Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (omit pork)
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Pork-Free)
If you love the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but crave something quicker, messier, and even more satisfying, then Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are exactly what you’ve been searching for. This innovative twist on two American comfort food classics combines the savory richness of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, sautéed bell peppers, and melty cheese, all nestled in a soft hamburger bun—but with the juicy, hearty convenience of a Sloppy Joe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or lunch prep, this pork-free version delivers all the flavor without compromising on heartiness or tradition.
The History
The origins of this dish lie in the fusion of two iconic American meals: the Philadelphia cheesesteak and the Sloppy Joe. The Philly cheesesteak traces its roots back to 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, reportedly substituted beef for hot dogs and served it on a roll—sparking what would become a national favorite. Over time, additions like onions, peppers, and cheese (especially Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American) became standard.
Meanwhile, the Sloppy Joe emerged in the early 20th century as a loose meat sandwich, typically made with ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce. Though its exact origin is debated—with claims from Iowa, South Dakota, and even Cuba—the name “Sloppy Joe” stuck due to its messy, saucy nature.
Fast forward to the 21st century, home cooks and culinary innovators began merging these two beloved dishes. The result? Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—a hybrid that captures the essence of both sandwiches. By replacing the traditional tomato-based Sloppy Joe sauce with a cheesesteak-inspired filling of steak strips, vegetables, and gooey cheese, this recipe offers a richer, juicier, and deeply flavorful alternative. And by omitting pork, it becomes accessible to more dietary preferences while still delivering that unmistakable umami punch.
Ingredients Breakdown
Every great dish starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into making a delicious, pork-free Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe:
- Thinly Sliced Beef: Traditionally, ribeye is used for authentic Philly cheesesteaks because of its marbling and tenderness. You can also use top sirloin or flank steak if ribeye isn’t available. Pre-sliced “shaved” beef from the deli section works well too.
- Onions: Yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness when caramelized. They add depth and balance to the savory beef.
- Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers are classic, but adding red or yellow peppers boosts both flavor and color. For extra sweetness, roast them first or sauté slowly.
- Mushrooms (optional):strong>
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall aroma and taste, providing a subtle sharpness that complements the beef.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil is ideal for high-heat searing, while butter adds richness during the final sauté—some recipes use a combination of both.
- Beef Broth or Au Jus: Adds moisture and intensifies flavor. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt content.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A key umami booster. It deepens the savory profile without overpowering the dish.
- Tomato Paste (small amount): Used not to make it “tomato-y,” but to add body and slight acidity to the mixture, helping it cling better to the bread.
- Cheese: Provolone is most authentic, but Cheez Whiz gives that nostalgic diner-style experience. Mozzarella, American, or pepper jack are excellent alternatives depending on your taste.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft hoagie rolls, kaiser rolls, or brioche buns work best—they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without disintegrating.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Optional Seasonings: A pinch of dried oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika can elevate complexity.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these detailed steps to create mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes that rival any restaurant version—all without using pork.
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice 1 lb of ribeye or sirloin into 1/8-inch strips. Slice 1 large yellow onion and 1–2 bell peppers into thin strips. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Grate or slice your choice of cheese. Have all components ready before cooking begins.
- Preheat Pan: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sear the Beef: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the beef strips to the hot pan. Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate. Do not drain excess juices—they’ll be used later.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add another drizzle of oil if needed, then add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize.
- Add Garlic and Flavor Boosters: Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and a splash of beef broth (about 1/4 cup). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is flavor gold!
- Combine Beef and Veggies: Return the partially cooked beef to the pan. Stir well to combine. Pour in an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth or au jus to create a rich, moist texture. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and coat the ingredients.
- Season: Taste and season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded or sliced cheese over the mixture. Cover the pan briefly (about 1–2 minutes) to help the cheese melt into creamy perfection.
- Toast Buns (Optional): While the cheese melts, lightly toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns in a toaster, oven, or dry skillet for added crunch and structure.
- Assemble: Spoon the cheesy beef and veggie mixture generously onto each bun. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips
- Freezer Hack: Partially freeze the steak for 20–30 minutes before slicing—it makes cutting thin strips much easier.
