The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

If you’re craving both a classic Philly cheesesteak and a nostalgic sloppy joe, why choose? This mouthwatering mashup combines the best of both worlds – tender seasoned beef, caramelized onions and peppers, and plenty of melty cheese, all served on toasted buns. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Essential Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon beef base or bouillon
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For Serving:

• 8 brioche buns or soft rolls
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• Optional garnishes (parsley, hot peppers)

The Method

Step 1: Prep Work

1. Dice onions and peppers into uniform pieces
2. Slice mushrooms
3. Mince garlic
4. Have all ingredients ready before starting

Step 2: Building Flavors

1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add onions with a pinch of salt, cook until translucent (5-7 minutes)
3. Add peppers and mushrooms, cook until softened
4. Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant
5. Remove vegetables and set aside

Step 3: Cooking the Beef

1. In same pan, brown ground beef
2. Break into small pieces while cooking
3. Drain excess fat if needed
4. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano

Step 4: Combining

1. Return vegetables to pan
2. Add Worcestershire sauce
3. Stir in beef base and broth
4. Simmer 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened
5. Adjust seasonings to taste

Step 5: Assembly

1. Toast buns under broiler if desired
2. Place cheese on bottom buns
3. Top with hot meat mixture
4. Add more cheese on top
5. Broil briefly to melt cheese

Pro Tips

1. For Best Results:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking vegetables
• Let meat develop a good brown crust
• Toast buns for structure
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting

1. Make Ahead:

• Prep vegetables in advance
• Make filling up to 2 days ahead
• Reheat gently before serving

Variations

1. Cheese Options:

• White American cheese
• Cheese Whiz
• Cooper sharp
• Mixed cheese blend

1. Add Heat:

• Diced jalapeños
• Red pepper flakes
• Hot pepper rings

1. Veggie Additions:

• Roasted red peppers
• Hot cherry peppers
• Extra mushrooms

Serving Ideas

Perfect with:

• Crispy french fries
• Potato chips
• Dill pickle spears
• Simple green salad
• Cole slaw

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate filling up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat in skillet with splash of broth
• Store buns separately

Family-Friendly Tips

1. Kid Modifications:

• Reduce pepper amount
• Use milder cheese
• Serve “deconstructed”

1. Picky Eater Options:

• Omit mushrooms
• Chop vegetables finely
• Serve cheese on side

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Game day parties
• Casual entertaining
• Make-ahead meals
• Kid-friendly dinners

The key to making these sloppy joes exceptional is taking time with each step – properly caramelizing the vegetables and developing good flavor in the meat mixture. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious twist on two classic sandwiches.

Remember to have plenty of napkins ready – they’re called sloppy joes for a reason! The mess is part of the fun, and these are definitely worth it. Enjoy this perfect comfort food mashup!

Last modified: December 27, 2024