Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine the iconic, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak, but served in a fun, family-friendly, and delightfully messy way. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that brings together two beloved classics into one unforgettable dish.

While the classic Sloppy Joe has its roots in American diners, offering a quick and satisfying meal, the Philly Cheesesteak boasts a rich history tied to the bustling streets of Philadelphia. Legend has it that the cheesesteak was invented in the early 20th century by a hot dog vendor who decided to grill some beef and put it on a roll. Adding cheese was a later, but equally brilliant, innovation. Now, we’re merging these two iconic sandwiches!

What makes Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender, seasoned ground beef, melty provolone cheese, and soft, toasted buns create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Philly with a sloppy twist!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 6-8 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns, split
• Provolone cheese slices, or cheese sauce (for topping)
• Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Preparing the Vegetables and Steak

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor base of our Sloppy Joes. Don’t rush it! We want those veggies nice and tender.
2. Season and Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. Season the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the steak with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the steak in batches to ensure proper browning.
3. Combine Vegetables and Steak: Once the steak is cooked, mix it with the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Stir well to combine all the flavors. At this point, your kitchen should be smelling absolutely amazing!

Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce

1. Add the Base Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will develop! I sometimes let it go for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes or so.
3. Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or Worcestershire sauce to achieve your desired flavor profile. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! So, add a little at a time and taste as you go.
4. Thicken the Sauce (if needed): If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by removing the lid and simmering for a few more minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for a minute or two until thickened.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls or hamburger buns, if desired. This will help prevent them from getting soggy when you add the Sloppy Joe mixture. Toasting is optional, but I find it adds a nice texture.
2. Fill the Buns: Spoon a generous amount of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy! We want these to be loaded with flavor.
3. Add the Cheese: Top the Sloppy Joe mixture with slices of provolone cheese. Alternatively, you can use cheese sauce for an extra cheesy experience. If using provolone slices, you can place the assembled Sloppy Joes under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
4. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add optional toppings such as pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for a little extra zing. These add a nice contrast to the richness of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re hot and delicious. These are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips and Variations:

• Type of Steak: While ribeye or sirloin is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use other cuts of steak, such as flank steak or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cheese Options: Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, but you can also use other cheeses such as mozzarella, American cheese, or even a sharp cheddar.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit it altogether.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the steak with sliced mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
• Make Ahead: The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.
• Freezing: The Sloppy Joe mixture can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy!

This recipe is a fun and delicious twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak and Sloppy Joe. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do! They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a game day gathering, or any occasion where you want a hearty and flavorful meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! My take on Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly marries the comforting familiarity of sloppy joes with the irresistible, savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Forget boring weeknight dinners; this is a surefire way to spice things up and get everyone excited about mealtime.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone is traditional, but a sharp cheddar or even a creamy Havarti would also be delicious. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce to each sandwich. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. And don’t forget the toppings! While I love the simplicity of just the cheesy beef mixture on a toasted bun, you can also add sautéed onions and peppers for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Consider adding some pickled banana peppers for a tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions: These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries are always a crowd-pleaser. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwiches. Coleslaw is another great option, especially if you add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. And for a truly indulgent meal, serve them with a side of homemade mac and cheese. Don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer or a refreshing iced tea are perfect accompaniments.

Variations to Explore: Think outside the bun! You can use this delicious Philly cheesesteak mixture in so many different ways. Try stuffing it into bell peppers for a healthier twist. Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. Or even create a Philly cheesesteak pizza by spreading the mixture on a pizza crust and topping it with cheese and your favorite veggies. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I poured my heart into creating this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe, and I truly believe it’s a winner. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to create a meal that will impress your family and friends.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What sides did you serve with it? Share your photos and stories on social media using [Your Hashtag] so I can see your creations. I can’t wait to hear what you think and see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Don’t be shy, get in the kitchen and start cooking! I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. Enjoy!