Description

Craving a meal that’s as bold as a 4th of July fireworks display and just as easy to love? These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are your perfect pick! Packed with juicy ground beef, colorful bell peppers, creamy cheese, and a tangy sauce, all piled high on toasted hamburger buns, they’re a fun twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak.

Ingredients

Scale

A batch of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes needs simple ingredients for 4 servings (1 cup filling per bun). Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp oil (e.g., vegetable or olive)
- 2 lbs ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Why it matters: Colorful bell peppers and onion mimic a classic cheesesteak; ground beef adds heartiness; cream cheese and shredded cheese create a creamy, melty texture; ketchup and Worcestershire sauce bring tangy Big Mac-like flavor; buns hold it all together.
- Substitutions: Use yellow bell pepper or mushrooms for orange pepper. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat. Use cheddar or American cheese for mozzarella/provolone. Replace cream cheese with mascarpone or omit for a lighter sauce. Use gluten-free buns for dietary needs.
Optional Patriotic Add-Ins (for 4th of July):
- Cherry tomatoes or diced red bell pepper (red) for garnish
- Mozzarella balls or ranch drizzle (white)
- Blue cheese crumbles or blue-dyed mayo dip (blue)
- Red, white, and blue napkins or flag picks
- Why it matters: Creates a festive red, white, and blue presentation for Independence Day.
- Substitutions: Use diced radishes (red) or sour cream (white). Serve with a blueberry salad (blue).

Tip: Chop peppers and onion uniformly for even cooking. Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor but drain excess fat for a less greasy filling. Toast buns lightly for a sturdy base.

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 3 tbsp oil.
Add 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped orange bell pepper, and 1 chopped white onion.
Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Tip: Cook until peppers are soft but still vibrant. Use a large skillet to avoid crowding for even sautéing.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In the same pan, add 2 lbs ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6-8 minutes).
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain excess fat if desired to reduce greasiness.
- Tip: Break beef into small crumbles for a sloppy joe texture. Drain fat for a lighter filling but keep some for flavor.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Return the sautéed peppers and onion to the pan with the beef.
Add 2 oz cream cheese, 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp garlic powder, ½ cup water, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Stir thoroughly and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbling, about 3-5 minutes.
- Tip: Stir until cream cheese melts completely for a smooth sauce. Adjust water (add 1-2 tbsp more) if sauce is too thick.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone over the mixture.
Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly incorporated, about 1 minute.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Stir gently to keep the filling cohesive.

Step 5: Serve

Toast 4 hamburger buns lightly (in a toaster, oven, or skillet) for a sturdy base.
Spoon about 1 cup of the cheesesteak mixture onto each bun bottom.
Optionally, top with extra shredded cheese and garnish with cherry tomatoes (red) and mozzarella balls (white).
Serve with a blue cheese dip for a 4th of July patriotic touch. Add bun tops or serve open-faced.
- Tip: Pile filling generously but avoid overloading to prevent soggy buns. Serve immediately for the best texture.