- Don’t Skip the Fond: Those browned bits left in the pan after searing beef are packed with flavor. Deglaze with broth or water to incorporate them into the sauce.
- Low and Slow for Onions: If you have time, cook onions slowly over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes to achieve deep caramelization and natural sweetness.
- Use Room-Temperature Cheese: Cold cheese takes longer to melt and may clump. Let it sit out for 10 minutes before adding.
- Control Moisture: If the mixture seems too watery, let it simmer a bit longer. If too dry, add a splash more broth.
- Bun Choice Matters: Avoid flimsy buns. Opt for sturdy rolls like hoagies, kaisers, or potato buns that can handle the juicy filling.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and reheat gently on the stove with a little broth to refresh moisture.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable to different tastes, diets, and kitchen inventories. Try these creative twists:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with portobello mushrooms, eggplant slices, or plant-based ground “beef.” Use vegetable broth and vegan cheese for a fully meat-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese also brings heat.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap provolone for cheddar, add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with avocado or sour cream.
- Deli-Style: Stir in a spoonful of giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) for a tangy, crunchy bite reminiscent of Philly sandwich shops.
- Breakfast Twist: Use steak leftovers and serve on English muffins with a fried egg on top.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve the filling over cauliflower rice, inside lettuce wraps, or atop a cloud bread bun.
- Gourmet Touch: Add blue cheese crumbles, sautéed shallots, or truffle oil for an upscale flair.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients (especially Worcestershire and broth) are certified gluten-free. Serve on GF buns or gluten-free flatbread.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are undeniably indulgent, they can be adapted to fit various health goals with mindful modifications.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx. 1 sandwich on kaiser roll):
- Calories: ~550–700 (depending on cheese, cut of beef, and bun)
- Protein: 30–40g (excellent source from lean beef)
- Fat: 25–35g (mostly from beef and cheese; choose lower-fat options to reduce)
- Carbohydrates: 40–50g (primarily from bun and vegetables)
- Fiber: 3–5g (from onions, peppers, and whole grain buns)
- Sodium: 800–1200mg (can be reduced with low-sodium broth and minimal added salt)
Healthier Swaps:
- Use lean cuts like top round or flank steak instead of ribeye.
- Opt for whole wheat or whole grain buns to increase fiber.
- Reduce cheese quantity or use part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat provolone.
- Increase veggies: double the peppers and onions for more nutrients and volume with fewer calories.
- Replace half the beef with mushrooms to lower saturated fat and boost antioxidants.
- Avoid butter and use olive oil or avocado oil for heart-healthy fats.
Dietary Notes:
- Gluten-Free: Use GF buns and verify all sauces are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives (many melt surprisingly well now).
- Keto/Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or portobello caps.
- Halal/Kosher: Use halal-certified beef and kosher-approved ingredients accordingly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye or top sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned (optional for color)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure anchovy-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup provolone, Cheez Whiz, or preferred cheese, shredded or sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 soft hamburger buns or hoagie rolls, split
- Optional: pinch of oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef in batches and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using) over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
- Return beef to the pan. Add remaining broth and stir to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Adjust to taste.
- Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover for 1–2 minutes to melt.
- While cheese melts, lightly toast the buns if desired.
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto each bun. Serve immediately.
FAQ
Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?
Yes, though it changes the texture. Ground beef will give a more traditional Sloppy Joe feel. Brown it well and drain excess fat before proceeding.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Buns are best stored separately.
Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Yes! Freeze the filling (without buns) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the melty cheese and tender beef. Serve with sweet potato fries or apple slices for a balanced meal.
What cheese melts best?
Provolone, American, and Cheez Whiz melt smoothly. Mozzarella works well too. Avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan unless mixed with a melty variety.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear beef and sauté veggies first, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add cheese at the end.
Why is my filling too watery?
You may have added too much liquid or not simmered long enough. Let it reduce uncovered over medium heat until thickened.
Summary
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes blend the juicy, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the hearty, saucy appeal of a Sloppy Joe—no pork required. Packed with tender beef, caramelized veggies, and melted cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Easily customizable for various diets and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, this pork-free version delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss—just pile high and enjoy every messy, delicious bite.
