Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine the iconic, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak, but served in a fun, family-friendly, and delightfully messy way. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that brings together two beloved classics into one unforgettable dish.

The Philly cheesesteak, a symbol of Philadelphia’s vibrant food scene, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Legend has it that a hot dog vendor, Pat Olivieri, decided to grill some beef on his stand and put it on an Italian roll. A cab driver noticed and asked for one, and the rest, as they say, is history! Now, we’re taking that same spirit of innovation and applying it to another American favorite: the Sloppy Joe.

What makes Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of tender, thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers, all simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Forget boring dinners; these Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to be a hit!

this Recipe

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
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, optional)
• 6 hamburger buns, split
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or cheese whiz, if you’re feeling truly authentic)
• Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Preparing the Philly Cheesesteak Mixture

Alright, let’s get started! First, we’re going to build the heart of our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – that delicious, savory meat mixture.

1. Sauté the Vegetables: 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. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor, so don’t rush it! We want those veggies nice and tender.
2. Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. If your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate everything without overcrowding, cook the steak in batches. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it, and we want a nice sear for maximum flavor. Season the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any large clumps of steak as it cooks.
3. Combine Vegetables and Steak: Once the steak is cooked, mix it together with the sautéed onions and peppers. Stir well to combine all those delicious flavors.

Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Now, let’s create the tangy, savory sauce that will transform our Philly Cheesesteak mixture into a true Sloppy Joe masterpiece.

1. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine everything.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering process is key to achieving that classic Sloppy Joe texture and flavor.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or hot sauce to suit your preferences. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

The final step is putting it all together! Get ready to enjoy these incredibly flavorful and satisfying sandwiches.

1. Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns, if desired. This will help prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce.
2. Add the Cheese: Place a slice of provolone cheese (or a generous squirt of cheese whiz) on the bottom half of each bun.
3. Spoon on the Filling: Generously spoon the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese on each bun. Don’t be shy – these are Sloppy Joes, after all!
4. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, top with pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for an extra kick.
5. Top with the Bun: Place the top half of the bun over the filling.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately and enjoy! These are best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Options: While provolone is a classic choice for Philly Cheesesteaks, you can also use other cheeses like mozzarella, American cheese, or even a cheese sauce. Cheese whiz is a truly authentic (though perhaps not the healthiest) option.
• Steak Options: Ribeye or sirloin are great choices for this recipe, but you can also use other cuts of beef that are thinly sliced. Look for pre-sliced steak at your grocery store to save time.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mixture, such as mushrooms or diced tomatoes.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control the spice level. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can omit them altogether.
• Make Ahead: The Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these Sloppy Joes with your favorite sides, such as french fries, coleslaw, or potato salad.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! They’re a fun and delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m confident they’ll become a family favorite in your household, just like they have in mine. The combination of tender, flavorful beef, the creamy, melted provolone, and the savory peppers and onions, all nestled in a sweet and tangy sloppy joe sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why are these a must-try? Because they’re a delicious, easy, and fun twist on two classic comfort foods! You get the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the fuss of individual sandwiches, and the familiar, kid-friendly appeal of sloppy joes. It’s a win-win! Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Want to take your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes to the next level? Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started:

* Bun Options: While I love using classic hamburger buns, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try using brioche buns for a richer flavor, or even pretzel rolls for a salty, chewy texture. For a lighter option, serve the sloppy joe mixture over lettuce wraps or bell pepper halves.
* Cheese, Please!: Provolone is the traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese. White American cheese, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat. Or, stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding diced mushrooms or zucchini to the pepper and onion mixture.
* Au Jus Dip: For an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, serve the sloppy joes with a side of au jus for dipping. You can easily make your own by simmering beef broth with a little Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder.
* Side Dish Sensations: These sloppy joes pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Classic choices include french fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving them with mac and cheese or roasted vegetables.
* Make it a Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and serve on buns when you’re ready to eat.

I truly believe that this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is a game-changer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine, and the ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Now it’s your turn! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to make it your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Once you’ve made these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the blog. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!