This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is a fun twist on a classic! It combines ground beef with bell peppers, onions, and gooey cheese for a tasty sandwich delight.
It’s perfect for a quick dinner, and a big hit with the family! I love serving it with crispy fries on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to have seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Green Bell Pepper: I love adding green bell peppers for that fresh crunch. If you prefer a sweeter taste, red or yellow bell peppers make a great substitute. You could also use frozen peppers if fresh ones aren’t available.
Onion: Small onions add depth to the flavor. You can use yellow or white onions interchangeably. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using red onions or even skipping them altogether.
Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully! If it’s not available, mozzarella or American cheese works well too. If you want a kick, try pepper jack cheese for some spice.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
Getting those vegetables just right can really elevate the dish. Start by heating the pan over medium heat before adding your oil or butter. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a wide pan to give veggies enough surface area to cook evenly.
- Add the onions and peppers first, allowing them to soften for about 5 minutes.
- Don’t rush! Stir occasionally and wait for them to turn slightly golden for enhanced flavor.
Perfectly sautéed veggies bring out their natural sweetness and add that delicious base flavor to your sloppy joes!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step adds an amazing aroma to your dish!
3. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which will take about 7-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.
4. Mix in the Flavors:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
5. Let it Simmer:
Turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer gently over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce has thickened and the flavors meld together, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
6. Preheat the Broiler:
While your mixture is simmering, preheat your oven broiler to get it ready for the next step!
7. Prepare the Rolls:
Split the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Generously pile the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the rolls, ensuring each one has a good amount of filling.
8. Top with Cheese:
Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each pile of filling. It’s okay if the cheese overlaps a bit!
9. Broil the Sandwiches:
Slide the baking sheet under the broiler just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble, about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven. Place the top halves of the buns on the sandwiches, and your Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are ready to be served!
Enjoy your meal! It’s perfect for family dinners or a fun gathering!
FAQ for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well in this recipe. They will create a lighter version of the dish while still maintaining great flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter since these meats can cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If provolone cheese isn’t available, feel free to use mozzarella, American, or even cheddar cheese. For a spicy twist, pepper jack cheese makes an excellent substitute too!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or in the microwave. You can serve it again on fresh rolls or even over rice for a different twist!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add heat, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or use spicy Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mixture during cooking to reach your desired level of spiciness!
