Description: These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy twist on two classic comfort foods. They combine the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the saucy goodness of a sloppy joe, all piled high on toasted brioche buns. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 brioche hamburger buns, toasted
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables: Begin by dicing the yellow onion and green bell pepper. This ensures they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the sloppy joe mixture. Chop the cremini mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, making sure it’s finely chopped to release its aromatic oils during cooking. Having all the vegetables prepped ahead of time will streamline the cooking process and make it more efficient.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy final product. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. This allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness and flavors, which will enhance the overall taste of the sloppy joe mixture. Ensure that the vegetables are cooked until they are tender but not mushy, maintaining a pleasant texture.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flavorings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to become fragrant without burning. Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, and beef broth into a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, ensuring there are no lumps of cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables, and stir to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it has thickened, about 2 minutes. This step is essential for creating the signature sloppy joe sauce. The cornstarch will act as a thickening agent, transforming the beef broth into a rich and flavorful gravy. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure even thickening.
Step 6: Season and Melt Cheese: Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper as needed. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded provolone cheese until it is completely melted. The provolone cheese will add a creamy, cheesy element that is characteristic of a Philly cheesesteak. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts evenly and incorporates smoothly into the mixture.
Step 7: Toast the Buns: While the mixture is simmering and thickening, toast the brioche hamburger buns. Toasting the buns will add a nice textural contrast to the soft and saucy sloppy joe filling. You can toast the buns in a toaster, under a broiler, or in a dry skillet. Be careful not to burn the buns, and toast them until they are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve: Spoon the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted brioche buns. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Garnish with extra shredded provolone cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added visual appeal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons. First, it offers a unique and delightful twist on two classic comfort foods, blending the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the saucy satisfaction of a sloppy joe. This fusion creates an exciting flavor profile that is both familiar and novel, making it appealing to a wide range of palates.
Secondly, the recipe is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, you can have a hearty and delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This convenience factor is a major draw for home cooks looking for a hassle-free dinner option.
Moreover, the recipe is highly customizable. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use different types of cheese, add extra vegetables, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. This flexibility allows you to create a personalized version of the recipe that caters to your specific tastes and dietary restrictions.
Finally, the combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible. The savory ground beef, tender vegetables, rich sauce, and melted provolone cheese all come together to create a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience. The toasted brioche buns provide a perfect foundation for the saucy filling, adding a delightful crunch that complements the soft and creamy elements of the dish. Overall, this recipe is a winner because it is delicious, easy, customizable, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as sliced pickles, jalapeños, or sautéed onions.
- Serve with a cold beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or beer.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side of creamy macaroni and cheese or baked beans.
Tips:
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Use a high-quality provolone cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Toast the buns just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Make a big batch and freeze any leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
- If you don’t have brioche buns, you can use any type of hamburger bun or even slider buns.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: 700-900 mg per serving
Conclusion
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a fun and family-friendly format. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, rich sauce, and melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, creates a truly satisfying culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to indulge in a batch of these irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. This will create a leaner version of the dish while still maintaining the delicious flavors. Just be sure to cook the turkey or chicken thoroughly until it is no longer pink and reaches a safe internal temperature.
Q2: What can I do if I don’t have provolone cheese?
A: If you don’t have provolone cheese on hand, you can use other types of cheese that melt well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar. These cheeses will provide a similar creamy and cheesy element to the dish.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe to customize it to your liking. Some great additions include sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), mushrooms, onions, or even some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you want to add some heat to this recipe, you can incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeños into the mixture. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave and spoon it onto toasted brioche buns. This is a great option for meal prepping or when you’re short on time.
