Philly Twist: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Nostalgic Appeal

These Sloppy Joes take me back to childhood cookouts and those fun-filled moments enjoying a messy and delicious sandwich. But with the addition of Philly cheesesteak elements, this recipe elevates the classic Sloppy Joe to a whole new level. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made Sloppy Joe sauce or try to recreate this dish with convenience items, there’s something truly special about making these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of browning the beef, sautéing the vegetables, and creating the cheesy sauce is a fun and rewarding experience.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized vegetables. The ground beef is browned to perfection, adding a depth of flavor. The onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are sautéed until tender and slightly caramelized, providing a sweetness and texture that complements the beef. The provolone cheese adds a creamy and cheesy element that brings everything together.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these Sloppy Joes so special! We start with [describe the beef: lean ground beef, browned to perfection for a rich and savory flavor]. Then comes the [describe the vegetables: diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms, sautéed until tender and slightly caramelized for a touch of sweetness and texture]. We also incorporate [describe the sauce ingredients: ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and beef broth, creating a thick and flavorful sauce that coats the beef and vegetables]. And finally, the star of the show is the [describe the cheese: chopped provolone cheese, melted until gooey and cheesy, adding a creamy and satisfying finish].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a large cast iron skillet for browning the beef and vegetables, a small cup for whisking the cornstarch and beef broth, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 ounces provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6 oz if you prefer it less cheesy)
• 6 brioche hamburger buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it develops a deep brown crust on the bottom before breaking it apart. Continue cooking until about 50% of the beef has a rich crust.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the beef from the skillet, leaving behind any rendered fat. Add the butter to the skillet along with the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced mushrooms. Allow the vegetables to brown for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Then, give them a good stir and let them brown for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Let the mixture cook until it thickens and becomes slightly less liquidy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Melt the Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped provolone cheese until it’s perfectly melted and gooey.
6. Assemble and Serve: Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture piled high on toasted brioche buns.

Troubleshooting

• Sloppy Joes are too dry: Add a bit more beef broth to the mixture while cooking.
• Sloppy Joes are too runny: Cook the mixture for a longer time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a bit more cornstarch to thicken it.
• Cheese is not melting: Make sure the heat is turned off before adding the cheese to prevent it from burning. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken.
• Add different vegetables, such as sliced peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a side of potato chips, french fries, or a simple salad. They’re perfect for a casual get-together, a fun family dinner, or any time you want a comforting and flavorful meal.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one Sloppy Joe. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 500-600
• Fat: Approximately 30-35g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 100-120mg
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sugar: Approximately 10-12g
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of cheese), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can cook the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it and melt the cheese when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: Yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Q: Can I use a different type of bun?

A: While brioche buns are recommended for their soft and slightly sweet flavor, you can use any type of bun you prefer, such as hamburger buns or hoagie rolls.