These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mix tender beef, gooey cheese, and tasty peppers on a soft bun. It’s a fun twist on two classic dishes that will make dinner exciting!
I love these messy sandwiches because they’re super easy to whip up on a busy night. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Just one bite and you’ll be grinning! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the show! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re going vegetarian, try using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and sweetness. If you want a different flavor, choose red or yellow bell peppers. They’re sweeter and perfect for this dish!
Onion: I love using yellow onions for their sweetness, but white onions work too. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using green onions.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with ½ tsp garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. I always add extra for a stronger punch!
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce. If you want to make it from scratch, a simple tomato sauce with Italian seasoning works well. You can also try barbecue sauce for a twist!
Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or cheese whiz are good substitutes. For a kick, try pepper jack!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
Sautéing your vegetables properly sets the foundation for great flavor. Start with medium heat to avoid burning them, and use a good amount of oil or butter for better browning.
- Add the onions and bell peppers first, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start softening.
- Then, add minced garlic for the last minute of cooking. This prevents the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
This technique really brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and enhances the overall taste of your Sloppy Joes!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Rolls:
- 4 hoagie rolls or burger buns
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, and about 3 minutes broiling the cheese to perfection. It’s a quick and delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil or butter and heat over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until they begin to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Once softened, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, letting its aroma fill the kitchen!
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through—this will take about 7-10 minutes. If there’s too much fat in the pan, feel free to drain it off before moving on.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good mix and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and results in a delicious filling!
4. Prepare for Broiling:
Preheat your oven broiler while you prepare the rolls. Place the hoagie rolls or burger buns on a baking sheet. Once the beef mixture is ready, fill each roll generously with the mixture.
5. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top of each filled roll. This cheesy goodness will melt beautifully under the broiler!
6. Broil the Sloppy Joes:
Carefully place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch while they cook, as cheese can burn quickly! You’re looking for that melted, bubbly perfection.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Then, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes hot and dig in! Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that these lean meats may cook faster, so watch them closely to avoid drying out. You may want to add an extra splash of marinara sauce to keep the mixture juicy.
What If I Can’t Find Provolone Cheese?
No worries! If provolone cheese isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. These options melt well and will still provide a delicious flavor in your Sloppy Joes!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time! Cook it as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and follow the instructions for topping and broiling the rolls.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have extra filled rolls, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them as well. For best results, reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop, and if you have leftover rolls, you can broil them for a few minutes to refresh the cheese!
