Name: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6-8 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; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 6-8 hoagie rolls or sturdy hamburger buns; 4-6 slices provolone cheese, halved or quartered; Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine the iconic, savory goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak, but served in a fun, family-friendly, and delightfully messy way. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary mashup that brings together two beloved classics into one unforgettable dish.

While the original Philly Cheesesteak boasts a rich history rooted in the heart of Philadelphia, dating back to the early 20th century, our Sloppy Joe variation offers a modern twist on a timeless favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its accessibility and adaptability. It's a meal that transcends generations, appealing to both the young and the young at heart.

People adore Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible – the combination of tender, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and flavorful peppers and onions creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Second, the texture is incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful contrast between the soft bun and the savory filling. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this recipe is incredibly convenient. It's a quick and easy way to get a delicious and satisfying meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. So, ditch the dinner dilemma and embrace the deliciousness of this incredible fusion!

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
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
6-8 hoagie rolls or sturdy hamburger buns
4-6 slices provolone cheese, halved or quartered
Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Preparing the Vegetables and Steak

Sauté the Onions and Peppers: 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 the rich, savory base of our Sloppy Joes. Don't rush it! The caramelization adds a depth of flavor that you won't want to miss.
Cook the Steak: 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, you may need to cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it, which will affect the texture and flavor. Season the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any large clumps of steak as it cooks.
Combine Vegetables and Steak: Once the steak is cooked, mix it with the sautéed onions and peppers. Ensure everything is evenly distributed in the skillet. This ensures that every bite will have a perfect balance of steak and vegetables.

Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the steak and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The beef broth adds richness, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a savory umami flavor. The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and vinegar, and the mustard adds a tangy kick.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken. This is where the magic happens! The low and slow simmering allows the flavors to fully develop and create that classic Sloppy Joe taste.
Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your preferences. Remember, taste is subjective, so don't be afraid to experiment until you achieve the perfect flavor profile.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Prepare the Rolls: While the sauce is simmering, prepare the hoagie rolls or hamburger buns. You can lightly toast them if desired. Toasting the rolls will prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce.
Fill the Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Don't be shy! We want these Sloppy Joes to be loaded with flavor.
Add the Cheese: Top the Sloppy Joe mixture with the provolone cheese slices. Make sure the cheese covers as much of the meat mixture as possible.
Melt the Cheese (Optional): You have a couple of options for melting the cheese:
- Broiler Method: Place the assembled Sloppy Joes on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
- Microwave Method: Microwave each Sloppy Joe individually for 20-30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
- Skillet Method: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the residual heat melt the cheese. This method is slower but keeps the rolls soft.
Add Optional Toppings: If desired, top the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for an extra kick. These toppings add a nice contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Type of Steak: While ribeye or sirloin are classic choices for cheesesteaks, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cheese Options: Provolone is the traditional cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also use other cheeses like American cheese, mozzarella, or even a cheese sauce.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mixture, such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the Sloppy Joes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
Make Ahead: The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.
Freezer Friendly: The Sloppy Joe mixture can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries for a complete meal.
They are also great for parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings.
For a lighter option, serve them on lettuce wraps instead of rolls.

Conclusion:

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you're looking for a meal that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, you absolutely have to give this one a try. The combination of tender, seasoned beef, the creamy, melty cheese, and those perfectly caramelized onions and peppers all nestled in a soft, toasted bun is pure comfort food bliss. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're feeding a family of four or hosting a casual get-together. But what truly elevates this recipe is its versatility. While I've outlined my favorite way to prepare these delectable sandwiches, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or incorporate some sliced jalapeños into the onions and peppers. If you're a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms alongside the onions and peppers for an earthy depth of flavor. And for those who prefer a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Serving Suggestions: These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or even a simple side salad are all excellent choices. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty mac and cheese. And don't forget the condiments! A dollop of your favorite hot sauce, a drizzle of creamy horseradish sauce, or even a simple squirt of ketchup can add an extra layer of flavor. Variations to Explore: * Pizza Style: Spread the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture on pizza dough, top with extra cheese, and bake for a unique pizza experience. * Stuffed Peppers: Use the mixture to stuff bell peppers for a healthier and equally delicious meal. * Quesadillas: Sandwich the mixture between tortillas with cheese and grill for a quick and easy quesadilla. * Open-Faced Sandwiches: For a less messy option, serve the mixture open-faced on toasted bread or baguette slices. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for a classic Philly cheesesteak while enjoying the ease and convenience of a sloppy joe. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt it to your own personal preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature version. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Once you've tried this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe, please come back and share your thoughts, tips, and any variations you've tried in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy cooking!