Growing up, my family was always a fan of hearty, flavorful dinners. Whether it was the crispy, cheesy layers of a lasagna or the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue ribs, we loved dishes that were both satisfying and packed with flavor. But there was always something particularly special about the Sloppy Joe nights—those evenings where the whole family gathered around the table, indulging in the messy, yet utterly delicious, simplicity of this classic comfort food. And then there were the nights when the craving for a Philly cheesesteak hit, filling the house with the tantalizing aroma of sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese.
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the gooey cheese and savory beef of a Philly cheesesteak, and the satisfying, messy goodness of a Sloppy Joe. It’s a dish that delivers all the flavors you love with a new and exciting twist, perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup beef broth
8 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6 ounces if you prefer less cheese)
6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by adding the lean ground beef to a large cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan. The cast iron skillet is ideal for this dish as it allows for a deep, flavorful crust to develop on the meat. Set the skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the beef without breaking it apart too soon. Allow it to brown deeply before stirring. This process creates a rich, caramelized crust on the beef that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Once the beef has formed a deep brown crust on about 50% of its surface, you can start to break it apart and continue cooking until it’s fully browned.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the browned beef from the skillet, but keep the rendered fat in the pan for added flavor. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced brown mushrooms.
Let the vegetables brown for 1-2 minutes before stirring. Allow them to cook undisturbed for another 1-2 minutes to get a good color on them. The goal is to caramelize the vegetables slightly, which will add depth and sweetness to the final dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Combine Ingredients
Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix well to combine.
In a small cup, mix the beef broth and cornstarch together to create a slurry. This will help thicken the mixture.
Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Pour in the beef broth and cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, with about 75% of the mixture being above liquid and the rest slightly saucy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The cornstarch will help bind everything together, creating a rich and cohesive filling.
4. Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Provolone cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, blending it into the mixture and giving it that creamy, gooey texture that’s so characteristic of a Philly cheesesteak.
5. Prepare the Brioche Buns
While the filling is cooking, toast the brioche buns. You can do this under the broiler or in a toaster oven. For added flavor, you might butter the insides of the buns before toasting them. The sweet, buttery flavor of the brioche complements the savory beef mixture perfectly.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted brioche buns. Serve immediately while the filling is warm and gooey.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Options: While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even pork if you prefer. Each option will bring a different flavor and texture to the dish.
Cheese: Provolone cheese is traditional for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can substitute with other cheeses like American, Swiss, or cheddar if you prefer. For a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra heat. You can also use red bell peppers instead of green for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Buns: While brioche buns are recommended for their softness and slight sweetness, you can use any type of hamburger bun or even a crusty roll if you prefer. For a low-carb option, serve the filling over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap.
Conclusion
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a perfect blend of classic comfort foods, offering a deliciously cheesy and savory twist on the traditional Sloppy Joe. This dish is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that combines the best flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the satisfying messiness of a Sloppy Joe.
The rich, caramelized beef combined with the creamy melted cheese and toasted brioche buns creates a meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner, casual get-together, or game day feast. With its blend of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy the delightful fusion of these two beloved dishes, and share the joy with family and friends.
