These Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a fun, messy way! With ground beef, peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s a hearty meal.
Who doesn’t love a sandwich that doubles as a fork and knife dish? I can’t resist piling extra toppings on mine—more cheese, please! It’s a quick recipe that’s perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef creates a hearty base for the dish. For a more authentic Philly flavor, consider using thinly sliced ribeye instead. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Peppers & Onions: Green bell peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch. You can substitute red or yellow bell peppers for a different taste. If you’re short on fresh ingredients, frozen mixed peppers are a handy alternative!
Mushrooms: The mushrooms are optional but add a nice earthiness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or swap them with diced zucchini.
Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but you can use mozzarella or American cheese for a creamier texture. To switch things up, try adding some sharp cheddar for added flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for This Recipe?
Sautéing vegetables correctly is key to maximizing their flavor. Start with a hot skillet and enough oil to coat the bottom. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat until it shimmers. Add onions and bell peppers first, stirring frequently.
- Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and caramelize slightly. This brings out their natural sweetness!
- Then, add mushrooms and garlic. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Remember not to overcrowd the pan, or the veggies will steam instead of sauté! This little trick ensures they get that lovely golden color.
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye for more authentic Philly flavor)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For the Toppings:
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or shredded mozzarella or American cheese)
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you can expect about 30-35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This pulls out their natural sweetness!
2. Add Mushrooms and Garlic:
If you’re using mushrooms, add them along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Brown the Beef:
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s well-cooked!
4. Season and Simmer:
Stir in the salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Evenly divide the savory beef and vegetable mixture among the toasted sandwich buns. It’s okay if it gets a bit messy—that’s part of the fun!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Top each serving with a slice of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet or, if you prefer, place the sandwiches under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes right away! They pair nicely with fries, a salad, or your favorite snack on the side. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic dish!
FAQ for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a bit more oil or a splash of broth to keep the filling moist.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep the buns fresh, store them separately and assemble just before serving!
Can I Prep This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and vegetable filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat it and assemble your Sloppy Joes with the toasted buns and cheese.
What Can I Serve with Sloppy Joes?
These Sloppy Joes are fantastic by themselves, but you can serve them with classic sides like fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for some added crunch!
