Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes perfectly blend two classic American comfort foods: the iconic Philly cheesesteak and the beloved sloppy Joe. This delicious fusion dish combines the savory flavors of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables with the hearty, saucy goodness of sloppy Joes. The result is a mouthwatering sandwich that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, from the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
What Are Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a creative twist on two traditional dishes. The Philly cheesesteak, a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s, is known for its tender, thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, typically served on a hoagie roll. On the other hand, sloppy Joes are a staple of American cuisine, featuring ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce and served on hamburger buns.
By combining the best elements of both dishes, Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes offer a unique culinary experience that is flavorful, messy, and utterly satisfying. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game-day feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors appeals to kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
To make the best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential to the dish.
Essential Ingredients List
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the sloppy Joe mixture. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Onions and Bell Peppers: These vegetables add sweetness and a slight crunch, complementing the beef and cheese.
- Garlic: Provides a depth of flavor that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
- Beef Broth: Adds richness and helps create the saucy texture typical of sloppy Joes.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-rich condiment deepens the flavor profile, making the beef mixture more savory.
- Ketchup and Tomato Paste: These ingredients give the sloppy Joe its characteristic tangy sweetness.
- Provolone Cheese: The traditional cheese choice for a Philly cheesesteak, offering a mild, creamy flavor that melts beautifully.
- Hoagie Rolls or Hamburger Buns: Choose a sturdy roll that can hold up to the saucy filling without becoming too soggy.
Choosing the Best Ground Beef for Sloppy Joes
For this recipe, 80/20 ground beef (which means 80% lean meat and 20% fat) is the best choice. The fat content ensures the beef remains juicy and flavorful, even after cooking. If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 can work, but you may need to add more fat (like butter or oil) to keep the meat from drying out.
The Perfect Cheese: Provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American?
Due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, provolone cheese is the most common choice for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. However, if you want to recreate the authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, Cheez Whiz is a popular alternative, especially if you prefer a creamier texture. American cheese is another option, offering a similar melt and flavor profile to Provolone, but with a bit more saltiness.
Additional Toppings: Onions, Bell Peppers, and More
While onions and bell peppers are the traditional toppings, you can customize your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with a variety of other ingredients:
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef and cheese.
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños to the mix.
- Pickles: A few pickle slices can add a nice tangy contrast to the rich beef and cheese.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create the perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.
Preparing the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure an even texture. Drain any excess fat from the skillet once the beef is browned and cooked through. This step is crucial to prevent the final dish from becoming too greasy.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Add a bit of oil if necessary in the same skillet, then sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This process typically takes about 5 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but not overly caramelized, as you want them to retain some texture in the final dish.
Combining Beef and Vegetables: Getting the Perfect Consistency
Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Melting the Cheese: How to Achieve the Gooey Texture
You have a couple of options for incorporating the cheese. You can stir shredded Provolone directly into the beef mixture until it melts, or you can place cheese slices over the top of the mixture, cover the skillet, and let it melt into a gooey layer. For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience, try using Cheez Whiz or American cheese instead.
Toasting the Buns: Buttered, Grilled, or Fresh?
Preast your hoagie rolls or hamburger buns for the best texture before assembling the sandwiches. You can butter the insides and toast them on a griddle until golden brown, or you can place them under the broiler for a minute or two. Toasting the buns helps them hold up better against the saucy filling and adds a pleasant crunch.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe
Making Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes is straightforward, but these tips and tricks will help elevate the dish to the next level.
How to Make Them Ahead of Time
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the beef mixture two days before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Then, toast your buns and assemble the sandwiches as usual.
Freezing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they freeze well. Allow the beef mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too thick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use lentils or finely chopped mushrooms as a meat substitute.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the buns and serve the beef mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or serve the mixture over a baked potato for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile and pair well with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal.
The Best Sides to Serve with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
- French Fries: Classic, crispy fries are a natural pairing with this dish.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the rich, savory flavors of the sloppy Joes.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds a cool, comforting element to the meal.
- Green Salad: For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed in a vinaigrette.
Beverage Pairings: What to Drink with Sloppy Joes
Pair your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with beverages that complement their rich, savory flavors. A cold beer works wonderfully, such as a pale ale or lager. For non-alcoholic options, consider a fizzy soda or a glass of iced tea.
Creative Ways to Serve Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, get creative with how you use them:
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the beef mixture, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the sloppy Joe mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Sloppy Joe Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with the beef mixture, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sloppy Joes are believed to be named after a cook named Joe in a Sioux City, Iowa diner who added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches, making them “sloppy.” The name reflects the messy nature of the sandwich.
Sloppy Joe meat is typically made of ground beef, cooked with a sauce that includes tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and various spices.
A Philly steak sandwich is made of thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked on a griddle and served on a hoagie roll. It’s often topped with onions, peppers, and cheese.
The terms “cheese steak” and “Philly cheesesteak” are often used interchangeably, but a true Philly cheesesteak traditionally uses only ribeye steak, Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese, along with onions. A generic cheese steak may vary in ingredients or preparation.
Nutritional Information
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are hearty and flavorful, but it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content, especially if you’re watching your intake.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Adjusting the Recipe for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and double-check that all sauces and condiments are gluten-free.
- Reducing Sodium: Opt for low-sodium beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and be mindful of the cheese you choose.
- Lowering Fat Content: Use leaner ground beef or substitute ground turkey to reduce the overall fat content.
Conclusion
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a delightful, indulgent meal that combines the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak or love the simplicity of sloppy Joes, this fusion dish will surely become a favorite in your household. With its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and tender beef, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist.
Try this recipe the next time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and serving styles. Share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a comment letting us know how it turned out for you!