Search Recipes & Posts:

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Pretzel Philly Joes w/ "Whiz" Aioli


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:

  1. 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.

  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

  3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: If desired, lightly toast the split pretzel buns.

  7. Spoon a generous amount of the "Philly Cheesesteak" sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each pretzel bun.

  8. If using, top the filling with a slice of provolone cheese while it's still warm to allow it to melt slightly.

  9. Spread a spoonful of the "Whiz" aioli on the top half of each pretzel bun.

  10. 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.

Monthly Recipes & Posts: