Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

The combination of Philly cheesesteak and sloppy joes brings together two beloved comfort foods in a single dish. This fusion of tender, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and hearty vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and satisfaction. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal for a crowd, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are sure to impress.

In this extensive guide, we will explore not only the recipe itself but also tips and tricks to perfect the dish, its variations, and sides, and delve into the cultural and culinary significance of both Philly cheesesteaks and sloppy joes. So, let’s get started!

History of Philly Cheesesteak and Sloppy Joes

The Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a cultural icon, originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. Traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and cheese (usually provolone or American), it’s often served in a long, crusty roll. Cheesesteaks have become synonymous with Philly street food, with fans fiercely loyal to their favorite vendors, including Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, both of which claim to be the originators of the dish.

The Sloppy Joe

The sloppy joe has humble origins as a loose-meat sandwich made of ground beef cooked with onions and often seasoned with tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other flavorings. It is typically served on a hamburger bun. The origin of the name “sloppy joe” is widely debated, but many believe it was named after a cook named Joe who worked in a cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, in the 1930s. Since then, sloppy joes have become a staple in American households and school cafeterias, thanks to their simplicity and affordability.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan.
2. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the beef fully cooked but not dry. If necessary, drain excess fat, especially if you’re using beef with a higher fat content.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef. These vegetables provide a sweet and savory base for the dish, balancing the richness of the meat.
2. Cook the vegetables until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Make sure they have a slight bite left, so they don’t become mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Season and Add Sauce Components

1. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard (if using). These ingredients add layers of flavor: the Worcestershire gives a savory, umami boost, the ketchup brings a little sweetness, and the mustard provides a slight tang.
2. Pour in the beef broth to create the sauce base. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
2. Stir the slurry into the beef mixture. This will help thicken the sauce to a nice consistency without making it overly gooey.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Cheese

1. Lower the heat to medium-low and layer the provolone cheese directly on top of the beef mixture in the skillet.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step gives you the oozy, cheesy factor that is essential for Philly cheesesteaks.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Toast the buns or rolls. Lightly toasting them helps prevent sogginess once the filling is added.
2. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto each toasted bun.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Side Dishes:
  Pair these sandwiches with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, tater tots, or a light side salad to balance the richness of the sandwich. You can also serve them alongside coleslaw or pickles for a crunchy contrast.
• Drinks:
  A classic root beer or cola pairs wonderfully with this dish, as does a cold beer such as a light lager or pilsner. For a more sophisticated pairing, try a glass of Zinfandel or a hoppy IPA.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

1. Use High-Quality Beef:
   The flavor and texture of the ground beef are key to a good sloppy joe. For the best results, use 85% lean ground beef to strike the right balance between juiciness and flavor.
2. Cheese Variety:
   While provolone is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteak, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. American cheese melts easily and has a creamier texture, while cheddar adds a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
3. Customize Your Veggies:
   Bell peppers and onions are the traditional vegetables for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms for an earthy depth or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
4. Don’t Skip the Toasting:
   Toasting the buns or rolls is crucial to prevent them from becoming soggy. You can brush them with a little butter or olive oil and toast them under the broiler for extra crispiness.
5. Make-Ahead Option:
   If you’re planning to serve these for a party or gathering, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and simply reheat it before serving. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep them fresh.

Variations

• Spicy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes:
  Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. Alternatively, mix in sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for an extra spicy kick.
• Mushroom Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes:
  Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the bell peppers and onions to add a hearty, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese.
• Low-Carb Version:
  For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, skip the buns and serve the cheesy beef mixture in lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian Option:
  Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or a mixture of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Nutritional Information (per sandwich)

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 900mg

The Perfect Cheese Choices for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

The type of cheese you use can make or break your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. Let’s explore a few cheese options that work well with this recipe:

1. Provolone:
   Known for its mild, smoky flavor, provolone is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks. It melts smoothly, creating a velvety texture that perfectly complements the beef.
2. American Cheese:
   Another traditional option, American cheese is known for its creamy texture and excellent melting properties. It adds a mild, milky flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
3. Cheddar:
   For those who prefer a sharper, more pronounced flavor, cheddar is a great option. It adds a slight tang and a richer depth to the dish.
4. Mozzarella:
   Mozzarella provides a gooey, stretchy texture and a subtle, mild taste. It pairs well with the beef without overpowering the other flavors.

Conclusion

The fusion of Philly cheesesteak and sloppy joes creates a sandwich that’s both nostalgic and innovative. The rich, savory ground beef combined with melted cheese and sautéed veggies provides a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

Yield: 4

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Print

The combination of Philly cheesesteak and sloppy joes brings together two beloved comfort foods in a single dish. This fusion of tender, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and hearty vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and satisfaction. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal for a crowd, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella)
• 4 sandwich rolls or hamburger buns, toasted
• Butter for toasting rolls (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using) to the other side. Sauté the vegetables until softened and fragrant (about 4-5 minutes), mixing them occasionally.
3. Season and Combine:
   Stir the beef and vegetables together. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken.
4. Add the Cheese:
   Once the beef mixture is thickened, reduce the heat to low. Place the slices of provolone cheese over the meat and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, then stir everything together until the cheese is fully incorporated into the meat.
5. Toast the Rolls:
   (Optional) While the beef mixture is cooking, butter the sandwich rolls and toast them in a separate skillet until golden and crispy.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
   Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted rolls. Serve hot with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a salad.

Notes

• Provolone cheese is traditional for Philly cheesesteak, but you can substitute it with mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese for a different flavor.
• For extra richness, you can sauté the vegetables in butter instead of olive oil.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the melted provolone.