These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on two classics! With tender beef, melted cheese, and tasty veggies all piled on a bun, they make a perfect messy meal.
You can’t help but love how easy they are to whip up. I always have extra napkins on hand for the delicious cheesiness. Trust me, it’s worth it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in your dish. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re going plant-based, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Green Bell Pepper: While I love the flavor of green bell peppers, you can change it up with red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste. If you’re avoiding peppers, try diced mushrooms instead.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone brings a nice creaminess. If you’re not a fan, mozzarella or cheddar works well too. For a non-dairy option, look for plant-based cheese blends.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. If you’re vegan, choose a vegan Worcestershire sauce, or use soy sauce for a different but tasty twist.
Marinara Sauce: Any tomato sauce will do. I sometimes use homemade sauce for more freshness, but a jarred version is great for convenience. Spice it up with some Italian herbs if you like!
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the beef correctly is key to preventing a dry and crumbly mix. Break the meat into chunks as it browns. This allows it to cook evenly. Aim for a nice brown color on the outside, which adds flavor.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high. Add the beef and let it sit without stirring for a couple of minutes to brown.
- Use a wooden spoon to break it apart once browned. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper as you cook to enhance the flavor.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or your choice of tomato sauce)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty meal will take about 35 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 25 minutes cooking everything until it’s delicious and ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them until they are tender, which should take about 5 minutes. This will bring out the flavors nicely!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for an additional minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells really fragrant—yum!
3. Cook the Beef:
Increase the heat to medium-high and then add the ground beef to your skillet. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Sauces:
Now, it’s time to stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and marinara sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens a little bit. This creates a delicious sauce that ties everything together!
5. Add the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in your shredded provolone cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and fully combined with the beef mixture. This adds that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love!
6. Serve It Up:
To serve, spoon generous amounts of the cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Then, place the top half of the bun over the mixture. You’ve created a mouthwatering sloppy joe!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor before digging in. Enjoy your Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes—so tasty and satisfying!
Can I Use Ground turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Just remember that they tend to be leaner, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or adjust the seasoning for flavor. Cook them until they are browned and fully cooked, just like you would with ground beef.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese, mozzarella or cheddar will also work well. Both will give you that gooey, melty texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a blend of different cheeses can add extra flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the mixture moist.
