Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Introduction

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the best of two classic comfort foods: the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the beloved sloppy joe.

This recipe offers a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, game day, or a casual gathering. With tender ground beef, savory seasonings, melted cheese, and a crispy, toasted bun, each bite is a delicious blend of rich flavors and textures.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak or just looking for a twist on a sloppy joe, this recipe will surely be a hit at the table.

Ingredients

For the filling:

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb lean ground beef

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 diced green pepper

1 diced onion

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp ketchup

1 ½ tsp beef bouillon

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for more spice)

½ tsp salt

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried parsley

½ tsp dried basil

½ tsp paprika

1 cup cheddar cheese

6 slices provolone cheese

6 hamburger buns

Butter or mayo for brushing (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to toast the buns. This will ensure they become crispy while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Buns: Slice the hamburger buns in half and spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on each side. This optional step adds extra flavor and helps the buns crisp up in the oven. Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake them for about 5 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy. Set them aside once done.

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and green pepper.

Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the meat into smaller pieces.

Add Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. This will release the garlic’s aroma and give the dish its signature flavor.

Create the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, cornstarch, and beef bouillon. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and bouillon.

Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. This will help thicken the sauce and coat the beef mixture.

Season the Filling: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, oregano, parsley, basil, and paprika.

Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Add the Cheddar: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cheddar cheese. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the filling.

Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the hot, cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom halves of your toasted buns. Make sure each bun is generously topped with the flavorful filling.

Top with Provolone: Place one slice of provolone cheese on top of the beef mixture on each bun. This will add that signature melty, gooey texture that makes Philly cheesesteaks so delicious.

Bake the Sloppy Joes: Return the buns with the beef and cheese to the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and bubbly. This step will help the flavors combine and make the Sloppy Joes even more irresistible.

Serve: Remove the Sloppy Joes from the oven and serve immediately while hot. You can serve them as-is or add additional toppings like pickles, sautéed mushrooms, or hot sauce to give the dish your personal touch.

Enjoy: These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed fresh, with the melted cheese and savory beef mixture creating the perfect bite. Pair with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Variation

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils to create a vegetarian version of these sloppy joes. The seasoning and cheese will still give the dish great flavor without the meat.

Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: For those who enjoy a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. You can also use a spicier cheese like pepper jack instead of provolone to kick up the spice level.

Different Cheeses: While cheddar and provolone are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss cheese can offer different flavor profiles, and you can mix and match depending on your taste.

Extra Veggies: You can add mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers to the filling for additional texture and flavor. Sautéing them with the onions and peppers adds depth to the overall dish.

Sloppy Joe with a Twist: Instead of the traditional beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, use a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine for a more sophisticated flavor base.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store the buns separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the beef filling. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little beef broth or water to loosen it up if it’s become too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Buns: If you have leftover buns, store them at room temperature in a sealed bag or container. For longer storage, you can freeze the buns, then toast them in the oven when ready to serve.

Reheating Buns: When reheating leftover buns, spread a little butter or mayo on the cut sides and toast them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone. The Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!