Sloppy Joe Cheesesteaks

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 0.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 yellow onion (Diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (Diced)
• 2.5 slices American cheese (Source specifies 2–3 slices; use enough to melt through the beef mixture)
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 4 hoagie rolls (Toasted)
• neutral cooking oil (Use enough to lightly coat the pan)

Steps

1. 1

   Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl so the seasoning is ready to add evenly.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to lightly coat the cooking surface and let it become hot and shimmering.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Press it down into a relatively thin, flat layer with a spatula and leave it undisturbed briefly so it develops browned, charred contact with the pan.

4. 4

   Break the beef apart and continue cooking until it is mostly browned, with only a small amount of pink remaining. Drain excess fat if the pan is overly greasy, while retaining enough fat to cook the vegetables.

5. 5

   Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the beef. Stir and toss until the seasoning is evenly distributed and fragrant.

6. 6

   Add the tomato paste and mix it thoroughly into the beef. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until the paste darkens slightly and coats the meat.

7. 7

   Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then simmer briefly until the mixture is moist and saucy rather than watery.

8. 8

   Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some texture.

9. 9

   Add the American cheese slices to the skillet. Stir and fold the mixture until the cheese melts completely and binds the beef, vegetables, and sauce together.

10. 10

    While the beef mixture cooks, split the hoagie rolls and toast them cut-side down in a separate skillet, on a griddle, or under a broiler until warm and lightly crisped. Watch closely so they do not burn.

11. 11

    Divide the cheesy sloppy-joe mixture into four portions in the pan or on the griddle. Place one slice of provolone over each portion and let it melt.

12. 12

    Place a toasted hoagie roll over each melted provolone-topped portion, then use a spatula to scoop the filling into the roll. Serve immediately while the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is melted.

Notes

The transcript indicates that the beef should be pressed flat to develop a good char, the vegetables cook briefly for about 1–2 minutes, and the filling is divided into portions before topping with provolone. The amount of American cheese is listed as 2–3 slices; 2½ slices is used here as an estimate.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• sandwich
• American
• beef
• cheesy
• quick meal
• skillet
• takeout-style