Cornstarch: Is needed to thicken the sauce so its luxuriously rich instead of watery.
Worcestershire sauce: This is a flavor bomb all packed into one bottle. Use 2 tablespoons to deepen the Sloppy Joe filling with its intense umami flavor from the soy mingled with sour from tamarind and vinegar, sweetness from molasses and sugar, and dimension from the cloves, celery seed, and chili pepper extract.
Provolone: A must for this melty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe. Provolone is a favorite for its mild flavor and consistency. You’ll need 6 slices – or go crazy and add more!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is what makes the magic happen. Instead of just melting provolone over the filling, I’ve chosen to add cheddar directly to the filling as well. The cheddar mimics the flavorings of Cheez Whiz while avoiding processed cheeses. Ideally, you’ll want to shred your own cheese because pre-shredded cheeses are coating in anti-clumping chemicals which prevent them from clumping in the package which also inhibits their melting ability.
SLOPPY JOE RECIPE VARIATIONS
Make this recipe your own! Use ground turkey, add veggies, make it spicy, etc. Here are a few ideas:
Use a different protein: Replace the lean ground beef with lean ground turkey or ground chicken. To help it taste nice and beefy, omit the salt and add 2-3 teaspoons additional beef bouillon then add salt to taste. This is my secret in all my turkey recipes like my Turkey Chili and Turkey Tacos.
Use ribeye: This goes back to Philly Cheesesteak roots. Slice the ribeye into thin slices across the grain (it’s easiest to slice if it has been frozen for 30-60 minutes), then slice the other direction so it’s finely chopped. Cook the steak in the skillet separately from the onions and peppers then add it back to the skillet with the sauce ingredients.
Switch up the cheeses: There are many wonderful and melty cheeses that can be used in the filling or topping, even if they aren’t traditional – because Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes aren’t traditional to start with! To the filling you can add more provolone, American, Colby, Cheez Whiz, Gouda, Havarti, pepper Jack, etc. and mozzarella or Swiss to top the filling.
Switch out the Buns for Your Favs: If you’re wanting something besides a brioche hamburger bun, try switching them for pretzel buns (for a little more crunch) or Hawaiian sandwich buns (for a little more sweetness). You can also use any of your favorite hamburger buns or even add them to hoagie rolls.
Don’t use buns! Alternatively, try adding the filling to pitas, wraps, or go low carb with lettuce wraps.
Change the flavor profile: Make them tangier by adding additional Worcestershire sauce or spicier by adding additional red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
Add veggies: You can add any veggies you wish! Mushrooms are commonly added to cheesesteaks (although not Philly cheesesteaks). Zucchini, corn and even sweet potatoes would be tasty.
Make them vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat – both are great options for producing a juicy texture. You could also try substituting the ground beef with an equal amount of plant-based protein such as crumbled firm tofu, lentils, mushrooms, etc.
Make them vegan: Use a ground beef substitute described above and omit the cheese or choose a vegan cheese substitution.
Make them gluten-free: Switch out the brioche hamburger buns with a gluten-free option. Canyon Bakehouse’s gluten-free buns are a great substitute. You’ll also want to double check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten free.
HOW TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES
