Name: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes- Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup beef broth; 6 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns; 6-12 slices provolone cheese (1-2 per sandwich)

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary hug on a bun, a symphony of savory flavors that transport you straight to a bustling street corner without ever leaving your kitchen. We all crave that perfect balance of comforting, familiar tastes, and this recipe delivers it in spades. Imagine the delightful chew of tender, thinly sliced steak, mingled with the irresistible melt of gooey cheese, all embraced by the sweet and tangy embrace of classic sloppy joe sauce. It’s this unique fusion that makes Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes so incredibly beloved. It takes the beloved, messy fun of a sloppy joe and elevates it with the sophisticated, satisfying essence of a Philly cheesesteak. Get ready to discover the magic of this surprisingly simple yet utterly delicious creation.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup beef broth
6 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns
6-12 slices provolone cheese (1-2 per sandwich)

Getting Started: Preparing the Foundations

The first step in creating our incredible Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes is to prepare all of your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents you from scrambling for something mid-recipe. Begin by thinly slicing your small onion and green bell pepper. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly. Next, finely mince your 2 cloves of garlic. If you don’t have a garlic press, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. Have your butter, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper measured out and ready to go. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the 1 cup of beef broth until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This slurry will be crucial for thickening our sloppy joe mixture later. Set this aside.

Searing the Beef and Building Flavor

Now, let’s get cooking! Heat the 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the 1 pound of ground beef. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. This is an important step for a cleaner flavor and a less oily finished product.

Incorporating the Veggies and Aromatics

With the beef browned and drained, it’s time to introduce our vegetables and aromatics. Add the thinly sliced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a slight bite, adding a wonderful texture to the sloppy joes. Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor.

Developing the Sloppy Joe Sauce

This is where the magic happens – creating that irresistible sloppy joe sauce! Stir in the 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables. Allow this mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Next, give your cornstarch and beef broth slurry a quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch is still dissolved, then slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be rich and coating, not watery. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to your preference.

Assembling the Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering and thickening, it’s time to prepare your buns. You can gently toast the inside of your 6 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns under the broiler or in a toaster for a little extra texture and to prevent them from getting soggy. Once the sloppy joe mixture is perfectly thickened, begin assembling your sandwiches. Spoon a generous amount of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each prepared roll or bun. Don’t be shy; pile it high! Now comes the Philly Cheese Steak element: lay 1-2 slices of provolone cheese over the warm sloppy joe mixture on each sandwich. The residual heat from the mixture will begin to melt the cheese beautifully. You can even pop the open-faced sandwiches under the broiler for 30-60 seconds if you like your cheese extra melty and bubbly, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning! Place the top half of the roll or bun over the cheesy goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy the best of both worlds in every delicious bite.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a truly delicious and surprisingly simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cheesesteak with the comforting familiarity of Sloppy Joes! This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe brings together thinly sliced steak, savory onions, peppers, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all piled high on a soft bun. It’s a weeknight winner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment; this recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to your personal touch.

For serving, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with classic comfort food sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Looking for variations? Try adding mushrooms for an extra earthy flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. You could also swap out the provolone for your favorite cheese, like cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend. The goal is to create a meal that brings joy and satisfies those hearty cravings. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and discover your new go-to comfort food!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin are traditional and work best for that authentic cheesesteak texture, you can also use flank steak or even pre-sliced deli steak in a pinch. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

What if I don’t have steak? Can I use ground beef?

While this recipe is designed for sliced steak to mimic a true Philly cheesesteak, you could certainly adapt it using ground beef. You would brown the ground beef first, drain any excess fat, and then add the vegetables and sauce. It would still be delicious, but it would lean more towards a traditional Sloppy Joe with a cheesesteak twist.