These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on two favorites! You get all the tasty flavors of a cheesesteak in a messy, easy-to-eat sandwich. Yum!
They’re filled with ground beef, onions, peppers, and gooey cheese, making them super tasty. Perfect for busy nights, I love serving them with fries or a quick salad!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef (80/20 is great) for this recipe, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based meat crumbles can work too for a vegetarian twist!
Green Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers add a nice crunch and slight bitterness. If you want a sweeter flavor, try using red or yellow bell peppers instead!
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the dish. While yellow onions are my go-to, you could switch to sweet onions or even shallots for a unique taste.
Mushrooms: I love using button mushrooms, but feel free to use portobellos or cremini mushrooms for a heartier bite. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can leave them out entirely!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is traditional for a cheesesteak feel. For a different flavor, mozzarella or cheddar can be used—just remember, the melt factor varies!
How Do I Properly Saute Vegetables Without Burning Them?
Sauteing vegetables is key to getting great flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it without burning:
- Start with medium heat and preheat your skillet. This helps the veggies start cooking evenly.
- Add olive oil and let it heat up for a minute before adding your first ingredients.
- Add onions and bell peppers first, as they take a bit longer to soften. Stir them occasionally for about five minutes.
- Introduce mushrooms and garlic for a couple more minutes. Garlic cooks quickly, so add it towards the end to prevent burning!
Following these tips will help you get perfectly soft and flavorful vegetables without browning them too much.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 to 6 hamburger rolls or small slider buns
- Optional: Hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and just starting to brown.
2. Add Mushrooms and Garlic:
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Keep cooking these together for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nice and soft.
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Don’t forget to mix it all together once the beef is browned and drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to let all those yummy flavors blend together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the beef and veggies. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Prepare the Buns:
If you like, you can toast the hamburger rolls or slider buns now for that extra crunch! It’s totally optional but delicious.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab those buns and fill them with your cheesy Philly cheesesteak mixture. Serve them hot and add a splash of hot sauce if you want some extra heat. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You may need to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor, since these meats can be milder than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary. For added protein, consider incorporating beans or quinoa!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep and cook the cheesesteak mixture ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, and then assemble the sandwiches.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, it’s best to keep the cheesesteak filling separate from the buns. Reheat the filling on the stovetop or in the microwave, and toast new buns if you like for that fresh taste!
