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.
Variations & Tips
– 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.
