Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are that perfect mash up of two comfort food classics my family cannot get enough of The nostalgic saucy goodness of sloppy joes meets those unmistakable Philly cheesesteak flavors for a meal that comes together lightning fast and disappears even faster whether it is lunch dinner or a game day crowd pleaser

It was a total crowd pleaser the first night I tested this and now my picky eaters beg for seconds I love that I can pull it together late on a busy weeknight

Ingredients

• Cornstarch: helps thicken the sauce so the mixture holds together on the bun Make sure it is fresh for the best results
• Low sodium beef broth: adds beefy savory depth without making it too salty Choose a broth you like to sip on its own
• Olive oil: gives you a flavor boost as you sauté the veggies Go for extra virgin if possible
• Sweet onion: mild and lovely when sautéed Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the beef Use a small fresh firm onion
• Green bell pepper: classic Philly flavor and crunch Pick a pepper with shiny skin and no soft spots
• Mushrooms: add that earthy umami that rounds out the beef Look for tightly closed caps and no slimy texture
• Lean ground beef: is the star of the show Use eighty five percent lean or higher for best flavor and less grease
• Ketchup: brings tang and balances the richness Go for a brand you like on your burgers
• Worcestershire sauce: deepens the savoriness and adds a bit of complexity It is that secret umami hit
• Taco seasoning: is the surprise ingredient It gives a gentle punch of warming spice and complexity Use your favorite blend or homemade for full control over salt and heat
• Salt and black pepper: season for balance Both should be fresh for the fullest flavor
• Shredded sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: provides melty gooeyness Pick cheeses you would eat sliced as the flavor shines through
• Hamburger buns: traditional soft and squishy Choose fresh deli style buns that will not fall apart under the saucy filling

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Thickener:

Whisk cornstarch with beef broth in a small bowl until smooth This makes sure the thickener is lump free before adding to the pan

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high Add diced onion green pepper and chopped mushrooms Sauté for three minutes until everything is tender and the onions look glossy This builds a deep veggie flavor that mirrors those classic cheesesteak notes

Brown the Beef:

Add lean ground beef to the skillet Break it up and cook stirring for about three minutes until no longer pink and nicely browned Drain off as much fat as you can to keep the finished mixture from getting greasy

Build the Sauce:

Stir in ketchup Worcestershire taco seasoning salt and black pepper Stir everything together well Each element adds its note to the symphony

Thicken the Mixture:

Give the broth and cornstarch a quick rewhisk then pour into the pan Stir everything together Cook and simmer for about three minutes stirring now and then until the mixture is juicy yet thick enough to pile onto buns

Assemble and Broil:

Scoop the hot filling onto the bottom half of each bun Top generously with cheese Place under the broiler until the cheese is melty and bubbling Keep a very close eye so nothing scorches Alternatively stir cheese right into the skillet for even meltiness throughout

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey These taste incredible with chips or a crispy salad

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My favorite thing here is the cheese I love using sharp white cheddar because it gets so creamy under the broiler and tastes even better with the sweet peppers The first time I made these for a group we all stood around the kitchen eating them straight off the baking sheet with big grins

Storage Tips

Leftover filling keeps perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days If you prefer you can freeze the cooked meat mixture let it cool fully and store in portions Thaw overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen

Ingredient Swaps

Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a lighter version You can use chicken or vegetable broth with similar tasty results Skip the mushrooms if you are not a fan or use red bell pepper for a sweeter profile If you want heat toss in some diced jalapeno or a sprinkle of chili flakes

Serving Suggestions

These sloppy joes are amazing stuffed into baked potatoes for a gluten free twist Or spoon the filling over toasted baguette slices for an appetizer Suitable for potlucks and perfect with a simple side salad or crisp fries

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A Little History

The original Philly cheesesteak is a Philadelphia street food icon dating back to the nineteen thirties Sloppy joes hail from early twentieth century Midwest kitchens Bringing them together gives you the best of both worlds rich savory beef and that iconic melt of cheese and peppers

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of cheese works best for this dish?

Sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack melts smoothly and offers a flavorful creamy topping, but provolone or mozzarella are also delicious options.

→ Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. Each will bring its own taste but still blend well with the classic seasonings.

→ How can I make this meal spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for noticeable heat and extra flavor.

→ Are there alternatives to the hamburger buns?

For a low-carb option, serve the meat and cheese over a baked potato, or use toasted bread, rolls, or even lettuce wraps.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

The meat mixture can be prepared a day in advance and reheated. Assemble with cheese and buns just before serving for best texture.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Simply use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese for a lighter version while keeping all the hearty flavors.