These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic sandwich! Packed with tasty beef, melted cheese, and peppers, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.
Whenever I make these, everyone gathers around the table. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love to serve them with crispy fries for a perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star here, but you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Some people even use plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option!
Onion and Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables add sweetness and crunch. If you’re out of bell peppers, try using red or yellow ones; they’re sweeter. Red onion could also work if you’re looking for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone brings a wonderful creaminess. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even cheddar can work as a substitute. Just remember, go for cheese that melts well!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth to the flavor. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, or try a dash of soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar as an alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but there are a few tricks to get it just right. Ensuring it’s brown and flavorful is key!
- Heat the skillet to medium-high. This helps to brown the meat instead of steaming it.
- Break the meat apart as it cooks using a spatula. This helps it cook evenly.
- If there’s excess fat after browning, drain it—too much fat can make the dish greasy.
Don’t rush the cooking! Take those 5-7 minutes to ensure it’s nicely browned for the best flavor in your Sloppy Joes.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns or sliced rolls
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare all the ingredients and about 25 minutes for cooking. So, in total, it’ll take around 40 minutes to have these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, start by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they become soft and tender.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for an additional minute until it releases a nice fragrance. This will add great flavor to your beef mixture!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, crank up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it off at this point.
4. Simmer the Flavorful Mixture:
Once your beef is browned, stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help all the flavors blend beautifully!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want the oven ready for toasting the sandwiches!
6. Prepare the Sandwiches:
After those 10 minutes are up, take some of the beef mixture and spoon it generously onto the hamburger buns or sliced rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese to add a creamy layer of goodness.
7. Bake Until Cheesy:
Arrange the loaded sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, consider garnishing with some chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Serve these warm and enjoy every delicious bite of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that it may result in a slightly different flavor and texture. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want to make a vegetarian version, consider substituting the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or a veggie crumbles variety. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian (some contain anchovies).
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time! Cook the beef mixture and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove before assembling the sandwiches and melting the cheese in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the beef mixture gently in a skillet and toast the buns in the oven until they are crispy again. You can also microwave the leftovers, though the bread may lose some crispness.
