These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! With juicy beef, melty cheese, and soft buns, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how easy they are to whip up for a busy weeknight meal. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little messy fun when eating? Just grab a napkin and dig in! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, providing rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian take, consider using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor, but you can use red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste. If you need a low-carb version, you can skip the peppers entirely.
Onion: I like using yellow onions for their sweetness, but white onions work too. For a twist, try shallots or even green onions for a milder flavor. If you want to keep things simple, you can omit onions altogether.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives that classic cheesesteak taste. If you’re not a fan, you can switch to mozzarella or cheddar. For dairy-free options, there are plenty of vegan cheese varieties available.
Brioche or Soft Rolls: Brioche adds a nice buttery flavor, but any soft sandwich bun will do. For a healthier choice, use whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing veggies is about bringing out their natural flavors and achieving a nice texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium heat and add olive oil to the pan. Too hot, and they might burn; too low, and they’ll steam.
- Add onions and bell peppers first, cooking for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Then, add the garlic for just a minute. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily, so add it last!
This technique makes sure your vegetables are flavorful and add great texture to your Sloppy Joes!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4-6 sandwich buns (preferably brioche or a soft roll)
- 1 1/2 cups provolone cheese, shredded (or cheese of choice)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the filling, followed by about 10 minutes baking in the oven to melt the cheese. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Veggies:
In a large skillet, pour in a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cooking the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s any extra fat in the skillet, carefully drain it away.
3. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors blend and the sauce will thicken a bit.
4. Prepping for Baking:
While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once you’ve completed the previous step, get your sandwich buns ready. Place them on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
5. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
Once your beef filling is ready, spoon it evenly onto each sandwich bun. Be generous with it! Top each one with a sprinkle of shredded provolone cheese. You can use more or less cheese, depending on how cheesy you want them!
6. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Then, serve your delightful Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes warm and enjoy a delicious meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly milder, so consider adding an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce or some additional seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack cheese for a little kick! Just ensure that whatever cheese you use melts well for that delicious, gooey texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sloppy joe mixture on a bun and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or diced mushrooms and lentils for a hearty texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
