A playful and satisfying mashup of two American favorites, featuring savory ground beef with traditional cheesesteak flavors served on soft pretzel buns & topped with a creamy, "cheesy" aioli.
This recipe takes the familiar comfort of sloppy joes and infuses it with the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Instead of the traditional sweet and tangy sauce, the ground beef is simmered with onions and peppers in a savory, slightly beefy base reminiscent of the beloved sandwich filling. Served on soft and chewy pretzel buns and topped with a surprisingly "cheesy" aioli, this dish offers a fun and flavorful twist on both classics.
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the "Philly Cheesesteak" Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the "Whiz" Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of turmeric (for color, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 soft pretzel buns, split
- Optional: Sliced provolone cheese
Instructions:
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Prepare the "Philly Cheesesteak" Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
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Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Make the "Whiz" Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and turmeric (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Assemble the Sloppy Joes: If desired, lightly toast the split pretzel buns.
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Spoon a generous amount of the "Philly Cheesesteak" sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each pretzel bun.
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If using, top the filling with a slice of provolone cheese while it's still warm to allow it to melt slightly.
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Spread a spoonful of the "Whiz" aioli on the top half of each pretzel bun.
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Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate - will vary based on bun size and toppings):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This "Philly Cheesesteak" Sloppy Joes recipe offers a fun and flavorful twist on two beloved American classics. The savory ground beef, cooked with the quintessential onions and peppers of a cheesesteak, pairs perfectly with the soft chewiness of the pretzel bun. The "Whiz" aioli, surprisingly cheesy thanks to nutritional yeast, adds a creamy and tangy finish that ties everything together. It's a satisfying and slightly unexpected dish that's perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering.
