This recipe brings together the iconic flavors of a Philly cheese steak and the comforting goodness of a sloppy joe. Imagine juicy, well-seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a generous amount of melty Provolone cheese, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day celebrations, or any time you crave a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make, even on a busy day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a time-saver for weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, flavorful sandwiches.
Comfort Food Bliss: Combines the rich, savory flavors of a Philly cheese steak with the classic appeal of a sloppy joe.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: Make the beef mixture ahead of time and simply reheat and serve!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef – Opt for 90% lean to minimize excess grease.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor to the sautéed vegetables.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced – Brings a sweet and savory flavor base.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced – Adds a touch of color and a mild, sweet bite.
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced – Enhances the umami flavor profile of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – Provides a hint of sweetness and tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt – To season the beef and vegetables perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper – For a little heat and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to the right consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth – Creates a flavorful, savory sauce to coat the beef.
- 8 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6oz if you prefer less cheese) – Melts beautifully, offering a creamy, gooey texture.
- 6 brioche hamburger buns – Light, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding the delicious filling.
Ingredient Tips
Choosing the Beef: Use lean ground beef (90% lean) to reduce excess fat and keep the filling juicy and flavorful. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Mushrooms: Finely mincing the mushrooms helps them blend seamlessly with the beef, adding a rich umami flavor without overpowering the dish. Feel free to substitute with other varieties like cremini or portobello for a different texture.
Cheese Choices: While Provolone is the classic choice, you can substitute it with Cheddar, Mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese for a different flavor twist.
Brioche Buns: Brioche buns are ideal because of their soft, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor, but any hamburger bun will work well. Toasting them adds a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes to allow a deep crust to form. This step is crucial for developing a rich, beefy flavor.
2. Break Apart and Brown More
Once a crust has formed, break the beef apart using a wooden spoon or spatula and continue cooking until about 50% of the beef has developed a deep brown crust. This should take another 3-4 minutes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the beef from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, then add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. This step adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
4. Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, along with the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Thicken the Mixture
Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. The goal is to have about 75% of the beef mixture above the liquid, ensuring a thick, hearty consistency.
6. Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the chopped Provolone cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined. If you prefer a less cheesy version, use only 6 ounces of cheese.
7. Toast the Buns
While the beef mixture is thickening, preheat your broiler or use a skillet to toast the brioche buns until they are golden brown. This step adds a delightful crunch to the sandwich.
8. Assemble and Serve
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes hot, and enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Serve with a side of crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or a light coleslaw to balance the richness of the sandwiches.
Beverages: Pair with a cold beer, a glass of iced tea, or a fizzy soda to complement the savory flavors.
Garnishes: Add sliced pickles, jalapeños, or a dollop of mayonnaise for extra flavor and texture.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers: Keep the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Freezing: The beef mixture freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead. Reheat on the stove and assemble with freshly toasted buns just before serving.
Variations
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef mixture over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap instead of buns.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Final Note
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe is bound to become a family favorite with its rich flavors, creamy cheese, and hearty beef mixture. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adapt it to suit your tastes—after all, cooking is all about making recipes your own!