Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Fusion Recipe

Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something a little more fun and manageable? Look no further than Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This recipe takes the classic ingredients of a cheesesteak – thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese – and transforms them into a delicious, sloppy joe filling perfect for piling onto toasted buns. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. This recipe is a game-changer, perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even game-day parties. Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the best of both worlds!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of tender steak, savory vegetables, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Use different cheeses, add mushrooms, or spice it up with jalapenos.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Sloppy joes are a classic comfort food that kids love, and this Philly cheesesteak version is sure to be a winner.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe is a great way to use affordable cuts of steak and stretch your grocery budget.
* **Perfect for meal prep**: You can easily prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to whip up these mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

* **Steak:** 1.5 pounds of thinly sliced steak (Ribeye, sirloin, or even shaved steak from the deli works well). Thinly sliced is key for the authentic cheesesteak feel. If you’re buying a thicker cut, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. The ideal thickness is about 1/8 inch.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, sliced. Yellow onions provide a good balance of flavor and sweetness. You can also use white onions if you prefer a sharper taste.
* **Bell Peppers:** 1 green bell pepper, sliced, and 1 red bell pepper, sliced. The combination of green and red bell peppers adds visual appeal and a variety of flavors. Feel free to substitute with other colors like yellow or orange.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can use a garlic press or mince it finely with a knife.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sloppy joe mixture.
* **Beef Broth:** 1/2 cup. Beef broth helps to keep the steak moist and adds depth of flavor to the sauce. You can also use beef bouillon dissolved in water.
* **Provolone Cheese:** 6-8 slices. Provolone cheese is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks. It melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. You can also use white American cheese or mozzarella.
* **Hoagie Rolls:** 6-8. Hoagie rolls are the traditional bread for Philly cheesesteaks. They are long, soft rolls that can hold a generous amount of filling. You can also use Kaiser rolls or your favorite sandwich buns.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and steak. You can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the steak and vegetables. Be sure to season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Optional additions:** Mushrooms (sliced), Jalapenos (diced), Cheese Wiz (for topping)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Slice the steak thinly. If using a thicker cut, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. The ideal thickness is about 1/8 inch.
* Slice the onion and bell peppers.
* Mince the garlic.
* Set out the provolone cheese slices.
* Have your hoagie rolls ready.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.

**3. Cook the Steak:**

* Add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed.
* Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the steak to steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary.
* Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is browned and cooked through. Do not overcook the steak, as it will become tough.
* Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste.

**4. Combine and Simmer:**

* Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the steak.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the skillet.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**5. Add the Cheese:**

* Reduce the heat to low.
* Place the provolone cheese slices on top of the steak and vegetable mixture.
* Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
* Remove the skillet from the heat.

**6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:**

* Toast the hoagie rolls if desired.
* Spoon the Philly cheesesteak mixture generously onto the bottom half of each hoagie roll.
* Top with the other half of the roll.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

* **Use High-Quality Steak:** The quality of the steak will significantly impact the flavor of your sloppy joes. Opt for a flavorful cut like ribeye or sirloin.
* **Slice the Steak Thinly:** Thinly sliced steak is essential for the authentic cheesesteak texture. If you’re slicing your own steak, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the steak, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will cause the steak to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful and tender product. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overcook the Steak:** Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Cook the steak until it is just browned and cooked through.
* **Season Generously:** Season the steak and vegetables generously with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly minced garlic and freshly sliced vegetables will add the best flavor to your sloppy joes.
* **Toast the Buns:** Toasting the hoagie rolls will prevent them from becoming soggy and add a nice textural contrast.
* **Add a Topping:** Consider adding a topping like Cheese Wiz, sauteed mushrooms, or jalapenos to your sloppy joes for extra flavor and texture.
* **Adjust the Cheese:** If you don’t like provolone cheese, you can substitute with white American cheese, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Meat:** Use ground beef or ground turkey instead of steak for a more budget-friendly option. You can also use chicken or pork.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Vegetables:** Add mushrooms, banana peppers, or other vegetables to the mixture.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Sauce:** Use a different sauce like marinara sauce or BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce and beef broth.
* **Buns:** Use sliders or mini buns for a party-sized version.
* **Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes**: Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steak and vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes**: Add sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese to the classic recipe.
* **Pizza Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes**: Add marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese to create a pizza-inspired version.
* **BBQ Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes**: Use BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce and beef broth for a smoky and tangy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a complete meal on their own, but here are some side dishes that complement them perfectly:

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for sloppy joes.
* **Onion Rings:** Another delicious fried side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sloppy joes.
* **Potato Salad:** A hearty and flavorful potato salad is a great addition to any picnic or barbecue.
* **Macaroni Salad:** A classic pasta salad that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a light and healthy option.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier and slightly sweeter alternative to regular fries.
* **Tater Tots:** Crispy and golden tater tots are a fun and easy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summer favorite that pairs well with almost any meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and add the cheese. Assemble the sloppy joes just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 35 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak)
* 1 large yellow onion, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 6-8 slices provolone cheese
* 6-8 hoagie rolls
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Mushrooms, jalapenos, Cheese Wiz

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the steak thinly, slice the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the steak: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine and simmer: Return the vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Place the provolone cheese slices on top of the mixture. Cover and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
6. Assemble the sloppy joes: Toast the hoagie rolls if desired. Spoon the Philly cheesesteak mixture onto the rolls and serve immediately.

## Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun and delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these sloppy joes are the perfect choice. Happy cooking!