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Philly Sloppy Joes

A comforting dish that combines hearty ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can use ground turkey or chicken for lighter options.
  • 1 large Onion Adds sweetness; substitute with shallots for a gourmet twist.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Red, green, or yellow works; use poblano if you like it spicy.
  • 3 cloves Garlic You can also use onion powder for a less pungent taste.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Keeps it juicy; vegetable stock is a great alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Thickens the sauce; arrowroot works too.
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup Essential for tang; you can mix in BBQ sauce for sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami; tamari can work for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Enhances flavor; yellow mustard can substitute if needed.
  • 8 slices Provolone Cheese Adds melty goodness; mozzarella or cheddar can also be used.
  • 4 rolls Hoagie Rolls Use hoagie rolls for authentic taste; any sandwich bread will do.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Split buns and lay them cut side up on a large baking tray. Lightly brush the cut sides with softened butter or mayonnaise for crispier/more flavorful buns. Bake for 5 minutes to toast the buns.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onions, and bell peppers, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk the beef broth, cornstarch, and beef bouillon together until smooth. Add to the meat mixture, followed by ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and all seasonings.
  4. Gently simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Divide the mixture between the bottom toasted buns and top each with a slice of provolone cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
  7. Serve immediately!

Notes

Common mistakes include skipping the toasting step, not allowing enough time for the sauce to thicken, and forgetting to season your filling. Pro tips: mix in additional veggies, use a broiler for extra crust, and make a larger batch for leftovers.