This recipe combines the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with the fun twist of sloppy joes. You’ll enjoy tender beef mixed with peppers, onions, and gooey cheese—all in a messy, delicious sandwich!
These sloppy joes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that encourages extra napkin use? I always serve them with crispy fries for a tasty combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The base of this dish. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Personally, I prefer a blend of ground beef for its rich flavor and juiciness.
Onion: A small onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan, you can try shallots or green onions instead for a milder taste.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and color. You can substitute with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor, or skip it altogether for a simpler version.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can work in a pinch, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Provolone Cheese: I love the smooth, creamy melt of provolone. If you prefer, Swiss or even cheddar will also work well here.
How Do I Make Sure My Sloppy Joes Aren’t Too Runny?
A common issue with sloppy joes is ending up with a runny mixture that can sog up the buns. Here’s how to keep it thicker:
- Cook down the meat mixture: After adding the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, simmer it long enough (about 5 minutes) so it thickens.
- Drain excess fat: Make sure to drain any fat from the beef before adding other ingredients to avoid a greasy mixture.
- Adjust ketchup: If you like it thicker, reduce the amount of ketchup or increase the cooking time to let it reduce further.
These simple steps will help you achieve a perfect rich and thick filling for your sloppy joes, ensuring they hold up nicely in the bun!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. Plus, a few minutes to melt that cheesy goodness in the oven. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the mixture from being greasy.
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Stir in Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will pack in even more flavor!
4. Mix in Sauces:
Now, mix in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and optional mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Prepare the Rolls:
While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the hoagie rolls open and place them onto a baking sheet, ready for that delicious filling.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Carefully spoon the hearty sloppy joe mixture evenly into each roll. Then, top each filled roll with a slice of provolone cheese, which will melt beautifully.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
8. Serve:
Remove from the oven and serve hot! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are perfect for a quick meal and pair wonderfully with your favorite sides like crispy fries or a simple salad. Enjoy the messy, cheesy goodness!
This sandwich combines all the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with a fun, sloppy twist that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative and will work well. Just keep in mind that it may be a little drier, so you might want to add a bit more ketchup or some broth to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
How Can I Make These Sloppy Joes Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in a dash of hot sauce or adding some diced jalapeños along with the onion and bell pepper. You could also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can make the sloppy joe mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet, assemble the sandwiches, add the cheese, and pop them in the oven to melt the cheese.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the mixture separate from the rolls until you’re ready to eat. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving!
