Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Elevate your mealtime experience with the irresistible flavors of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This creative twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe combines the iconic tastes of a Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of a traditional sloppy joe. With tender ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, savory seasonings, and gooey melted provolone cheese, these sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 6-8 slices provolone cheese
• 6-8 hamburger buns

Directions:

1. Sauté Onions and Peppers: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes.
3. Season and Simmer: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and taco seasoning until well combined. In a small bowl, mix chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour mixture into the skillet and simmer for 6-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese.
5. Melt Cheese: Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil the tops of the buns until lightly toasted.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes warm with your favorite sides, such as fries or potato chips, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: See Recipe

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Garnish for Presentation: Before serving Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, garnish them with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Side Dish Suggestions: Accompany these sandwiches with classic side dishes such as crispy fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a side salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing. The contrast in textures and flavors enhances the overall dining experience.
3. Creative Toppings: Customize your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with additional toppings such as sliced mushrooms, banana peppers, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor and heat. Let your taste buds guide you in creating your perfect sandwich combination.
4. Make-Ahead Preparation: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave and assemble the sandwiches for a quick and convenient meal option.
5. Freezing Instructions: While it’s best to enjoy these sandwiches fresh, you can freeze any leftover sloppy joe mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwiches, as the texture of the bread may become soggy upon thawing.
6. Portion Control: If serving a crowd or storing leftovers, consider portioning the sloppy joe mixture into individual servings before freezing. This allows for easy reheating and prevents waste.
7. Reheating: To reheat leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, gently warm the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Assemble the sandwiches with fresh buns and provolone cheese, then broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Storage Tips: Store any leftover assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the sandwiches in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Optionally, toast the buns before assembling for added crispiness.
9. Meal Prep Hack: Use leftover sloppy joe mixture as a versatile ingredient in other dishes, such as stuffed bell peppers, quesadillas, or pasta sauce. Its savory flavor makes it a versatile addition to a variety of recipes.
10. Enjoy Every Bite: Whether served for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, savor every bite of these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Their hearty flavors and comforting appeal make them a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Variations:

1. Mushroom Medley: Enhance the flavor profile of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes by adding a medley of sautéed mushrooms, such as cremini, button, and shiitake mushrooms. The earthy and savory notes of the mushrooms complement the richness of the beef and provolone cheese.
2. Italian-Inspired Twist: Infuse Italian flavors into your sloppy joe mixture by incorporating ingredients such as diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and oregano. Top the sandwiches with shredded mozzarella cheese and serve them on toasted ciabatta rolls for a deliciously satisfying meal.
3. Southwestern Style: Give your sloppy joes a Southwestern flair by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, diced green chilies, and a squeeze of lime juice to the mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve on toasted bolillo rolls for a Tex-Mex twist.
4. Pulled Pork Variation: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked pork shoulder or pulled pork for a hearty and flavorful alternative. Toss the pork in barbecue sauce before adding it to the skillet and proceed with the recipe as directed. Top with sliced pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
5. Vegetarian Option: Create a vegetarian version of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes by using plant-based ground meat substitute or crumbled tofu instead of ground beef. Sauté with onions, peppers, and seasonings, then proceed with the recipe as usual. Use vegan cheese slices for a dairy-free option.
6. Spicy Chipotle Kick: Add a smoky and spicy kick to your sloppy joe mixture by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Finely chop the peppers and stir them into the mixture along with a spoonful of adobo sauce for bold flavor. Top with pepper jack cheese and sliced avocado for a satisfyingly spicy sandwich.
7. Buffalo Chicken Variation: Transform your sloppy joes into a buffalo chicken-inspired creation by substituting ground beef with shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Stir in diced celery and crumbled blue cheese, then serve on toasted brioche buns for a deliciously tangy twist.
8. Asian Fusion Flavors: Infuse Asian-inspired flavors into your sloppy joe mixture by adding ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Top with sliced green onions and crispy wonton strips for added crunch and texture.
9. Greek-Inspired Option: Create a Mediterranean twist on Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes by incorporating ingredients such as diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Serve on toasted pita bread or flatbreads for a taste of Greece.
10. Breakfast Variation: Enjoy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for breakfast by adding scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top of the sloppy joe mixture before topping with provolone cheese. Serve on toasted English muffins or bagels for a hearty and satisfying morning meal.

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for this recipe? *Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to create a lighter alternative. Adjust seasoning and cooking time as needed for your preferred protein choice.
2. Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce? *If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. Alternatively, a combination of apple cider vinegar, molasses, and spices can mimic the flavor profile of Worcestershire sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? *Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free hamburger buns and ensuring that any seasonings or condiments used are certified gluten-free. Cornstarch can be substituted for the cornstarch used as a thickener in the sauce.
4. What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning? *If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the proportions to suit your preferences.

Treat yourself to the savory goodness of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these sandwiches offer a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering culinary experience that’s sure to impress!