Pennsylvania Girl

Yes, I am a born and raised Hoosier. I have corn in my blood. But in my heart? I am a Pennsylvania girl. See, my parents were born and raised in the Quaker State, and while I have lived in Indiana all my life, almost my entire family still resides in Pa, and to me, it will always be home.

Memories from my childhood are filled with trips to Pennsylvania. My parents grew up in two very small towns, and I spent many wonderful Christmases celebrating there. We are talking Norman Rockwell paintings. When I close my eyes and think of Christmas, those memories are what come to mind.

And then in the summer time, my mom and I would venture back for a two week vacation. Camping in a state park, bonfires into the late night, trips to different tourist spots...they were a fun filled two weeks.

But for having been traveling to Pennsylvania multiple times per year for over 32 years now, here is my little secret. I have never been to Philadelphia! Where my family is located, it's almost as far to drive to Philly as it is from Indiana to Pennsylvania, so it's never been "on the way" or even close to where we are.

But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good cheesesteak! That's right. The sandwich indicative to Philadelphia is one of my favorites. Tender beef, gooey cheese.....my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And yes, there are two sides to the sandwich debate in the heart of Philly. Some say it's got to have the provolone and others swear by the "whiz"...Cheez Whiz that is. For me...I fall into the first category. I want my cheesesteak topped with provolone and provolone only!

So when I was thinking of my next sloppy Joe creation, I thought why not make a cheesesteak variety; and it was the perfect combination. I love the open faced aspect of these. They are truly a sandwich you need a knife and fork for. The flavors we love from the original are all there, just in a fun new twist. They are a great weeknight sandwich supper, easy and delicious.

I am proud of my Hoosier roots, but everyone who knows me will tell you I have Pennsylvania blood running through my veins, and it will come out at any given time. This time, it showed itself in a yummy new sandwich on my dinner table!

Open Faced Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium white onion, chopped
2 1/2 TBS steak sauce
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 slices provolone cheese, julienned
1/2 TBS dried parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste
Sliced Texas Toast
Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat,  brown beef until almost done. Add peppers, onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until beef is browned and veggies are soft. Add Worcestershire and steak sauce. Stir to combine. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer 10 minutes until meat mixture is coated in sauce. In a small bowl, combine cheese and parsley. Toss with finger tips. Butter both sides of Texas Toast slices. In another skillet over medium heat, toast on each side until crisp. To serve, spoon meat mixture over toast slices and top with cheese mixture.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals June 3, 2013
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box June 4, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain June 5, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage June 6, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook June 7, 2013

Sandwich at Very Good Recipes
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