I work full-time so am exhausted when I come home. This recipe was a game changer for dinner!

There's a delightful fusion dish that has been making waves in the comfort food scene: Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This dish cleverly combines two beloved American classics—the irresistibly meaty Philly Cheesesteak from the streets of Philadelphia and the nostalgia-laden Sloppy Joe. As an experienced cook who has seen numerous recipes evolve, I appreciate how this innovative hybrid captures the quintessential flavors of the sautéed beef and onions, smothered in a rich, tangy-sweet sauce, then topped off with melty cheese. It's a concoction made for those days when you're craving a hearty meal to warm you from the inside out. Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes also offer an excellent opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, all the while serving up a casual meal that's both satisfying and unpretentious.

When thinking about what to plate alongside your Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, consider balance and texture. Classic options such as a crisp, green salad or a tangy coleslaw cut through the richness of the meat-and-cheese blend while providing a fresh contrast. For something heartier, reach for oven-baked sweet potato fries or a heaping side of garlic-roasted vegetables. If you're in the mood for a full-on comfort meal, you can't go wrong with a dish of creamy macaroni and cheese.

Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Servings: 4

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, crumbling it with a spatula, and cook until it's nicely browned.

2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened—about 5 minutes.

3. Push the beef and vegetables to one side of the skillet, and in the cleared space, add the tomato paste. Let it cook briefly to deepen its flavor, stirring constantly—about 1 minute.

4. Stir together the tomato paste with the beef mixture before pouring in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens slightly—about 5 minutes.

6. Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of your toasted buns. Top each with a generous slice or sprinkle of provolone cheese.

7. Place under a broiler for a minute or two—watching closely—until the cheese is melted to perfection.

8. Cap with the top halves of the buns, and your Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are ready to serve.

- Feeling adventurous? Swap out the provolone with a sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda for a different cheesy twist.
- Add a crunch by garnishing with pickled jalapeños or banana peppers.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian take on this dish.
- Leftover mixture makes for a fabulous topping over a bed of fresh greens or tucked into a warm pita.
- To pack an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.