Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic! Imagine juicy beef, melty cheese, and sweet peppers all piled on a soft bun. Yum!
These messy sandwiches are perfect for a hearty dinner. I can’t help but smile when I see everyone digging in and enjoying the gooey goodness—who doesn’t love a little cheese pull? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of your dish! Use 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, turkey or even plant-based ground meat works well as substitutes.
Bell Pepper: A green bell pepper adds a nice crunch and slight bitterness. If you’re not a fan, you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter taste or even swap it out for chopped mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the sauce its creamy texture. For a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. If dairy is a concern, try using a non-dairy cream cheese or cashew cream instead.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone adds a great depth of flavor. If unavailable, Gouda or mozzarella is a tasty option. For a vegan alternative, look for vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
How Do I Ensure My Vegetables are Perfectly Sautéed?
Sautéing vegetables properly is key to building flavor. It’s all about the right heat and timing! Start with medium-high heat to soften the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil before adding veggies to prevent sticking.
- Cook onion first until it’s translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and garlic together; stir frequently.
- Sauté until softened, usually around 5 minutes total.
Don’t rush this step; well-cooked veggies enhance your dish immensely!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying these delicious sandwiches before you know it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it off to keep your sloppy joes from being too greasy. We want delicious, not drippy!
3. Add the Flavor:
Next, stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together and thicken a little.
4. Incorporate the Cream Cheese:
Lower the heat to a more relaxed simmer and add in the cream cheese. Stir until it melts and combines smoothly into the mixture. This will create a creamy, rich sauce that will wrap around the beef and veggies perfectly.
5. Mix in Provolone Cheese:
Once the cream cheese is fully mixed in, take the skillet off the heat and fold in the shredded provolone cheese. Stir it until it’s melted and ooey-gooey—just like a classic cheesesteak!
6. Toast the Buns:
While your beef mixture is cooling off a bit, lightly toast the hamburger buns in another skillet or in a toaster until they’re golden and warm. This will give you a lovely crunchy texture to hold your sloppy joe filling.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to fill those toasted buns with the sloppy joe mixture. Top with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with a side of your favorite chips or a salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic, you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on how cheesy you want it!
Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of beef broth if it looks a bit dry.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat, cooking it just until heated through with the vegetables.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. You could also drizzle in some hot sauce right before serving for an added kick!
