Description
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the casual comfort of sloppy joes. Ground beef is seared to develop rich flavor, combined with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then simmered in a tangy, savory sauce with Velveeta cheese for creamy richness. Served on toasted ciabatta rolls with melted provolone cheese, this hearty sandwich is a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, stems & seeds removed, diced
- ½ pound brown mushrooms, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2-4 tablespoons Velveeta cheese
- 4-8 slices Provolone cheese (depending on how cheesy you want)
- 6 ciabatta rolls
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, place the ground beef and allow it to sear until a dark brown crust forms. Stir and continue cooking until about 50% of the beef is browned. Then, strain the beef using a strainer placed over a large heat-resistant bowl and set the beef aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add two tablespoons of the reserved beef fat and butter to the skillet. Add diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stir, then continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine.
- Prepare thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth until smooth.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour the cornstarch-beef broth mixture, along with cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well.
- Simmer to thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Toast buns: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil. Butter the insides of the ciabatta rolls and place them buttered side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil until golden brown, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Incorporate Velveeta cheese: Once the beef mixture has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare sandwiches: Remove the top halves of the buns from the baking sheet. Place a generous scoop of the meat mixture onto each bottom bun and top with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Melt provolone cheese: Return the open-faced sandwiches to the broiler and broil just until the provolone cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer sandwiches to a cooling rack to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble and serve: Place the top buns on the sandwiches and serve immediately while hot.
- Enjoy: Dive into these cheesy, savory Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef provides flavorful fat content that helps develop the crust and rich taste.
- Broiling the buns and cheese ensures a crisp texture and melty cheese topping that mimics Philly cheesesteaks.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder sandwich.
- Velveeta cheese adds creamy texture and gooeyness essential for sloppy joe style but can be substituted with processed cheese of choice.
- Ciabatta rolls hold up well to the saucy filling and provide a sturdy bite.
- Straining the beef after browning removes excess fat, preventing the sandwich from becoming greasy.
