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 another sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that bridges the gap between classic comfort food and gourmet indulgence.

While the original Philly cheesesteak boasts a rich history rooted in the heart of Philadelphia, dating back to the 1930s, our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes take that beloved concept and give it a modern, convenient twist. The cheesesteak, traditionally featuring thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and often onions and peppers, has become a symbol of American culinary ingenuity. We’ve taken those core elements and transformed them into a saucy, spoonable delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

People adore sloppy joes for their ease of preparation, their comforting texture, and their ability to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The combination of savory ground beef, a tangy tomato-based sauce, and soft, pillowy buns is simply irresistible. By infusing the classic sloppy joe with the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, we’ve created a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. The tender beef, the melted cheese, and the hint of peppers and onions create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to ditch the boring dinner routine and embrace the delicious chaos of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!

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
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 hamburger buns, split
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Preparing the Veggies and Steak

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our veggies and steak. This is crucial for building those delicious Philly Cheesesteak flavors.

1. Slicing the Onions and Peppers: Grab your large onion. I like to use a sweet onion for this recipe, but any onion will do. Slice it thinly. The thinner the slices, the quicker they’ll cook and the more they’ll melt into the sauce. Set the sliced onion aside. Now, take your green and red bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes, and then slice them thinly as well. Try to get them roughly the same size as the onion slices so they cook evenly.
2. Preparing the Steak: The key to a good Philly Cheesesteak is thinly sliced steak. If you can find pre-sliced steak at your grocery store, that’s a huge time saver. Otherwise, you can partially freeze a steak (ribeye or sirloin work great) for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Once sliced, cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to eat in a sloppy joe!

Cooking the Veggies and Steak

Now for the fun part – cooking everything up! This is where the magic happens and those amazing aromas start filling your kitchen.

1. Sautéing the Onions and Peppers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step! The caramelization adds a lot of flavor. You want them to be nice and tender.
2. Cooking the Steak: Push the onions and peppers to one side of the skillet. Add the bite-sized steak pieces to the other side. 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 a few minutes, as the steak is thinly sliced. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become tough.
3. Combining the Veggies and Steak: Once the steak is cooked, mix it together with the sautéed onions and peppers. Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the skillet.

Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce

The sauce is what transforms this from just steak and veggies into a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe. It’s a simple sauce, but it packs a ton of flavor.

1. Adding the Sauce Ingredients: Pour the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir everything together well to combine.
2. Simmering the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, 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. I usually give it a stir every 5-10 minutes.
3. Adjusting the Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of brown sugar depending on your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Assembling the Sloppy Joes

Almost there! Now it’s time to assemble our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and get ready to enjoy them.

1. Preparing the Buns: Split the hamburger buns. You can lightly toast them if you like, but it’s not necessary. I sometimes like to butter them and give them a quick toast in a pan for a little extra flavor and texture.
2. Adding the Cheese: Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each bun. The heat from the sloppy joe mixture will melt the cheese perfectly. If you want extra cheesy sloppy joes (and who doesn’t?), you can add two slices of cheese per bun.
3. Spoon in the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bun, over the provolone cheese. Don’t be shy! We want these to be nice and messy.
4. Adding Optional Toppings: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some optional toppings like pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for a little extra kick. These add a nice tang and heat that complements the richness of the cheesesteak flavor.
5. Serving: Place the top half of the bun on each sloppy joe and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed hot and fresh! Grab some napkins, because these are definitely going to be messy – but oh-so-delicious!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes even better:

• Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, you can also use other cheeses like American cheese, mozzarella, or even a cheese sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat.
• Mushroom Addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for a more complex flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
• Freezer Friendly: The sloppy joe mixture also freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Bread Choice: While hamburger buns are the standard, you can also use hoagie rolls or even toasted baguette slices for a different presentation.

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 sandwich, and they’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, it sounds a little crazy, but trust me on this one. The combination of that classic, comforting sloppy joe vibe with the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak is simply irresistible. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s an experience!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, but the taste is so impressive, it feels like a weekend treat. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve made these for potlucks, game nights, and even just a casual family dinner, and they’re always a hit. The juicy, flavorful beef, the melty cheese, and the soft, toasted buns – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good sloppy joe? This recipe just elevates it to a whole new level.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Style: Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes on toasted brioche buns with a side of crispy fries or onion rings for the ultimate comfort food experience.
* Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy kick, try adding a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the meat mixture before serving.
* Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or serve with a side of pickled jalapeños.
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
* Open-Faced Option: Toast some baguette slices and top them with the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture for a delicious appetizer or snack.
* Cheese Sauce Drizzle: Elevate the cheesesteak experience by drizzling a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce over the sloppy joes.
* Bun Alternatives: While brioche buns are my favorite, feel free to use other types of buns like sesame seed buns, potato rolls, or even pretzel rolls.
* Make it a Melt: Spread the mixture on sliced bread, top with extra cheese, and grill it like a grilled cheese sandwich for a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe melt.

I truly believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s easy, delicious, and customizable to your liking. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of making and eating these incredible Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so put on some music, pour yourself a drink, and let your creativity flow.

Once you’ve made these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve them with a unique side dish? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!