Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Prepare to have your taste buds transported to the bustling streets of Philadelphia, then gently plopped back down onto a comfy, bun-filled cloud of pure, unadulterated comfort food! Forget choosing between the iconic cheesesteak and the nostalgic sloppy joe – now you can have the best of both worlds in one gloriously messy, unbelievably delicious sandwich.
The cheesesteak, a culinary emblem of Philadelphia, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Legend has it that a hot dog vendor, craving something different, threw some beef on his grill and topped it with onions and cheese. And thus, a legend was born! The sloppy joe, on the other hand, is a distinctly American creation, a loose meat sandwich that evokes memories of childhood lunches and family gatherings. It’s a dish that’s all about ease and satisfying flavor.
What makes these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The savory, thinly sliced steak, the caramelized onions, the gooey melted cheese, all mingling with the tangy, slightly sweet sloppy joe sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
- 6 hamburger buns, split
- Optional: Pickled jalapeños, for serving
Preparing the Vegetables and Steak
- First, let’s get our vegetables ready. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers (both green and red). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. We want them to be nice and tender, with a little bit of color.
- Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. It’s important that the steak is thinly sliced so it cooks quickly and evenly. If your steak is in larger pieces, just give it a quick chop before adding it to the pan.
- Season the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through. This should only take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it will become tough. We want it to be tender and juicy!
- Once the steak is cooked, mix it together with the softened vegetables. Make sure everything is nicely combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Now for the sauce! This is what really makes these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes special. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Those browned bits are packed with flavor, so don’t leave them behind!
- Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir everything together well. We want all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and the sauce will thicken. This is the key to a really delicious Sloppy Joe!
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or brown sugar, depending on your preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, it’s time to add the cheese. Place the halved provolone cheese slices on top of the steak and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely. This should only take a few minutes. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. We want it to be gooey and delicious!
- While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hamburger buns. This will help prevent them from getting soggy when you add the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Once the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Spoon a generous amount of the steak and vegetable mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some pickled jalapeños for a little extra kick!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.
- They’re also great with a simple green salad.
- For a complete meal, add a side of corn on the cob.
Tips and Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a higher-quality steak, such as ribeye.
- If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead.
- To make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time, prepare the steak and vegetable mixture and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Reheat before adding the cheese and serving.
- You can also freeze the steak and vegetable mixture for longer storage.
- If you want to add a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes as much as I do! They’re a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, it sounds a little wild, but trust me on this one. The combination of the savory, thinly sliced beef, the creamy, melted cheese, and the sweet and tangy sloppy joe sauce is an absolute flavor explosion. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings, potlucks, or even just a fun family dinner.
But why are these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to your liking. Not a fan of provolone? Swap it out for some sharp cheddar or even a creamy pepper jack for a little kick. Want to add some extra veggies? Sautéed bell peppers and onions are a classic addition, but mushrooms or even some chopped jalapenos would also be delicious. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
For a classic experience, serve these sloppy joes on toasted brioche buns. The slight sweetness of the brioche complements the savory filling perfectly. But don’t feel limited to just buns! You could also serve them over rice, mashed potatoes, or even on top of a baked potato for a heartier meal.
Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
* Pizza Sloppy Joes: Spread the sloppy joe mixture on pizza dough, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden brown.
* Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers, fill them with the sloppy joe mixture, and bake until the peppers are tender.
* Sloppy Joe Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with the sloppy joe mixture, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
* Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little extra heat.
* Deluxe Sloppy Joes: Top your sloppy joes with crispy fried onions, bacon bits, or a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce.
I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a fun way to shake up your usual sloppy joe routine.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you add your own twist? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking, and enjoy your amazing Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics
A fun twist on classic sloppy joes, combining Philly cheesesteak flavors with the ease of a sloppy joe.
Ingredients
**Minor Suggestions:**
* **Ingredient Clarity:**
* Consider specifying the type of brown sugar (light or dark). While it doesn’t drastically change the recipe, it’s a common question.
* For the “1 pound thinly sliced steak,” you could add a note about pre-sliced steak being available at many grocery stores to save time.
