Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a fun, delicious mashup of two beloved dishes: the classic Philly cheesesteak and the comforting sloppy joe. This recipe combines ground beef, peppers, onions, a savory sauce, and melty provolone cheese, all served on toasted hoagie rolls. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying dish that your whole family will love. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful meal step by step!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls, toasted
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
The first step in creating these delicious Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes is to prepare the meat mixture. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat in the skillet after cooking, be sure to drain it to prevent the sloppy joes from becoming too greasy.
Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to add the vegetables. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. These veggies are essential to capturing the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor. Cook the mixture for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers are softened. The garlic will add an aromatic depth to the dish, while the onion and bell pepper give it that signature cheesesteak flavor.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Now that the beef and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to season the mixture. Add ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. The Worcestershire sauce is a key ingredient that gives the sloppy joes a rich, savory taste that complements the beef and veggies perfectly.
After adding the seasonings, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. The beef broth adds a hearty flavor and helps to create the saucy consistency that makes sloppy joes so iconic. The ketchup adds a subtle sweetness and tang that balances the savory flavors. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer your sloppy joes to have a thicker consistency, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the mix. To do this, simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly stir the slurry into the meat mixture and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. This step is completely optional and depends on your personal preference for how saucy you want your sloppy joes to be.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part: the cheese! Place 4 slices of provolone cheese over the top of the beef mixture in the skillet. Let the cheese melt over the meat for 1-2 minutes. Once the cheese is fully melted, gently stir it into the meat mixture to combine. The melted cheese adds a creamy, gooey texture that makes these sloppy joes extra indulgent.
If you’re a fan of extra cheese, feel free to add more slices of provolone or sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top before serving. The cheese is what really brings that Philly cheesesteak flavor to life in this dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
While the meat and cheese are finishing up, toast your hoagie rolls. You can toast them in the oven, on a skillet, or in a toaster, depending on your preference. Toasting the rolls helps prevent them from getting soggy once you add the meat mixture, and it adds a nice crunch to each bite.
Once your rolls are toasted, spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the hoagie rolls. Pile it high for the ultimate sloppy joe experience! You can also add any additional toppings you like, such as sautéed mushrooms, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.
Cooking Notes:
- Ground Beef: For a healthier option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as mushrooms or red bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Substitutes: While provolone is traditional in Philly cheesesteaks, you can also use American cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Philly Sloppy Joes: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions and peppers to add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Cheesesteak Sliders: Make mini versions of these sloppy joes using slider buns for a fun party appetizer or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavors will still be delicious!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the mixture and toast the rolls before assembling.
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that combines the best of two beloved sandwiches. The flavorful beef, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies come together in a saucy, cheesy filling that’s perfect for serving on toasted hoagie rolls. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner or a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. With minimal prep time and a few pantry staples, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in the form of a sloppy joe. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a fun and tasty meal!