Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 sandwich rolls or hamburger buns
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of hot sauce
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (if grating cheese instead of using slices)
- Tongs or a spatula for serving
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the veggies: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt the cheese: Layer the slices of provolone cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the sandwich rolls or buns. Add any optional toppings like pickled jalapeños or mushrooms if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately, with a side of fries, chips, or a simple salad.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stove and melt the cheese before assembling the sandwiches.
- Add more flavor: If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You could also sauté mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bread choices: You can serve these sloppy joes on classic hamburger buns, but hoagie rolls or even brioche buns are a great choice for a more elevated experience.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat and serve on fresh buns.
Variations
- Low-carb option: Skip the sandwich rolls and serve the beef mixture in lettuce wraps or over a bed of sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Cheese swaps: Provolone is traditional for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese for a more melty, gooey finish.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use sautéed mushrooms as the base for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Pairings for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy French fries, tater tots, or a tangy coleslaw. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette would work well to balance out the richness of the dish. For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of iced tea would be the perfect refreshment to complement the savory flavors.