Name: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 6 hamburger buns, split; 6 slices provolone cheese; Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: the ultimate mashup you didn't know you needed! Imagine the juicy, savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak colliding head-on with the comforting, saucy messiness of a sloppy joe. Intrigued? You should be! This isn't just another sandwich; it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing.

While the exact origins of the sloppy joe remain somewhat debated, its all-American, family-friendly appeal is undeniable. It's a dish that evokes memories of childhood picnics and casual weeknight dinners. Now, take that nostalgic comfort and infuse it with the iconic flavors of Philadelphia – thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and those perfectly caramelized onions and peppers. The result? A culinary masterpiece that honors both traditions while creating something entirely new and exciting.

People adore this dish because it's the best of both worlds. You get the satisfying heartiness of a cheesesteak without the fuss of a long roll, and the playful, easy-to-eat nature of a sloppy joe. The combination of textures – the tender beef, the gooey cheese, the soft bun – is simply irresistible. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. So, are you ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary? Let's dive into this mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 hamburger buns, split
6 slices provolone cheese
Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Preparing the Vegetables and Steak

First, let's get our vegetables prepped. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich, sweet flavor that complements the savory steak. Don't rush this process; allowing the vegetables to caramelize properly will significantly enhance the final taste.
Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. If your skillet isn't large enough to accommodate both the vegetables and the steak without overcrowding, you may need to cook the steak in batches. Overcrowding the pan will cause the steak to steam instead of sear, which will result in a less flavorful and less tender final product.
Season the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it will become tough. The goal is to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Once the steak is cooked, combine it with the caramelized onions and bell peppers. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors meld. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the savory steak combines with the sweet and slightly smoky vegetables.

Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika. This sauce is the heart of our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, providing a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile that ties everything together. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami, while the brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Pour the sauce over the steak and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to suit your personal preferences. Remember, the key to a great Sloppy Joe is a well-balanced sauce that complements the other ingredients.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the hamburger buns. You can lightly toast them if you prefer, but it's not essential. Toasting the buns will help prevent them from becoming soggy from the sauce.
Once the sauce has simmered and thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
Now, it's time to add the cheese! Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, but you could also use mozzarella or even a cheese sauce if you prefer.
Spoon a generous amount of the steak and vegetable mixture over the cheese on each bun. Don't be shy; these are Sloppy Joes, after all!
Top with the other half of the hamburger bun.
Serve immediately. You can add optional toppings like pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for an extra kick. These toppings will add a tangy and spicy element that complements the richness of the steak and cheese.

Tips and Variations

Steak Selection: While ribeye or sirloin are traditional choices for Philly Cheesesteaks, you can use other cuts of beef as well. Flank steak or even shaved steak will work well. Just be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Cheese Options: Provolone is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, American cheese, or even a homemade cheese sauce would be delicious.
Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables to the mix, such as mushrooms or poblano peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy mustard.
Make it Ahead: The steak and vegetable mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the Sloppy Joes.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with a side of fries, coleslaw, or potato salad for a complete meal.

Detailed Explanation of Key Steps

Caramelizing the Onions and Peppers

The caramelization process is crucial for developing the sweet and savory flavor base of this dish. When onions and peppers are cooked slowly over medium heat, their natural sugars begin to break down and caramelize, creating a rich, complex flavor that is far superior to simply sautéed vegetables. This process takes time, so be patient and don't rush it. Stir the vegetables occasionally to prevent them from burning, and allow them to cook until they are softened, slightly browned, and have a sweet aroma. This step is what truly elevates the flavor profile of the entire dish.

Cooking the Steak

The key to cooking the steak properly is to use thinly sliced steak and to avoid overcrowding the pan. If the pan is too crowded, the steak will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less tender final product. Cook the steak in batches if necessary, and be sure to season it well with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook the steak until it is browned and cooked through, but be careful not to overcook it, as it will become tough. The goal is to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Simmering the Sauce

Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a richer and more complex flavor profile. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to suit your personal preferences. The key to a great Sloppy Joe is a well-balanced sauce that complements the other ingredients.

Choosing the Right Cheese

Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, American cheese, or even a homemade cheese sauce would be delicious. The cheese should be melted and gooey, adding a creamy and rich element to the dish. Place the cheese on the bottom half of the bun so that it melts directly onto the bread, creating a delicious and cheesy base for the steak and vegetable mixture.

Serving and Enjoying

Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot and gooey. You can add optional toppings like pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for an extra kick. These toppings will add a tangy and spicy element that complements the richness of the steak and cheese. Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or potato salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are truly a must-try recipe that will revolutionize your weeknight dinners and impress even the pickiest eaters. I know, I know, it sounds a little crazy, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender, flavorful beef, the creamy, melty cheese, and the tangy, slightly sweet sloppy joe sauce is an absolute flavor explosion. It's the perfect marriage of two classic comfort foods, resulting in a dish that's both familiar and excitingly new. What makes these sloppy joes so special? It's the attention to detail. We're not just throwing ground beef in a can of sauce here. We're building layers of flavor, starting with perfectly seasoned beef, then adding the richness of provolone (or your favorite cheese!), and finishing with a homemade sauce that's both savory and slightly sweet. The peppers and onions add a touch of freshness and a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, toasted buns. But the best part? These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a creamy Havarti for a milder flavor. You can also add different toppings, like sliced mushrooms or banana peppers, to customize them to your liking. Serving Suggestions: * Serve these sloppy joes with a side of crispy fries or onion rings for a classic diner experience. * A simple green salad or coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich. * For a lighter option, serve them open-faced on toasted baguette slices. * Hosting a party? These sloppy joes are perfect for a casual gathering. Set up a toppings bar and let your guests customize their own sandwiches. Variations: * For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms. * Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor. * If you're short on time, you can use store-bought sloppy joe sauce, but I highly recommend making your own – it's so much better! * Try using different types of bread, such as brioche buns or even pretzel rolls. I truly believe that this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe will become a new family favorite. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor – everything you could want in a weeknight meal. It's also a fun and creative way to enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without all the fuss. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and give this recipe a try! I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Happy cooking! I can't wait to hear all about your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe adventures!