoop the mixture onto buns, add any extra toppings, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is relatively easy, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish:

• Overcooking the Ground Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it can become dry. Cook it just until browned and cooked through, and avoid draining too much fat as it adds flavor.
• Soggy Buns: Toast your buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches to prevent them from getting soggy from the saucy beef mixture.
• Not Thickening the Sauce Enough: Make sure you use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Without it, the mixture can become too runny.
• Skipping the Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! The gooey, melted cheese is essential to recreating that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are all about comfort, but that doesn't mean they can't look appetizing. Here are some tips for serving and presenting this delicious dish:

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

• Family-Style: Serve the beef mixture directly from the skillet with a pile of toasted buns on the side. Let everyone assemble their own sandwiches.
• Individual Plates: Serve each sandwich fully assembled with a side of fries, potato chips, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add color and freshness to the dish.
• Extra Cheese: Drizzle some additional cheese sauce or top with an extra slice of provolone for an indulgent, cheesy presentation.
• Serve with Pickles: Pickles add a bright, tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich beef mixture.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a bit of extra broth to loosen it up if it becomes too thick during reheating.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe doubles easily if you're cooking for a larger group or meal prepping.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.

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 fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are perfect for kids since they’re easy to eat and not too spicy. You can adjust the seasoning to make them even more kid-friendly.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use any melty cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even cheese sauce like Cheez Whiz for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.

What side dishes go well with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad are all great side options.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the hearty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the easy, saucy appeal of a Sloppy Joe. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family meal. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a cheesy, savory, and downright delicious sandwich that everyone will love. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, and enjoy every gooey, messy bite!

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