Cheesy Philly Sloppy Joes (Printable Version)
Loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and bell peppers on toasted brioche buns for a hearty comfort meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauces & Liquids
06 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 cup beef broth
09 - 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
→ Cheese
14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
15 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Bread
16 - 4 brioche burger buns, split and lightly toasted
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for toasting buns
# Step-by-Step:
01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until just cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onions, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
04 - Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella evenly over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Once fully melted, stir gently to incorporate.
05 - Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter in a separate skillet or under the broiler. Toast the split brioche buns until golden brown on the cut sides.
06 - Spoon the cheesy Philly Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Cap with the top halves and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The two cheese blend creates a stretchy, gooey blanket that makes every bite feel indulgent.
- It takes less than an hour from fridge to table, which is faster than delivery.
- Peppers and onions give it enough vegetable credibility that you do not feel guilty going back for seconds.
02 -
- Do not rush the simmer step, because the sauce needs time to reduce and cling to the meat rather than pooling at the bottom of the bun.
- Covering the skillet when melting cheese is essential since direct heat on the cheese itself will cause it to separate and become greasy.
03 -
- Use a lid from a smaller pot to cover the skillet if yours does not have one, because trapping the steam is what melts the cheese evenly without burning the bottom.
- Let the beef sit undisturbed for a full minute after adding it to the pan before you start breaking it up, and you will get deeper browning and better texture.