This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe is a fun twist on the classic! It mixes ground beef with bell peppers, onions, and cheese, all piled on soft buns for a yummy bite.
What’s better than a messy meal that tastes divine? I love that it comes together quickly, so you can savor every cheesy bite without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for leaner options, ground turkey or chicken can work well, but may offer a different taste and texture.
Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper adds a nice crunch. However, red or yellow peppers can provide added sweetness if that’s what you prefer. Each color brings its own special flavor!
Onion: Yellow or white onions are great for this dish. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them or use shallots for a milder flavor.
Mushrooms: These are optional, but they add an earthy taste and great texture. You can substitute with diced zucchini or leave them out entirely if you prefer a simpler mix.
Cheese: Provolone is classic for that gooey, melty goodness. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even cheddar can be tasty substitutes.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Beef and Vegetables?
The key to great flavor starts with cooking the beef and veggies right. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the ground beef in a hot skillet until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- As you add the bell pepper, onion, and optional mushrooms, give them time to soften in the same skillet, absorbing the meat’s flavors. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Be sure to season well during cooking—this makes all the difference. Add your Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard right after the veggies have softened to build that rich flavor!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mix:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
2. Add Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Toss in the diced green bell pepper, onion, mushrooms (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are nice and soft.
3. Season the Mixture:
Season your beef and veggie mix with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard to bring in that classic cheesesteak flavor.
4. Simmer with Beef Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you like a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with some water to make a slurry, then stir it in and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the meat mixture is simmering, get your buns ready! Preheat your oven’s broiler or a skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the hoagie rolls and toast them until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once everything’s cooked, divide the beef mixture evenly among the toasted buns. Be generous—this is the best part!
7. Melt the Cheese:
Top each sandwich with slices of provolone cheese. If you’re using the oven, pop them under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwiches from the heat, serve hot, and enjoy your delightful Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This dish brings a fun, messy twist to a classic favorite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, so consider adjusting your seasonings to enhance the taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tempeh for a hearty vegetarian version. Sauté the veggies as directed, adding in your protein substitute afterwards for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. Toast your buns fresh for a delicious meal!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Sloppy Joes?
For the best texture, reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture. Just reassemble in toasted buns, and you’re good to go!