These Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! They combine tender beef, melted cheese, and colorful peppers, all piled high on a soft bun.
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both messy and delicious? I like to serve mine with a side of crispy fries. Get ready for a tasty and playful dinner night! 🍔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your sloppy joes. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute!
Bell Pepper and Onion: Green bell peppers add a fresh crunch, and onions provide sweetness. You can mix it up with red or yellow peppers for different flavors. For low-sodium diets, skip the pepper, or use zucchini instead.
Marinara Sauce: This gives the dish its base flavor. If you want to make it healthier, homemade tomato sauce with herbs or tomato paste with water works too. Salsa can also add a fun kick!
Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but you can swap it for mozzarella or cheddar if preferred. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese that melts well.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking the beef properly is key to a great sloppy joe. It’s important to break it up well during cooking so it evenly browns. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat to get it nice and hot.
- Add the ground beef and use a spatula to crumble it as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains, then drain excess fat if needed.
This technique helps ensure your beef stays juicy and flavorful. Happy cooking!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or more if desired)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your sloppy joes from being too greasy.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced onions and green bell peppers into the skillet with the beef. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. They add great texture and flavor!
3. Mix in the Sauce:
Now it’s time to stir in the marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely and the sauce to thicken slightly. It should smell amazing!
4. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, you can preheat another skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter or oil the insides of each hoagie roll and toast them until they’re golden brown. This will give your sandwiches a delicious crunch!
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once the beef mixture is ready, generously spoon it onto the toasted hoagie buns. Make sure there’s plenty of that rich, meaty goodness in each sandwich.
6. Add the Cheese:
Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese. If you want it extra melty, cover the skillet with a lid for about a minute. This helps the cheese melt over the delicious beef and veggie mix.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve these sloppy joes hot. They’re perfect with some crispy fries or a simple side salad. Enjoy every messy, cheesy bite!
This easy recipe transforms the classic sloppy joe into a Philly cheesesteak-inspired sandwich by adding peppers, onions, and melty provolone cheese over seasoned ground beef in a tomato-based sauce. The toasty buns add a nice crunch to every bite! Enjoy your meal! 🍔✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef! It will yield a lighter flavor, and it’s a great option if you’re looking to reduce fat. Just be mindful that turkey may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it while browning.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem at all! Provolone is delicious, but you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses if that’s what you have. Just make sure it melts well for that gooey topping!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these Sloppy Joes vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a store-bought plant-based ground meat substitute. They’ll provide a similar texture and soak up the flavors beautifully!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Definitely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture if needed.
