Gordon Ramsay Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ever stared into your pantry, knowing you want something comforting and familiar, but also something with a kick? Maybe you’re dreaming of a juicy Philly Cheesesteak, or the satisfying mess of a Sloppy Joe. But what if you could have both?
We’re about to dive into a recipe that takes two iconic comfort foods and smashes them together. Think all the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak, but in a saucy, scoopable Sloppy Joe form. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly simple.
This isn’t just any old sloppy joe. We’re giving it a gourmet twist, inspired by the bold flavors often found in a certain famous chef’s kitchen. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. It’s truly a home run for busy evenings or a weekend feast.
This dish brings that classic beefy, cheesy, oniony flavor to a bun in a whole new way. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in. Let’s get cooking!
**What You’ll Need**
Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process smooth. A little prep goes a long way.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1.5 pounds ground beef, 80/20 lean
* 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
* 2 bell peppers (one green, one red), thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 8 slices provolone cheese
* 8 brioche or hoagie buns, split and lightly toasted
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
**Tools for the Job**
Having the right equipment always makes a difference. You won’t need anything fancy here.
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Spatula or wooden spoon
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Small bowl for mixing sauce
* Baking sheet (for toasting buns)
**Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions**
Follow these steps for a delicious meal. Don’t rush it, and enjoy the process.
**Step 1:** Heat the olive oil in your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned.
**Step 2:** Drain off any excess grease from the beef. This keeps the dish from being too oily. Move the beef to one side of the skillet.
**Step 3:** Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the other side of the skillet. Cook them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
**Step 4:** Stir the cooked vegetables into the beef. Add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.
**Step 5:** Pour in the Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices with the meat and veggies.
**Step 6:** In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
**Step 7:** Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken slightly.
**Step 8:** While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, toast your buns. Arrange them on a baking sheet. You can lightly butter them if you like. Toast under a broiler or in a toaster oven until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, they toast quickly.
**Step 9:** Once the sloppy joe mixture is thick and saucy, taste and adjust the salt if needed. Lay the slices of provolone cheese directly over the hot mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.
**Step 10:** Spoon generous amounts of the cheesy sloppy joe mixture onto your toasted buns. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you wish. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious mess!
**Pro Tips for Your Best Batch**
These little tricks can make a big difference. Think of them as a chef’s secret weapons.
1. **Drain the Grease Well:** Ground beef can release a lot of fat. Draining it thoroughly prevents a greasy sloppy joe. A cleaner taste is always better.
2. **Thinly Slice Veggies:** For that authentic Philly Cheesesteak texture, slice your onions and peppers very thin. They’ll cook down faster and blend better with the meat.
3. **Don’t Overcook the Sauce:** Simmer the sauce just until it thickens. If you cook it too long, it might become too dry. You want it saucy enough to be “sloppy.”
4. **Toast Buns Right Before Serving:** Buns can get soggy if toasted too far in advance. Toast them just before assembling for the best texture. A warm, crisp bun holds up well.
5. **Use Quality Cheese:** Provolone is key here. It melts beautifully and has that signature mild, creamy flavor. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
**Mix it Up: Substitutions & Variations**
Feel free to customize this recipe. Cooking is all about making it your own.
* **Cheese Alternatives:** If provolone isn’t your favorite, try mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
* **Different Meats:** Ground turkey or chicken can work for a lighter version. Just remember to add a bit more oil if they are very lean. You could even use thinly sliced steak for a truly authentic Philly feel.
* **Spicier Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices for a little heat. A dash of hot sauce in the finished product also works.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the bell peppers and onions. They add an earthy flavor that complements beef well.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Serve the sloppy joe mixture over gluten-free buns, baked potatoes, or even crisp lettuce cups.
**Planning Ahead: Make-Ahead Tips**
Life gets busy, so planning ahead is smart. This recipe is great for making in advance.
The sloppy joe mixture can be made a day or two ahead of time. Simply cook it as directed. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up. Then toast your buns and assemble as usual. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
**The Full Picture: Nutritional Info & More**
Understanding your food helps you make good choices. Here’s a quick overview.
| Item | Details |
| :——————- | :————————————————— |
| **Nutritional Info** | Approx. 450-550 calories per serving (without bun) |
| | High in protein, iron. Can be high in sodium and fat |
| **Dietary Swaps** | **Lower Fat:** Use lean ground turkey. |
| | **Lower Carb:** Serve in lettuce wraps. |
| | **Dairy-Free:** Skip cheese, use dairy-free slices. |
| **Meal Pairings** | Crispy fries, a fresh green salad, coleslaw, pickles |
| **Time Efficiency** | Prep veggies ahead of time. Cook meat while veggies |
| | sauté. Sauce simmers quickly. Dinner in under 45 |
| | minutes. |
**Don’t Waste a Bite: Leftovers & Storage**
Having delicious leftovers is always a win. Store them correctly to enjoy later.
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the cooked mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little broth if it seems too dry. Always store the sloppy joe mixture separately from the buns to prevent sogginess.
**Burning Questions: FAQ**
Let’s answer some common questions you might have about this recipe.
**Q1.** Can I use a different type of ground meat?
**Ans:** Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can work. Adjust cooking time slightly and add a bit more oil if the meat is very lean.
**Q2.** What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
**Ans:** Mozzarella, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack are good alternatives. You want a cheese that melts well and complements the savory flavors.
**Q3.** How can I make this spicier?
**Ans:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Chopped jalapeños can also be added with the bell peppers.
**Q4.** Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?
**Ans:** Yes, you can slice the onions and bell peppers a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
**Q5.** My sloppy joe mixture is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
**Ans:** If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
**Wrapping Up**
So there you have it: a unique take on a classic that brings big flavors to your table. This Gordon Ramsay-inspired Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, a family dinner, or simply when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The blend of tender beef, sweet peppers, savory onions, and melted provolone on a toasted bun is pure comfort food bliss.
Give this recipe a try this week. It’s simpler than you think and delivers on flavor every time. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions you have. Happy cooking, and enjoy every messy bite!
