Craving the comfort of a classic cheesesteak but want to shake things up a bit? Enter the Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—a delightful fusion that brings together the robust flavors of an iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak with the ease and messiness of a Sloppy Joe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Dice the green bell pepper and yellow onion into small, uniform pieces. Shredding the cheese beforehand will ensure a smooth cooking process. Once everything is prepped, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A tip: freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese!
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the heated oil. Let them sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, making room for the beef. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Allow it to brown thoroughly, mixing it with the vegetables once it’s halfway cooked through. The goal is to achieve a nice sear on the beef for added flavor.
Step 4: Add the Flavors
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine everything in the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the liquid reduces and the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper as desired. This stage helps the beef absorb all those rich, savory essences.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the mixture, stirring gently until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Keep the heat low to avoid the cheese from curdling. It’s the cheese that brings the ‘cheesesteak’ to these sloppy joes.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Take your hamburger buns and spoon the decadent beef-cheese mixture generously onto the bottom halves. Cap with the tops of the buns, creating delightful sloppy joes filled with cheesy, savory goodness. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These cheesesteak sloppy joes are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet while the cheese is still gooey. Pair them with crispy fries, a side salad, or some fresh coleslaw to create a fulfilling meal. These sandwiches are crowd-pleasers at BBQs and family gatherings too.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a creamier version, try adding a splash of heavy cream during the cheese melting step. To save time, use pre-cooked ground beef from previous meal prep, which reduces cook time. If you want a little bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper or fresh jalapeños.
Pumped Up: High-Protein Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Looking to boost your protein intake? Swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for leaner protein without sacrificing flavor. You could also incorporate more cheese or top with an extra fried egg for a breakfast twist. The options are endless in making these even more nutrient-dense.
Low-Carb Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Tasty Alternative
Need a low-carb version? No problem. Use lettuce leaves instead of hamburger buns, or serve the cheesesteak mixture over a bed of sautéed mushrooms. Another great idea is to use a cauliflower bun. Adjusting the carb count while keeping the flavors intact is surprisingly easy.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed thoroughly. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the melted cheese. Sadly, the buns don’t hold up well in storage, so only prepare as many as you plan to consume.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble fresh buns.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar or American cheese works nicely and adds a new flavor to the mix.
How do I prevent the mixture from becoming too runny?
Be sure to let the beef broth reduce properly and use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and use normally.
Get Creative with Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Today!
This recipe shows how simple ingredient swaps and techniques can transform a classic dish into something fresh and exciting. Whether it’s a casual family night in or a lively gathering, these Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with us in the comments! Enjoy!
Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- green bell pepper
- yellow onion
- shredded provolone cheese
- beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- hamburger buns
Instructions
Steps
- Wash and chop all the vegetables. Dice the green bell pepper and yellow onion into small pieces. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the heated oil. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces as it cooks, mixing with the vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the liquid reduces. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the mixture, stirring gently until melted.
- Spoon the beef-cheese mixture onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns and cover with the top halves. Serve immediately.