Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Looking for a mashup of two classic American comfort foods? This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the messy goodness of sloppy joes! Tender ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms are mixed with a savory sauce and topped with melted cheese, all served on a soft sandwich roll. This quick and easy meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings—it's hearty, cheesy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

this Recipe

What is a “Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe”?

A Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe is a fun fusion between the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and the texture of a sloppy joe. It includes ground beef (or steak), onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms cooked together with a flavorful sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It’s served on a soft bun, just like a classic sloppy joe, but with the distinct taste of a cheesesteak sandwich. The result is a delicious, savory, and messy sandwich that's sure to satisfy any comfort food craving!

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

1. 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
2. 1 small onion (diced)
3. 1 green bell pepper (diced)
4. 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
5. 2 cloves garlic (minced)
6. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
7. 1 tablespoon ketchup
8. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
9. 1 cup beef broth (or water)
10. 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
11. 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice)
12. 4-6 sandwich rolls (soft hoagie rolls or hamburger buns)
13. Salt and pepper to taste
14. 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)
15. Fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Healthier Option)

For a lighter version of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, here are a few ingredient swaps:

1. 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken (leaner than ground beef)
2. Low-sodium beef broth (to reduce salt)
3. Light provolone or reduced-fat cheese
4. Whole wheat or gluten-free rolls (for added fiber or dietary restrictions)
5. Olive oil spray (to reduce the amount of oil)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very adaptable, and you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Cheese Options: Provolone is classic for Philly cheesesteak, but you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese sauce for an extra creamy version.
• Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even lean ground pork for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and add extra mushrooms or even diced zucchini for a vegetarian take.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions and Peppers: Add the diced onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef (or ground turkey) and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Thicken (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Add Cheese

1. Combine with Vegetables: Add the sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms back into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
2. Melt the Cheese: Lay slices of provolone cheese on top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can stir shredded cheese directly into the mixture for a creamier result.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich rolls or buns if desired.
2. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with extra cheese if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
2. Serve: Serve immediately while the sandwiches are hot and cheesy.

How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Vegetables: Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened.
2. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef until browned and seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Add broth and simmer until thickened.
4. Add Cheese: Melt provolone over the beef mixture, either by layering it on top or mixing it in.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto soft rolls and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Vegetables: Make sure not to overcook the bell peppers and onions. They should still have a bit of texture to provide a contrast to the soft beef mixture.
2. Too Much Liquid: If the sauce is too runny, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer for longer to reduce the liquid.
3. Not Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns helps keep them from getting soggy and adds a nice texture to the sandwich.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even though this dish is casual and fun, you can still make it look inviting with these tips:

1. Serve with Chips or Fries: Pair these sloppy joes with crispy fries or potato chips for the ultimate comfort food experience.
2. Add Pickles: Serve with dill pickles on the side for a tangy contrast to the savory, cheesy meat mixture.
3. Garnish for Color: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to the sandwiches.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Family Style: Serve the skillet of cheesy beef mixture alongside the sandwich rolls and let everyone assemble their own sandwiches.
• Individual Plates: For a neater presentation, pre-assemble the sandwiches and place them on individual plates with sides like fries, chips, or a green salad.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. Serve in Cast Iron: For a rustic, homey presentation, serve the beef mixture directly from a cast iron skillet on the table.
2. Cheese Pull Effect: When serving, show off the cheesy "pull" by making sure the cheese on top is extra melty and gooey.
3. Add a Garnish: Top the sandwiches with fresh parsley, chives, or even crispy fried onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and add the cheese just before serving.
• Freezing: The cooked beef mixture freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to beef.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the

beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

Q: What kind of bread should I use for the sandwiches?
A: Soft hoagie rolls, hamburger buns, or brioche rolls work best for these sandwiches, but you can use any type of soft sandwich bread you prefer.

Q: Can I use cheese sauce instead of sliced cheese?
A: Yes! A cheese sauce like a homemade or store-bought provolone or cheddar cheese sauce can be stirred into the beef mixture for an extra creamy version.

Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. With tender ground beef (or turkey), sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese on a soft bun, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd on game day, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it out, customize it to your taste, and enjoy a delicious mashup of two classic sandwiches!

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