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This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe brings together two beloved classics into one irresistible dish. My family goes crazy whenever these appear on our dinner table, and the empty plates always tell the story of how satisfying this mashup truly is.
I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic sports season when we needed quick meals between practices. It quickly became our Tuesday tradition, with my teenager requesting it specifically before his evening games.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: creates the hearty base that carries all the flavors use 80/20 for best flavor
- Yellow onion: provides sweetness that balances the savory elements choose firm onions with no soft spots
- Green bell pepper: adds classic Philly flavor and a pop of color select peppers that feel heavy for their size
- Beef broth: creates the perfect saucy consistency low sodium allows better flavor control
- Worcestershire sauce: brings umami depth and tanginess shake the bottle well before measuring
- Cornstarch: thickens the sauce to perfect consistency without making it heavy
- Garlic powder: infuses flavor throughout without overwhelming fresh chunks
- Provolone cheese: delivers that authentic Philly experience freshly grated melts much better than pre shredded
- Buns: hold everything together potato rolls work wonderfully here
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add diced onions and green peppers, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until onions become translucent and peppers slightly soften. The vegetables should still have some texture, not completely soft.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet with your softened vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. The meat should be fully browned with a savory aroma developing in your kitchen. Drain excess grease to prevent a greasy final product.
- Create the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture into your skillet and immediately stir to combine with the meat mixture. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while the sauce bubbles and thickens to a gorgeous glossy consistency.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Remove skillet from heat once sauce has thickened. Lightly toast your buns for best texture and to prevent sogginess. Spoon generous portions of the meat mixture onto the bottom halves of your toasted buns. While the filling is still hot, sprinkle cheese over the top so it melts from the residual heat. Add the top bun and serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is perfectly melty.
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My secret weapon in this recipe is actually the Worcestershire sauce. My grandmother always added it to her beef dishes, and that subtle tangy depth makes all the difference between a good sloppy joe and an exceptional one that people remember.
Make It Your Own
This recipe welcomes customization based on your family's preferences. Try adding mushrooms for extra umami flavor, or swap the green peppers for red or yellow for a sweeter profile. Some of my friends add a dash of hot sauce for grown up versions, while keeping the kids' portions mild. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is while still maintaining that core cheesesteak flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
The meat mixture stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, I recommend warming it in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to maintain the best texture. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. The filling also freezes well for up to two months just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick future meal.
Serving Suggestions
While these sloppy joes are hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, I often serve them with simple sides that complement without competing. A crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or pickle spears add nice contrast to the rich sandwiches. For casual entertaining, set up a sloppy joe bar with different cheese options and toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions so guests can build their perfect sandwich.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to compensate for the lower fat content and maintain moisture. The beef broth and worcestershire will still provide rich flavor.
- → How do I prevent the buns from getting too soggy?
Toasting the buns is essential - it creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Additionally, the cornstarch in the sauce thickens it to the perfect consistency. For extra insurance, you can lightly butter the inside of buns before toasting.
- → What sides pair well with these sandwiches?
Classic companions include french fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a healthier option, roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sandwiches.
- → Can I make this mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meat mixture keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain moisture. Toast fresh buns just before serving for best results.
- → What cheese alternatives work well?
While provolone and mozzarella are recommended for their melting properties, American cheese provides that classic cheesesteak flavor. Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or even Swiss can work nicely as well, depending on your preference.
- → Is there a way to make this spicier?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone, or include sliced jalapeños with the bell peppers and onions. Hot sauce can also be added to the sauce mixture for extra heat.