Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Okay, grab a seat at the kitchen table, because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become a total weeknight hero in my house: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. I remember the first time I made these – I was trying to recreate the flavors of our favorite Philly cheesesteak, but

I was short on time and needed something the kids would actually eat without complaining (too much!). Let me tell you, the smell of the onions and peppers sautéing in the pan, mingling with the savory ground beef, is pure magic. The melty cheese… oh, it’s just divine! This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a lifesaver when I’m juggling work, school runs, and everything else life throws my way.

I’ll admit, my first attempt at this recipe was a bit of a disaster – way too much Worcestershire sauce! The flavor was overpowering. But after a few tweaks and adjustments, I finally nailed it. The secret, I discovered, is finding the right balance of flavors and not overcooking the beef. Now, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is a regular on our dinner rotation. The kids love it, and even my picky husband raves about it. Plus, it’s so easy to customize, which is a must in my house with different tastes and preferences.

Seriously, this recipe fits right into my chaotic life. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor. I initially stumbled upon the idea after seeing a similar recipe online, but I wanted to make it my own. It’s been evolving ever since. I was looking for inspiration to create my version of the famous italian garlic bread joes recipe and these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filled that desire.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and totally delicious meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started! This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will soon be your go-to meal too.

INGREDIENTS:

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already! For this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe, I always use the best quality ground beef I can find; it really makes a difference in the flavor.

raw ingredients for philly cheesesteak sloppy joes
  • Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped
  • Provolone Cheese: 8 slices
  • Beef Broth: 1/2 cup
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Hamburger Buns: 8

When making Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you can usually find provolone cheese at most grocery stores in the deli section. If you can’t find it, mozzarella works as a great substitute!

Here’s a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes trick I learned from my mom: she always browns the ground beef with a little bit of butter for extra flavor. It’s a game changer! As for prep shortcuts, I sometimes chop the onions and peppers the night before to save time. And if you want to save even more time, you can usually find pre-chopped veggies in the produce section.

For cost-saving tips, buying ground beef in bulk and freezing it in portions is a great way to save money. This ensures you always have it on hand for this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes or any other ground beef dish. When bell peppers are in season, they’re usually cheaper, so stock up then!

Leftover ingredients? Store leftover chopped onions and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ground beef can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow along, and you’ll have these amazing Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ready in no time. It’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure the best flavor and texture.

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease. I learned the hard way with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes that draining the grease is crucial – otherwise, the sloppy joe mixture will be too greasy.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. While the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is cooking, I usually prep the buns and get the table set.
  3. Add Flavor: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes should smell like a mix of savory beef, sweet onions, and a hint of garlic – that’s when you know you’re on the right track! Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. The simmering process is what makes these sloppy joes so flavorful. Don’t worry if your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes looks a little watery at first; it will thicken up as it simmers.
  5. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the beef mixture with the provolone cheese slices. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes. Melty cheese is a must for any good cheesesteak! In my kitchen, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  6. Serve: Spoon the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately. Toasting the buns beforehand adds a nice crunch. This prevents the buns from getting soggy and adds a pleasant textural contrast. A family-tested shortcut? Using a slotted spoon to scoop the mixture onto the buns helps prevent them from getting soggy.

Also feel free to browse similar cheesesteak recipe such as :Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert

I once tried using pre-shredded cheese to save time, but it didn’t melt as well as sliced provolone. Trust me, the extra few minutes to slice the cheese are worth it! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Looking for other versions of cheesesteak joe ideas? Check out other versions on other websites. Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes – The Toasty Kitchen

SERVING:

Time to eat! This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is best served hot, right off the stove. The kids love our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes when I add a side of crispy french fries or tater tots. I also like to serve it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the sloppy joe.

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend lunch, or even a game day party. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little bit of chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can drizzle a little bit of cheese sauce over the top.

If you have extra Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze it for longer storage, making it a great option for meal prepping.

For seasonal variations, try adding roasted red peppers in the summer or caramelized onions in the fall. My friends always ask for this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe whenever I make it for a potluck. They can’t get enough! Also you can browse seasonedrecipe and get inspiration to create my version of the famous italian garlic bread joes recipe as well. Best Italian Garlic Bread Joes Recipe

FAQs:

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe. These tips will help you customize the recipe to your liking and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken would work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than ground beef. You know what I do when my Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes calls for ground turkey? I add a little bit of olive oil to the pan to help keep it moist. This helps to prevent the turkey from drying out and ensures a juicy final product.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. My family prefers the skillet version, but the slow cooker is a great option for busy days. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a super flavorful dish.

Q: Can I add different vegetables?

A: Of course! Mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even a little bit of spinach would be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and peppers. The feedback I’ve gotten from blog readers is that the more veggies, the better! Adding more vegetables is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and customize the recipe to your liking.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Definitely! Mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack cheese would be great substitutes for provolone. Just use whatever you have on hand or whatever your family prefers. I’ve even used a combination of cheeses before, and it turned out great. Experimenting with different cheeses can add a unique flavor profile to the dish.

Q: How can I make this spicier?

A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other spices, or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce to each sandwich before serving. My husband loves his Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes extra spicy! For an extra kick, you can even add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This is a great option for meal prepping, allowing you to have a quick and easy dinner ready to go on busy weeknights.

Q: What if my sloppy joe mixture is too watery?

A: Simmer the mixture uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the skillet to thicken the sauce. I made the mistake of adding too much beef broth once, and the cornstarch slurry saved the day! The cornstarch slurry is a quick and easy way to thicken up the sauce without affecting the flavor.

Another idea for a philly joe recipe is to use a variety of different ingredients.Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – Oh Sweet Basil

My Final Thoughts:

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a meal that my whole family enjoys. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it always brings us together around the dinner table. There’s nothing quite like sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

My Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Pro Tips:

  • Don’t overcook the ground beef. Overcooked beef will be dry and tough. Aim for a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
  • Toast the buns. Toasting the buns will prevent them from getting soggy. This small step makes a big difference in the overall texture of the sandwich.
  • Use good quality cheese. Good quality cheese will melt better and taste better. Splurging on a good quality provolone will elevate the flavor of the dish.

Here are a few Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes variations I’ve tried with my family:

  • Pizza Sloppy Joes: Add pepperoni and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired twist. This is a fun and kid-friendly variation that’s always a hit.
  • BBQ Sloppy Joes: Add BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor. The BBQ sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. If you’re a fan of heat, this variation is sure to please.

My son loves the pizza sloppy joes, while my daughter prefers the classic version. I hope you and your family enjoy this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe as much as we do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! You can even link it to other recipes such as this garlic bread joes recipe that may become a new dinner stable. Best Italian Garlic Bread Joes Recipe

philly cheesesteak sloppy joes on a plate

I hope your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes cooking experience is a success and that you create delicious memories with your family. Happy cooking!

 

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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes on a Plate

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the best of both worlds! Savory ground beef, onions, peppers, and provolone cheese create a delicious and easy weeknight meal.

  • Author: Zoubida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the meat mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Spoon the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Serve with your favorite sides, such as potato chips or coleslaw.

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