Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on two classic American favorites. Combining the savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak with the saucy goodness of sloppy joes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings. With its rich blend of ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese all piled high on a toasted bun, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 6 hamburger buns
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- While the meat mixture simmers, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded provolone and cheddar cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Toast the hamburger buns until they are golden brown.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the meat mixture.
- Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve immediately.
Cooking Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Buns: For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat buns or even serve the mixture on lettuce wraps.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of provolone, you can substitute it with mozzarella or your favorite cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before serving. The cheese sauce is best made fresh but can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
A: Absolutely! Allow the meat mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What sides go well with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
A: These Sloppy Joes pair well with a variety of sides such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh garden salad.
Keto/Low Carb Version
For a keto or low-carb version of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you can make a few simple modifications:
- Buns: Replace the hamburger buns with large lettuce leaves or low-carb buns.
- Thickening the Sauce: Instead of using flour in the cheese sauce, use xanthan gum or simply reduce the amount of milk to create a thicker consistency.
- Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Serve Over: Consider serving the meat mixture over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a hearty, low-carb option.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and cheeses to make it your own. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family, and leave a comment below with your favorite variations. Happy cooking!
Try this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe today and let us know how it turned out! For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media. Happy eating!
