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This comforting spin flips the iconic Philly cheesesteak into a sloppy joe mashup. All those familiar flavors come together way faster for an easy weeknight solution that satisfies big cravings.
This came together during one especially nuts sports stretch when dinner needed to be filling, speedy, and ready to reheat. It quickly turned into a household regular, now demanded for every game night at least twice monthly.
Tasty Ingredients
- 4 hamburger buns. Brioche adds a lightly sweet bite to offset the savory filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Mozzarella melts super smooth, while provolone keeps things classic
- 1/2 cup water. Keeps everything saucy but not soggy
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder. You get a soft garlic backdrop with no sharp bite
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Gives that rich, steakhouse beef hit
- 3 tablespoons ketchup. Brings a gentle sweetness and tomato kick minus an overly wet mess
- 2 ounces cream cheese. The magic ingredient for lush, tangy creaminess
- Black pepper to taste. A hint gives a tiny kick and rounds things out
- Salt to taste. Pulls the whole dish together
- 2 pounds ground beef. Best with an 80/20 blend—not too fatty, not too dry
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil. Ideal for cranking the heat and getting your veggies cooking quick
- 1 white onion finely chopped. Helps deliver that unmistakable Philly backbone—pick a firm one with no squishy spots
- 1 orange bell pepper finely chopped. Sweetness and that pop of color
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped. Sweetens things further and looks great in the mix
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped. Brings in a little bitterness to balance it all
Mouthwatering How-To
- Sandwich Time
- Toast your buns till lightly golden. Spoon on the steaming cheesesteak filling so it spills a little over the edges. Want it extra cheesy? Hit it with more shredded cheese right on top, then close it up and chow down while everything's still piping hot.
- Cheesiness Unleashed
- Sprinkle shredded cheese all over the skillet, turn off the burner, and gently stir until the whole mess turns creamy and sticks together. Need more salt or black pepper? Adjust before moving on.
- Blend the Cheese Sauce
- Add the cream cheese chunk, let it start melting, and add in ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and water. Stir it up till silky and everything looks homogenous. Let it bubble slowly just a few minutes till it thickens up.
- Browning the Beef
- Toss in your beef to the hot skillet—don’t clean out the veggie bits! Smash into crumbles, hit it with salt and pepper, and let it cook till you see some crispy edges and no more pink, about seven-ish minutes. Mop up extra fat, but keep a spoonful in for flavor.
- Peppers and Onion Parade
- Heat oil in your largest pan until hot but not smoky. Toss in all the diced peppers and onion. Stir often so nothing burns. After about five or six minutes, once they're soft and the onion looks glassy, pull them out and set aside—they add that true Philly heart.
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Honestly, cream cheese is the secret MVP here. Ran out of American cheese slices and tossed it in one night—it worked. Now it gives everything extra silkiness and a bit of fresh tang, and the filling never falls apart.
Meal Prep Ideas
This filling holds up great in the fridge, perfect for planning meals ahead. Finish the dish, let it cool, then store up to three days. Just zap however much you want in the microwave, stirring once for even heating. Toast new buns at serving time so they’re not mushy from storing sandwiches fully assembled.
Change it Up
Make it yours! Mushrooms are awesome—slice and fry them with the peppers. Want more heat? Dice up a jalapeño or splash on your favorite hot sauce. Provolone nails that Philly flavor, but most melty cheeses work here. If you're after a lighter bite, ground turkey plus light cream cheese totally do the trick.
Best Ways to Serve
This sloppy joe goes great with crunchy potato chips, crispy fries, or a simple green salad with tart vinaigrette to keep things fresh. Want those diner vibes? Don’t forget the dill pickles. When it’s summer, grilled corn is a great match. If you're entertaining, lay out a toppings bar—more cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and pickled peppers make it a hit.
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Common Queries
- → Could I try another type of ground meat?
Definitely! Switch out ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options to match your preferences or diet needs.
- → What kind of cheese melts best?
Go for provolone or mozzarella to get that perfect stretch, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your personal favorite will work just fine, too.
- → What if the mixture is too watery?
Cook it a while longer to evaporate extra liquid, or mix in a bit of cornstarch slurry to help it thicken faster.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
Sure thing! Make the filling, cool it completely, and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Heat it up in a pan or microwave before serving.
- → What sides work well with this dish?
It pairs great with crunchy coleslaw, a green salad, or even crispy roasted potatoes for a filling meal.
- → Is there a gluten-free alternative?
Use gluten-free buns or swap the bread for lettuce wraps to create a tasty low-carb option.