Tasty Philly Steak Sloppy

My Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes twist takes a regular sandwich and turns it into an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that packs all those tasty flavors without any hassle. My kids beg for this mash-up at least twice monthly because it hits that sweet spot between cheesy and meaty goodness with way less work than traditional versions.

I came up with this dish during one crazy basketball season when we needed quick meals between games and practices. What began as just a time-saving fix has turned into one of our top requested dinners, especially when the weather turns cold and we want something warm and filling.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Go for 85/15 fat content for the right mix of juicy taste without swimming in grease
• Butter: Brings a touch of richness and helps brown the veggies nicely
• Yellow onion: Gives that sweet taste true to Philly style; grab ones that aren't soft anywhere
• Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and classic flavor; pick ones that seem heavy in your hand
• Brown mushrooms: Bring that meaty, earthy kick; tiny ones usually pack more flavor
• Ketchup: Adds zip and subtle sweetness; try to use brands without fake sweeteners
• Worcestershire sauce: Gives that can't-quite-place-it depth; aged versions taste noticeably better
• Cornstarch: Makes everything stick together just right without turning pasty
• Beef broth: Forms the tasty base; homemade rocks but boxes from the store work fine
• Provolone cheese: True to Philly tradition and melts like a dream; fresh-cut from the deli beats pre-packaged
• Brioche hamburger buns: Their slight sweetness and soft texture make the perfect home for this messy filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting That Beefy Taste:

Get your big cast iron pan really hot over medium high heat. Toss in your ground beef and let it sit untouched until you see dark brown spots forming. This first sear is key for big flavor. Keep cooking until roughly half the meat has that rich brown color, which gives you that true steak-like taste.

Prepping Your Veggies:

Take out the beef but keep any fat in the pan. Drop in some butter with your chopped onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Don't touch them for about 1-2 minutes so they can get those tasty brown bits. Then give them a stir and let them cook another minute or two. This slight char makes them taste like they came off a real Philly grill.

Mixing Up The Sauce:

Put the beef back in with all those veggies. Mix your beef broth and cornstarch in a small cup until it looks smooth. Pour this into your pan along with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Mix everything well. This wet mixture turns plain meat into proper sloppy joes that'll drip down your chin.

Getting It Just Right:

Let everything bubble until it looks thicker, usually 3-5 minutes. You want most moisture to cook off but still keep enough sauce to make it good and messy. When you drag a spoon through, the mix should coat it but still be loose enough to be properly sloppy.

Making It Cheesy:

Cut the heat completely before throwing in your chopped Provolone. Stir it through the hot mixture until it disappears into gooey goodness that hugs every bit of meat and veggies. The leftover heat melts the cheese perfectly without making it tough or stringy.

Putting It All Together:

Give your brioche buns a quick toast so they don't fall apart. Scoop plenty of your Philly mixture onto the bottom halves, letting some spill over for that true sloppy joe look. Cap with the top bun and serve right away while the cheese still stretches when pulled apart.

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The tiny chopped mushrooms are my sneaky trick here. They don't just add amazing flavor but they stretch the meat while keeping everything moist and tasty. My boy swears he hates mushrooms but gobbles this up without spotting them. When they're cut super small, they blend right into the beef while making everything taste meatier.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This stuff actually tastes even better the day after you make it. Keep the meat mix away from the buns in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When warming it back up, throw in a little splash of beef broth to keep it juicy, and heat it slowly on medium-low just until warm. Add fresh cheese while reheating for the best gooey results.

Customization Ideas

While this dish nails that genuine Philly taste, you can easily switch things up your way. Try swapping green peppers for red ones if you want something sweeter, use white mushrooms if that's what you've got, or play with different cheeses like American or even Cheez Whiz for that South Philly street food vibe.

Serving Suggestions

These sloppy joes go great with oven fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad for some balance. The sandwiches themselves fill you up pretty well on their own, but adding a pickle and some cherry tomatoes on the side makes your plate look more complete and adds some fresh crunch.

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This meal has become a regular at our dinner table, giving us tasty, filling food without much fuss or cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. Ground pork works too, but it'll taste a bit different. If you're going meat-free, try Beyond or Impossible products. Just remember cooking times might change depending on what you pick.

→ What can I use instead of provolone cheese?

Though provolone gives you that real Philly cheese steak taste, American cheese, white cheddar, mozzarella or even Cheez Whiz can work for that classic Philly feel. Swiss or Gruyère also go great with the meat and veggie mix. Just make sure to pick a cheese that'll melt smoothly.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the meat and veggie mix up to 2 days early and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you're ready to eat, warm it up in a pan over medium heat, then add your cheese and stir until it melts. Toast your buns right before serving so they stay crispy against the soft filling.

→ What sides pair well with these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?

Go with french fries, potato chips, or onion rings for that sandwich shop feel. If you want healthier choices, try a simple green salad, some roasted veggies, or coleslaw. Adding pickle spears on the side gives a nice sour crunch that cuts through the rich sandwich flavors.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To kick up the heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or chopped hot peppers with your veggies. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes or dash some hot sauce while cooking. Another way is using pepper jack cheese instead of or along with the provolone. Serve hot giardiniera or cherry peppers on the side for folks who like it extra spicy.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

The meat mix freezes great without the buns. Let it cool all the way, then put it in freezer containers or heavy freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in your fridge overnight and warm up in a pan, adding a splash of beef broth if it looks dry. Add fresh cheese while reheating for the best texture.