Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine the savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but served in a fun, family-friendly, and delightfully messy way. This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that brings together two iconic comfort foods into one unforgettable dish.

While the exact origins of the sloppy joe are debated, its roots are firmly planted in American diners and home kitchens, offering a quick and satisfying meal for generations. Our Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes take that nostalgic appeal and elevate it with the bold flavors of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and a generous helping of melted cheese – all nestled within a soft, toasted bun.

People adore sloppy joes for their ease of preparation and their ability to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. This version, however, adds a layer of sophistication and indulgence. The combination of tender beef, sweet onions, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover steak or ground beef! So, ditch the boring dinner routine and prepare to be amazed by these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make sandwiches. You won’t regret it!

this 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 ground beef
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or 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
• 4 slices provolone cheese, halved or quartered
• 6-8 hamburger buns, split
• Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers, extra cheese sauce

Preparing the Vegetables and Ground Beef

1. First, let’s get our veggies prepped! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers (both green and red). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it! We want those onions nice and sweet.
2. Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, making sure to crumble it well. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy Sloppy Joes!
3. Once the beef is browned and drained, combine it with the cooked vegetables in the skillet. This is where the magic starts to happen!

Creating the Sloppy Joe Sauce

1. Time to add the spices! Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, black pepper, and salt over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and coat everything evenly. The aroma at this point should be amazing!
2. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Stir everything together thoroughly. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar hiding at the bottom of the pan.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I often let mine simmer for an hour or more if I have the time.
4. While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, you can prepare your buns and any desired toppings. Toasting the buns lightly is always a good idea to prevent them from getting soggy.

Assembling the Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. After the Sloppy Joe mixture has simmered to your liking, give it a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more brown sugar depending on your preference.
2. Now, it’s time to add the “cheesesteak” element! Turn off the heat under the skillet. Place the provolone cheese slices over the top of the Sloppy Joe mixture. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for a minute or two. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
3. Once the cheese is melted and gooey, it’s time to assemble the Sloppy Joes. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
4. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions and variations to take them to the next level:

• Add some heat: If you like a little kick, add some pickled jalapenos or banana peppers as a topping.
• Make it extra cheesy: Drizzle some extra cheese sauce over the top for an even cheesier experience. A homemade cheese sauce or even a store-bought cheese sauce will work.
• Serve with sides: These Sloppy Joes pair well with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, or onion rings.
• Use different cheese: If you’re not a fan of provolone, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese sauce.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an even more flavorful filling.
• Make it a pizza Sloppy Joe: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a little bit of pizza sauce to the mixture for a pizza-inspired twist.
• Use different meat: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
• Make it in a slow cooker: You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips for the Best Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Don’t overcook the ground beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and then drain off any excess grease.
• Simmer the sauce for a long time: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer it will become.
• Toast the buns: Toasting the buns will prevent them from getting soggy.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings and add whatever you like!
• Use high-quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the final dish.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Another sloppy joe recipe?” But trust me on this one. The combination of tender ground beef, that classic cheesesteak flavor profile with the peppers and onions, and the gooey, melted cheese all nestled in a soft bun is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, even with the pickiest eaters.

Why is this a must-try? Because it takes the best parts of two beloved comfort foods – the cheesesteak and the sloppy joe – and combines them into one glorious, messy, and utterly delicious experience. It’s a fun twist on a classic that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sides! For a truly authentic cheesesteak experience, consider adding some provolone cheese in addition to, or instead of, the cheddar. A sprinkle of fried onions on top adds a delightful crunch.

For serving suggestions, these Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with a side of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or even a simple coleslaw. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a fresh garden salad would also be a great complement.

Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce to each sandwich. For a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Another fun variation is to use different types of bread. While I love a classic hamburger bun, you could also try using hoagie rolls for a more authentic cheesesteak feel, or even slider buns for a party-friendly appetizer.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making these into stuffed peppers? Simply hollow out some bell peppers, fill them with the cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Time to Get Cooking!

I truly believe that this Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Did your family love it as much as mine does? Share your photos on social media and tag me so I can see your creations! I love seeing your take on my recipes. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy every single bite of these delicious sloppy joes!