Introduction: What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious fusion of two American classics: the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, famous for its tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions; and the messy, flavorful Sloppy Joe, a ground beef sandwich in a tangy tomato-based sauce.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: thinly sliced or ground beef cooked with onions and peppers, simmered in a rich sauce, loaded with melty provolone or American cheese, then piled onto soft sandwich buns. The result? A juicy, cheesy, satisfying sandwich with big flavor and a touch of nostalgia.
Origins and Flavor Inspiration
The Philly cheesesteak hails from Philadelphia, PA, dating back to the 1930s. It’s a simple but delicious sandwich of ribeye beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese (typically provolone or Cheez Whiz) on a hoagie roll.
Sloppy Joes, on the other hand, are classic American comfort food with ground beef simmered in a sweet-and-savory tomato sauce. They became popular in mid-20th century diners and home kitchens.
Combining them creates a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Meat:
Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) – Juicy and flavorful, ground beef is easier to cook and shred in this dish.
Alternative: Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin for a more authentic cheesesteak experience.
Vegetables:
Green bell peppers – Sweet, crunchy, and vibrant.
Onions (yellow or white) – Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth.
Garlic – Aromatic and flavorful.
Cheese:
Provolone or American cheese slices – Melt perfectly for creamy, gooey texture.
Optional: Cheez Whiz for traditional Philly style.
Sauce and Seasonings:
Tomato sauce or ketchup – Base for the sloppy joe’s signature tangy sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and complexity.
Beef broth – Keeps the mixture moist and rich.
Yellow mustard – Adds a subtle tang.
Brown sugar or honey – Balances acidity with sweetness.
Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes – Build flavor layers.
Bread:
Soft sandwich buns or hoagie rolls – To hold the filling without falling apart.
Butter – For toasting the buns.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Cheese grater (optional, if shredding cheese)
Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet (for melting cheese)
Plates and serving tools
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onions and bell peppers into small pieces (about ¼ inch).
Mince the garlic finely.
If using ribeye or sirloin, slice the beef into thin strips against the grain.
Shred or slice the cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onions and green peppers.
Sauté until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
If using ground beef:
Push the veggies to the side or remove them temporarily.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown it, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Cook until no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes).
If using sliced steak:
Cook in batches over high heat until browned but still tender, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
Set aside and combine later with veggies.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Veggies
Mix the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables together in the skillet.
Stir to combine evenly.
Step 5: Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in tomato sauce or ketchup (about ½ cup).
Add ½ cup beef broth to keep it moist.
Add Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp), yellow mustard (1 tsp), and brown sugar (1 tbsp).
Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika (½ tsp), and optional red pepper flakes for heat.
Stir everything well.
Step 6: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
The sauce should thicken and coat the beef mixture nicely.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Once the mixture is thick and flavorful, layer sliced provolone or American cheese on top.
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
Alternatively, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Toast the Buns
While the cheese is melting, slice buns and butter the insides lightly.
Toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
Step 9: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon generous amounts of the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are great on their own or paired with:
French fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw
Pickles or pickled jalapeños
Potato chips
Simple green salad
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Use fresh ingredients – fresh onions, peppers, and quality ground beef or steak make a big difference.
Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce — it adds deep umami flavor.
Caramelize the veggies well for sweetness.
Toast the buns — it prevents sogginess.
Adjust sweetness and acidity — tweak ketchup, brown sugar, or mustard to suit your taste.
Use cheese that melts well — provolone or American are best.
Make ahead — the beef mixture can be made a day ahead and reheated with fresh cheese and buns.
Variations
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
Mushroom Philly Sloppy Joes: Sauté mushrooms with onions and peppers.
Turkey or Chicken version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Cheesesteak Hoagie Style: Add shredded lettuce, tomato, and mayo on the sandwich.
Slow Cooker Version: Brown beef and veggies, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 4 hours.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per Serving)
Calories: 450–550
Protein: 25–30g
Fat: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 30–40g (depending on bun choice)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-sliced deli steak?
You can, but it’s best to use fresh steak or ground beef for best texture.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and verify Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze the beef mixture separately without buns and cheese. Reheat and add fresh cheese when serving.
Full Printable Recipe Card
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20) or thinly sliced ribeye
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup
½ cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
6 slices provolone or American cheese
6 soft sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
Cook bacon and crumble (optional step if adding bacon).
In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté diced onions and peppers until soft and caramelized (8–10 min).
Add garlic, cook 1 min.
Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking up with spoon.
Stir in tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer 10–15 min until thickened.
Top with cheese slices, cover and melt cheese.
Butter and toast buns.
Serve beef mixture on buns immediately.
Enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes — a hearty, comforting sandwich that brings the flavors of Philly to your din
0 comments:
Post a Comment