This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the best of both worlds! With tender beef, peppers, onions, and melted cheese piled on top of a soft bun, it’s a real treat.
I love how quick this meal comes together—perfect for those busy weeknights! Plus, who can resist cheesy goodness served in a bun? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Choosing 80/20 beef gives you a nice balance of flavor and juiciness without being too greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work, though the flavor will be different.
Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers lend a nice crunch and flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, feel free to swap in red or yellow bell peppers. For a kick, you can even use jalapeños!
Onion: Yellow onions are perfect for this recipe because they bring out sweetness when cooked. If you don’t have onions at hand, shallots can be a nice substitute.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a great melty option. If you can’t find it, American cheese is a classic substitute, or try mozzarella for a mild flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Sloppy Joes Are Not Too Runny?
To keep your Sloppy Joes from being too runny, focus on simmering the mixture until it thickens. The beef broth adds moisture, but letting it simmer will allow some liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors.
- Keep an eye on the heat. Too high can burn the bottom, while too low may not thicken fast enough.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help it become creamy.
- If it’s still too runny after simmering, you can also mix in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water and let it thicken quickly.
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 4 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying these cheesy, flavorful sandwiches in about 30 minutes total! Perfect for a quick dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat in the pan, don’t forget to drain it off so your Sloppy Joes aren’t greasy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onions and green bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook these together for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are softened and starting to get a little color.
3. Add Garlic & Season:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, adding great flavor to your mixture.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it!). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer. You’ll want to cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it thickens up nicely, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
6. Prepare the Buns:
While the filling simmers, split your sandwich buns and, if you like, toast them lightly. This adds a nice crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once your sloppy joe mixture is thick and flavorful, spoon it generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy—load it up!
8. Add the Cheese:
Place a slice of provolone cheese over the hot filling. The heat will help it melt beautifully, making for a delicious gooey experience!
9. Final Touch:
Close the sandwiches with the top buns, and serve hot. You can cut them in half if you want to share (or not!). Enjoy your easy and delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Bon Appétit! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich in flavor as beef, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Leftover sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Fresh buns are best for serving, so consider toasting new ones!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it until warm and assemble the sandwiches. This also allows the flavors to meld even more!
What Can I Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
These sandwiches pair well with fries, potato chips, or a simple salad for a refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving with coleslaw or baked beans on the side!
