These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic dish, combining tasty ground beef with melted cheese and peppers all in a soft bun. Yum!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a messy sandwich? I enjoy piling mine high with extra cheese and having napkins ready for the inevitable drips. It’s all part of the fun! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I typically use ground beef for its flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option. Both work great but may have slightly different textures.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melty experience, but if it’s hard to find, shredded mozzarella or cheddar can be used instead. They add creaminess, too!
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add a sweet crunch to the mix, but you can substitute with red or yellow bell peppers. If you have mushrooms around, try adding those for a different flavor!
Beef Broth: If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, vegetable broth is a perfect alternative. You could also use water with a pinch of soy sauce for a little depth!
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Sloppy Joes?
The texture is key to making these sloppy joes delicious! First, choose a skillet large enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Start by sautéing the onions and bell peppers until softened; this enhances their sweetness.
- Use medium heat for cooking the beef; you want to brown it without burning. Make sure the beef is broken up well for even cooking.
- Don’t skip draining excess fat if it looks too greasy; no one enjoys a soggy sandwich!
- Allow the broth to simmer so it reduces slightly, thickening the mixture. This step helps concentrate the flavors.
Lastly, don’t rush adding the cheese! Stir it in after removing the skillet from heat for a creamy blend.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or melted cheese of choice)
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably soft, like brioche)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant. This will add a nice flavor base for your sloppy joes!
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) into the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, feel free to drain it out.
3. Seasoning the Mixture:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the spices evenly throughout the meat and veggies.
4. Making It Saucy:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors mix together and thickens the mixture a little bit, so it’s nice and saucy!
5. Adding the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and add the shredded provolone cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and is fully combined with the beef mixture. Yum!
6. Preparing the Buns:
If you’d like, toast the hamburger buns lightly on a skillet or in the toaster. This will give them a nice crunch and keep them from getting soggy.
7. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Spoon the cheesesteak mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like a little kick, add some hot sauce on top before placing the bun lids on.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re warm and gooey! Enjoy this fun twist on a classic dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that it may result in a slightly different texture and flavor, so you might want to add a pinch of extra seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Can I Use Instead of Provolone Cheese?
If provolone isn’t available, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss. Each will give the dish a unique flavor, so feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep the mixture moist. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time!
