• ▢ 1 lb ground beef (Choose a leaner ground beef, like 80/20 or 90/10, for less grease)
• ▢ ½ yellow onion, diced (The cornerstone of any great cheesesteak, providing essential aromatic flavor)
• ▢ 1 green bell pepper, diced (Adds a subtle sweetness and crisp texture, complementing the savory beef)
• ▢ 8 oz white mushroom, diced (Optional, but highly recommended for an added layer of umami depth)
• ▢ 2 tbs ketchup (Provides a touch of tang and sweetness to the sloppy joe sauce)
• ▢ 1.5 tbs Worcestershire sauce (Essential for that deep, savory umami flavor profile)
• ▢ ½ tsp salt
• ▢ 1 cup beef broth (Adds richness and creates the base for our savory sauce)
• ▢ 1 tbs corn starch (Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect sloppy joe consistency)
• ▢ ¼ tsp pepper
• ▢ 6 slices provolone cheese (The classic cheesesteak topping, providing that wonderful melted, mild, and creamy finish)
• ▢ 5 hamburger buns (Toasted for extra texture and to hold the juicy filling)

• To a large skillet, preferably a 12-inch or larger, heat over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break the beef up into small crumbles. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the beef to just start browning. Next, add the diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and diced mushrooms (if using). Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink, and the vegetables have softened to your desired tenderness, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
• Once the ground beef is cooked and the vegetables are tender and fragrant, it’s time to build our savory sloppy joe sauce. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1.5 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the beef and vegetables are coated in the flavorful sauce.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the 1 cup of beef broth with the 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Whisk these two ingredients together vigorously until the corn starch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This mixture is called a cornstarch slurry, and it’s what will thicken our sloppy joe sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Pour the prepared beef broth and cornstarch slurry into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir continuously as you add it to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it simmers, the sauce will begin to thicken quite rapidly, creating that classic sloppy joe texture. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.
• Now for the irresistible cheesy topping! Arrange the 6 slices of provolone cheese evenly over the top of the hot sloppy joe mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s bubbly, perfectly gooey, and completely melted over the entire surface of the sloppy joes. The melted cheese creates a delicious, savory blanket over the filling.
• Optional, but highly recommended for an authentic experience: While the cheese is melting, melt a pat of butter in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place the hamburger buns, cut-side down, into the melted butter and toast them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a wonderful texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
• Carefully remove the lid from the skillet, revealing the perfectly melted cheese. Generously scoop the hot Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal!

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