Absolutely! Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a brilliant and delicious mash-up that combines the easy, comforting goodness of a Sloppy Joe with the iconic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak. It’s quick, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.
Here’s a tried-and-true recipe.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This recipe uses ground beef for ease but incorporates the classic peppers, onions, and cheesy sauce of a cheesesteak.
Yield: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Joe Mixture:
· 1 tbsp Olive Oil
· 1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)
· 1 large Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
· 1 medium Onion, finely diced
· 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
· 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (to help thicken the sauce)
· 1 cup Beef Broth
· 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
· 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
· 1 tsp Paprika
· Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
· 1 tbsp Butter
· 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
· 1 cup Milk (whole or 2% is best)
· 1 ½ cups shredded Provolone Cheese (or American, Cheez Whiz, or a mix!)
· Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
· 6 Burger Buns or Hoagie Rolls, toasted
· Optional Garnish: Thinly sliced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add the garlic powder (or fresh garlic) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the meat and veggie mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the meat mixture simmers, make a simple cheese sauce in a separate medium saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Finish Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the milk sauce from the heat. Stir in the shredded provolone cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Option 1 (Fully Mixed): Pour the finished cheese sauce directly into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Option 2 (Layered): Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted buns, then generously drizzle the cheese sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately on toasted buns, garnished with parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
· The Cheese is Key: For the most authentic “Philly” experience, use Cheez Whiz. It’s classic, melts perfectly, and is incredibly easy (just warm it up and drizzle). A combination of provolone and American cheese is also a fantastic, melty option.
· Toast Those Buns: Toasting the buns is non-negotiable! It adds crucial texture and prevents them from getting soggy under the weight of the saucy filling.
· Veggie Variations: Add sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions for an even more authentic cheesesteak vibe.
· Make it Ahead: The meat mixture (without the cheese sauce mixed in) can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat and make the cheese sauce fresh when ready to serve.
· Shortcut Cheese Sauce: If you don’t want to make a roux-based sauce, you can simply toss the meat mixture with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese off the heat and stir until melted. For a saucier result, add a splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions
· Classic: Serve with a side of potato chips, french fries, or tater tots.
· Lighter Option: A simple green salad or side of carrot and celery sticks helps cut the richness.
· Open-Faced: For a less messy experience, serve it open-faced with a knife and fork.
Enjoy this fantastic fusion dinner! It’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite.