Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and green bell pepper finely to ensure they meld well into the sloppy joe mixture. Mince the garlic and have all your other ingredients measured and ready to go.
2. Brown the Meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Veggies:
To the same skillet, add the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Cook them with the meat until they’ve softened and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in the Flavors:
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a couple of minutes. This step helps deepen the flavors. Then, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Prepare the Rolls:
While the meat mixture is simmering, take the opportunity to toast your hoagie rolls. This can be done in an oven set to broil for 1-2 minutes or in a toaster oven. Toasting the rolls adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming too soggy when filled.
7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once the meat mixture has thickened, do a final taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mix onto the bottom half of each toasted roll. Sprinkle a good amount of shredded provolone cheese over the hot meat mixture, allowing it to melt. If you’re using additional sautéed onions and bell peppers or pickled jalapeños, add them on top of the cheese.
