Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak but looking for a fun, family-friendly twist? Look no further! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the answer to your culinary prayers. Imagine juicy, seasoned ground beef mingling with tender onions and peppers, all simmered in a rich, savory sauce, and then piled high on toasted buns with melty provolone cheese. It’s the best of both worlds – the comforting messiness of a sloppy joe combined with the irresistible taste of a Philly Cheesesteak.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors and fun, hands-on nature of sloppy joes.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: These sloppy joes are warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper, chopped | 1 medium |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| A.1. Sauce | ¼ cup |
| Steak seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Sliced provolone cheese | As needed |
| Hamburger buns | As needed |
| Butter, melted (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Base
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and slightly translucent. Stir them occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The onions should develop a subtle sweetness, and the green pepper should lose its raw edge. This step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation for your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. The sautéed onions and peppers will infuse the entire dish with their aroma and sweetness, creating a delicious backdrop for the beef and savory sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef to Perfection
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break up the ground beef with a spatula and cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This process should take around 7-10 minutes. As the beef cooks, continue to break it apart to ensure even cooking and prevent large clumps from forming. Season the ground beef with salt to enhance its natural flavor. Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy final product. Removing the excess fat not only improves the texture of the sloppy joes but also contributes to a healthier dish.
Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce Foundation
With the ground beef browned and the excess fat drained, it’s time to start building the signature savory sauce. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the ground beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure that the cornstarch coats all the ingredients. This step is essential for thickening the sauce and giving it a rich, velvety texture. Cook the cornstarch-coated mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to prevent the cornstarch from clumping or burning. Next, pour in the beef broth, A.1. Sauce, and steak seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and create a cohesive sauce base.
Step 4: Simmer and Intensify the Flavors
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sloppy joe mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. During this simmering process, the sauce will gradually thicken, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. The beef broth will infuse the meat and vegetables with its rich, savory essence, while the A.1. Sauce adds a tangy and umami depth. The steak seasoning will enhance the overall flavor profile, bringing a hint of steakhouse flair to your sloppy joes. As the mixture simmers, monitor it closely to prevent sticking or burning, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. The longer the mixture simmers, the more intense and complex the flavors will become.
Step 5: Toast the Buns to Golden Perfection
While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, prepare the hamburger buns. Preheat your oven to broil. If desired, brush the inside of each bun with melted butter. This step adds a touch of richness and enhances the browning process. Place the buttered (or unbuttered) buns on a baking sheet and broil them for just a few minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The buns should toast to a golden brown color and become slightly crispy. Toasted buns add a delightful textural contrast to the soft, saucy filling, elevating the overall experience of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Step 6: Assemble the Masterpiece with Cheese
Once the sloppy joe mixture has thickened to your liking and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the ground beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. The slotted spoon will help drain any excess sauce, preventing the buns from becoming soggy. Next, place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the ground beef mixture on each bun. The provolone cheese will melt beautifully under the broiler, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that perfectly complements the savory filling. Place the assembled buns back on the baking sheet and broil them for another minute or two, or until the provolone cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the top halves of the toasted buns on top of the cheesy, meat-filled bottoms. Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re still warm and the cheese is melted and gooey. These sloppy joes are best enjoyed with your favorite sides, such as French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Offer a cool and refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness of the sloppy joes.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
- Add a side of pickle spears for a tangy crunch.
Tips:
- For an extra layer of flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use slider buns for a fun and portable appetizer.
- Make a big batch of the sloppy joe mixture and freeze it for future meals.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
Calories:
Approximately 450-550 calories
Protein:
30-35 grams
Sodium:
700-900 mg (depending on ingredients used)
Conclusion
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delightful fusion of two beloved classics. They’re quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re craving the flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak or simply looking for a fun and satisfying meal, this recipe is a winner.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time. Simply cook it according to the instructions and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Q3: Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
A: Yes, the sloppy joe mixture freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q4: What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sloppy joe mixture and cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I add different vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Some great additions include sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or even some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick. Just add the vegetables to the skillet along with the onions and green peppers in Step 1.
