These Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a tasty twist on a classic dish! You get the yummy flavors of steak, sautéed peppers, and gooey cheese all in a soft bun. What’s not to love?
Making them is super simple and fun! It’s perfect for a quick dinner, and I often have leftovers for lunch. Just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds—I know they will! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this dish. The fat keeps it juicy and flavorful. For a leaner option, consider ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that the dish may be less rich without the fat.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds a nice crunch and mild sweetness. If you want more color, you can use red or yellow bell peppers. For a spicier kick, jalapeños are a great substitute!
Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice for cheesesteaks, but American cheese melts beautifully and gives a creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, you might try a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Sandwich Buns: I prefer soft hoagie rolls for their texture, but any sturdy bun will work, like brioche or even ciabatta. Just make sure they can hold up to the filling!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sloppy Joe Consistency?
Getting the right thickness for your sloppy joe mixture can be tricky. After simmering the beef and seasonings, you want it saucy but not runny. Here’s how to nail it:
- Let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If it’s too thin after 10 minutes, let it cook a bit longer without the lid, which helps reduce liquid.
- To thicken it further, mix in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water—it does wonders!
How to Make Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded provolone or American cheese
For Serving:
- 4 – 6 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. You’ll spend a little time sautéing the veggies, browning the beef, and letting the mixture simmer to perfection. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté The Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add The Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring it in for about 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt, so keep an eye on it!
3. Brown The Beef:
Push the veggies to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook it by breaking it up with a spoon or spatula until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure everything is well mixed!
4. Stir In The Seasonings:
Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine all those yummy flavors.
5. Simmer The Mixture:
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring the entire mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow it to thicken to that delicious sloppy joe consistency.
6. Preheat The Broiler:
While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven broiler or toaster oven. Get it nice and hot to melt the cheese perfectly!
7. Assemble The Sandwiches:
Once the beef mixture is ready, spoon it generously onto the bottom halves of your sandwich buns or rolls. Make sure you get plenty of that loaded filling!
8. Add The Cheese:
Top each sandwich with a few handfuls of shredded provolone or American cheese. It’s going to melt nicely!
9. Broil The Sandwiches:
Carefully place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the cheese to be melted and bubbly without burning the buns!
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven. Place the top halves of the buns on the cheese and press down gently. Serve hot, and enjoy your delightful Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
FAQ for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you’d like a leaner option! Keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a drizzle of olive oil or a little extra beef broth to keep it moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the onions and peppers. You could also try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist!
Can I Meal Prep These Sloppy Joes?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before piling it onto the buns and broiling with cheese.
What Should I Do with Leftover Filling?
Store any remaining beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great served over rice, pasta, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos!