* **Instruction Clarity:**
* In step 1, after “Push vegetables to one side of the skillet,” consider adding “(if needed, add a little more olive oil to the empty side).” This ensures the steak doesn’t stick if the pan is dry.
* In step 2, after “Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan,” you could add “(scraping up any browned bits).” This emphasizes the importance of deglazing for flavor.
* In step 3, after “Lightly toast the hamburger buns,” you could add “(optional).” Toasting is a preference, not a necessity.
* **Serving Suggestions:**
* Consider adding a beverage suggestion, like a cold beer or iced tea.
**Revised Sections (incorporating suggestions):**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces (pre-sliced steak is often available at grocery stores)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
* 6 hamburger buns, split
* Optional: Pickled jalapeños, for serving
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare Vegetables and Steak:**
* Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized (8-10 minutes).
* Push vegetables to one side of the skillet (if needed, add a little more olive oil to the empty side). Add thinly sliced steak to the other side.
* Season steak with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
* Cook, stirring frequently, until steak is browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Do not overcook.
* Mix the cooked steak with the softened vegetables.
**2. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:**
* Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan (scraping up any browned bits).
* Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
* Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
**3. Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:**
* Place halved provolone cheese slices on top of the steak and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
* Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely (a few minutes).
* Lightly toast the hamburger buns (optional).
* Spoon a generous amount of the steak and vegetable mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
* Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
* Optional: Add pickled jalapeños for serving.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.
* Serve with a simple green salad.
* Add a side of corn on the cob.
* Serve with a cold beer or iced tea.
**Overall:**
These are just minor tweaks. The recipe is already excellent and very appealing. The description is enticing, the instructions are clear, and the tips are helpful. Great job!
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized (8-10 minutes).
- Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add thinly sliced steak to the other side.
- Season steak with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until steak is browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Do not overcook.
- Mix the cooked steak with the softened vegetables.
- Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Place halved provolone cheese slices on top of the steak and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely (a few minutes).
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns.
- Spoon a generous amount of the steak and vegetable mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
- Optional: Add pickled jalapeños for serving.
Notes
**Minor Suggestions:**
* **Ingredient Clarity:** While “thinly sliced steak” is mentioned, specifying a weight (e.g., “1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak”) in the ingredient list makes it even clearer for the cook.
* **Step 1: Vegetable Caramelization:** Instead of “slightly caramelized,” consider adding a visual cue, like “until the onions are translucent and golden brown.” This helps less experienced cooks know what to look for.
* **Step 2: Deglazing:** Consider adding a brief explanation of *why* you deglaze the pan. Something like, “Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.”
* **Step 3: Cheese Melting:** Instead of “a few minutes,” give a more specific time range, like “2-3 minutes,” or “until the cheese is melted and bubbly.”
* **Serving Suggestions – Coleslaw:** Specify what kind of coleslaw. Creamy? Vinegar-based? This helps the user plan the entire meal.
* **Tips and Tricks – Cheese Alternatives:** Mention that mozzarella and cheddar will change the flavor profile. Something like, “If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead, though this will alter the flavor slightly.”
* **Tips and Tricks – Make Ahead:** Specify how long the mixture can be stored in the refrigerator (e.g., “up to 3 days”).
* **Tips and Tricks – Freezing:** Specify how to thaw the mixture (e.g., “Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating”).
**Revised Sections (Examples):**
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Step 1: Prepare Vegetables and Steak:**
* Add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onions are translucent and golden brown (8-10 minutes).
* **Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:**
* Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
* **Step 3: Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:**
* Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely (2-3 minutes), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve with creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.
* **Tips and Tricks:**
* If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead, though this will alter the flavor slightly.
* To make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time, prepare the steak and vegetable mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days until ready to use. Reheat before adding the cheese and serving.
* You can also freeze the steak and vegetable mixture for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Overall:**
These are just minor tweaks. The recipe is already excellent and well-structured. The suggestions are aimed at making it even more accessible and foolproof for cooks of all skill levels. Great job!
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