Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that’s a twist on a classic favorite? Look no further than these mouthwatering Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. This recipe is a game-changer, blending the essence of a Philly cheese steak with the comforting appeal of a Sloppy Joe. Picture savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and peppers enveloped in a rich, gravy-like sauce, all topped with melty provolone cheese – a true comfort food delight.

I stumbled upon this gem one Wednesday night, seeking a fresh take on using ground beef beyond the usual dishes. Little did I know that this impromptu creation would become a beloved staple in our family’s meal rotation. The magic of these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing with delight. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a top spot on our list of must-have weeknight meals.

Quick Benefits

• Hearty and Flavorful: Ground beef provides a substantial base for a satisfying meal, balanced with savory onions and peppers that melt into a rich, gravy-like sauce.
• Complex Umami Flavor: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall taste without being easily discernible.
• Thick, No-Mess Sauce: Cornstarch thickens the sauce, preventing it from running down the sandwich and keeping the filling in place for a mess-free eating experience.
• Restaurant-Quality Finish: Provolone cheese melts to perfection, offering a mild, tangy flavor that adds an elevated touch to the dish, especially when broiled to a golden brown.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Recipe

• Unique Twist: Combines the flavors of a Philly cheese steak with the comfort of a classic sloppy joe, offering a delicious and innovative twist on two beloved dishes.
• Savory and Sweet Balance: Sweet caramelized onions and peppers complement the savory beef, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make each bite a delight.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The cornstarch-thickened gravy-like sauce elevates the dish, providing a rich and velvety texture that coats the filling and prevents a messy eating experience.
• Umami Boost: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making the sloppy joes incredibly satisfying.
• Melted Provolone Cheese: The gooey provolone cheese on top adds a creamy and tangy finish that takes this dish to the next level, creating a cheesy and indulgent experience.
• Versatile Protein Options: Offers flexibility with protein variations like ground turkey, Italian sausage, or mushrooms, allowing customization based on personal preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Easy preparation and storage options make it a convenient choice for busy weeknights. You can prep components ahead of time and freeze leftovers for future quick and delicious meals.
• Perfect Pairings: Simple sides like oven fries, pickle spears, or chips and veggies with dip complement the hearty sandwiches, offering a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.

Ingredients for Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture

• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter

For Serving

• 6 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns
• 6-12 slices provolone cheese (1-2 per sandwich)

How to Make Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving a small amount for flavor if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

While the beef is cooking, thinly slice the onion and green bell pepper into strips, and finely mince the garlic cloves to resemble a traditional Philly cheesesteak. Prepare these vegetables in advance to expedite the cooking process.

Step 3: Remove and set aside the beef

Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl or plate, setting it aside. Reserve any pan juices for flavoring the vegetables.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onions, green peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare the sauce

Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and beef broth in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined and cornstarch is fully dissolved to make a binding sauce.

Step 6: Combine and thicken

Add the sauce mixture to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix in the cooked ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Stir frequently.

Step 7: Prepare the rolls

Optional: Place hoagie rolls or buns cut-side up under the broiler for about 1 minute to lightly toast, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Assemble the sandwiches

Place one slice of provolone on the bottom half of each roll, spoon hot meat and vegetable mixture onto each, and top with another slice of provolone.

Step 9: Melt the cheese

Broil the open-faced sandwiches for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to brown around the edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 10: Serve

Take the sandwiches out of the broiler, optionally close them, and serve immediately while still hot and gooey. Be prepared with napkins as these can get messy but delicious!

Storage Tips

To store the finished Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, it is best to refrigerate the meat mixture separately from the buns. The filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it is recommended to use a covered skillet with a splash of beef broth to revive the sauce and maintain the flavors. This method helps preserve the quality of the dish for quick and easy future meals.

For longer storage or emergency meals, the cooled meat mixture can be frozen in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Freezing in individual portions allows for convenient reheating without compromising the taste and texture of the dish. By following these storage techniques, you can enjoy your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes even on busy days or when looking for a quick and satisfying meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some ingredient substitutions in this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe, there are a few options to consider. For a lighter option, you can swap out the ground beef with ground turkey. This change will reduce the overall fat content while still providing a flavorful protein base for the dish.

If you prefer a different type of cheese or want to experiment with flavors, you can try using different cheeses in place of provolone. American cheese will give you the ultimate meltiness, Swiss cheese adds a nutty depth, and pepper jack cheese brings a spicy kick to the dish. Feel free to choose the cheese that best suits your taste preferences.

For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms along with the onions and peppers to add an earthy flavor to the dish. This substitution creates a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes that will still satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy oven fries for a classic sandwich pairing. The golden fries offer a satisfying crunch that complements the savory and rich flavors of the sloppy joes perfectly. To add a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the dish, consider serving pickle spears on the side. The pickles provide a refreshing bite that enhances the overall dining experience and balances out the hearty meal.

For a casual family dinner, round out the meal with simple sides like potato chips and raw veggies with dip. These no-cook sides require minimal effort and add a variety of textures and flavors to the meal. When serving at gatherings, consider individually wrapping the sandwiches in parchment or foil to contain any potential messiness and make it easy for guests to enjoy these delicious and comforting Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

FAQs for Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be substituted one-for-one for the beef to create a lighter version of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can save time by cooking the meat mixture completely ahead of time and simply reheating it just before serving. The filling can be refrigerated separately from the buns for up to three days.

How can I prevent the sandwiches from getting too messy?

The key is to thicken the sauce with cornstarch, which helps the filling stay put instead of running down your arms on the first bite. Make sure to follow the recipe’s instructions for the perfect consistency.

What are some recommended cheese variations for this recipe?

While provolone cheese is the classic choice for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your preferences. Try American for ultimate meltiness, Swiss for nutty depth, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

As you gather around your dinner table to enjoy these delectable Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, take a moment to appreciate the simple joys of home-cooked meals that bring loved ones together. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to turn everyday ingredients into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, these sloppy joes are sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.

Remember, cooking is an adventure, and each time you recreate these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, you have the opportunity to tweak and personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties, protein options, or even veggie additions to make this dish uniquely yours. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every bite of these delicious, comforting sandwiches. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes!