Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe

This brilliant mash-up combines the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the easy, saucy appeal of a Sloppy Joe. It’s quick, comforting, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean/fat)

• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 8 oz (225g) white or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional, but classic)

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 8 slices provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for authenticity!)

For Serving:

• 4-6 soft burger buns or hoagie rolls, toasted

• Optional toppings: jarred sliced hot or sweet peppers, pickled jalapeños, extra sautéed onions

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef & Veggies:

   • In a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired (leaving about 1 tbsp adds flavor).

   • Push the beef to the sides of the pan. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using) to the center. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender and beginning to caramelize.

   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is flavor!).

   • Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and coats the meat mixture.

   • Season with black pepper and salt. Reduce heat to low.

3. Add the Cheese:

   • Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the hot meat mixture. Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can stir in 1 cup of Cheez Whiz until fully incorporated and creamy.

4. Serve:

   • Spoon the cheesy meat mixture generously onto the toasted buns.

   • Top with extra peppers if desired.

Pro-Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe

• Meat Choice: For a more “steak-like” texture, use shaved ribeye or sirloin (found in the freezer section as “sandwich steaks”) instead of ground beef. Cook quickly over high heat.

• Cheese Debate: Purists use Cheez Whiz. For a gourmet twist, use a mix of provolone and American cheese for maximum meltiness.

• Make it Ahead: The filling (without cheese added) can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently and add the cheese just before serving.

• Toast Those Buns: Toasting is essential to prevent the juicy filling from making the bun soggy too quickly.

Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and satisfying twist on two classic sandwiches!