If you want all the flavor and comfort of a classic Philly cheesesteak but crave the saucy nostalgia of a Sloppy Joe, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are about to become your new dinnertime hero. Imagine savory ground beef mingled with caramelized peppers and onions, all bound together with melty provolone, then spooned onto toasted buns for a sandwich that’s equal parts oozy, cheesy, and irresistible. This dish packs all the big-city excitement and weeknight simplicity you need for a meal that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients can capture the unbeatable flavor of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Each component serves a purpose, bringing the classic taste to life and ensuring every bite is savory, cheesy, and full of texture.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for juicy flavor and the familiar richness of traditional cheesesteak.
- Olive Oil: Use it to sauté the veggies and add a subtle boost of richness.
- Green Bell Pepper: Classic Philly flavor and a pop of color right in every bite.
- Onion: Gives sweetness and an essential aromatic base.
- Garlic: Brings zingy undertones that deepen the savoriness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash transforms the beef with a punch of umami.
- Salt: Seasons the mixture just right and intensifies all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness.
- Ketchup: Adds a little tang and a touch of sweetness to the filling.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a thick, luscious sauce that clings to every morsel.
- Beef Broth: Deepens the overall flavor and helps the filling stay juicy without being runny.
- Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you that oozy, classic cheesesteak finish (shredded or sliced both work!).
- Hamburger Buns: Toast them for structure and extra flavor—they hold up to all that saucy goodness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start off by heating that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper. You’ll want to sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and smelling amazing—this is the aromatic backbone of every great Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, using your spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown fully, and if your beef renders a lot of fat, just drain off the excess for a leaner sandwich. Getting the meat thoroughly browned gives your filling a rich, hearty flavor that stands up to all the melty cheese that’s coming.
Step 3: Season and Build Flavor
With your beef browned, stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another minute or so, so the garlic isn’t raw and the condiments blend into the beef, infusing it with punchy, savory flavor and a gentle tang.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until smooth—no lumps, please! Now pour this mixture into your skillet. Bring everything up to a simmer and let it bubble for about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken, transforming your filling into the perfect saucy-yet-spoonable consistency that defines these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and add your provolone cheese right into the hot beef mixture. Whether you’re using slices or shredded, it will melt quickly and bind everything together with irresistible cheesiness. Stir until it’s totally smooth and gooey—this is the signature finish that makes these sloppy joes so craveable.
Step 6: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While your filling is cheesy and hot, toast your hamburger buns for a golden, crispy edge. Spoon a generous heap of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bun, making sure to get plenty of veggies and melty cheese in every serving. Serve immediately so the cheese stays perfectly melted.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
Garnish your sandwiches with some extra provolone, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or—even better—a dollop of sautéed mushrooms if you love a little twist. A few pickled jalapeno slices can also add zing and color if you like a spicy kick!
Side Dishes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair beautifully with crispy oven fries, tangy coleslaw, or a simple leafy salad. Potato chips and dill pickle spears are never out of place on this plate, and a cold, bubbly soda or iced tea rounds it all out for a true diner-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your sloppy joes open-faced on toasted sourdough or over baked potatoes for an even heartier twist. Mini brioche buns turn them into fun party sliders. You can even pile the filling onto a toasted hoagie roll and broil for an ultra-melty, Philly-meets-sloppy-joe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the filling and buns separate so the bread stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy before you’re ready to enjoy the next round.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the filling, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the filling into a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Just wait to toast your fresh bun until you’re serving!
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While provolone is classic and melts beautifully, feel free to try mozzarella, white American, or even cheddar for a twist. Each cheese brings its own vibe to your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Do these work with ground chicken or turkey?
Yes! Lean ground chicken or turkey makes a fantastic swap for ground beef. You may want to add a splash of extra olive oil since they’re leaner, but all the classic flavors shine through just as well.
How can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes spicier?
For extra heat, toss in a chopped jalapeno with the peppers and onions, or add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Pepper jack cheese is another spicy upgrade that melts nicely.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Simply serve the filling over gluten-free buns, baked potatoes, or even as a cheesy topping for rice or roasted veggies. Be sure to use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check your broth if necessary.
Can I prep the filling ahead of time for parties?
Definitely! Prepare the filling the day before and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving and set out toasted buns for an easy, assemble-as-you-eat buffet—perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about the comfort and fun that Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring to the dinner table. They’re hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying—plus quick enough for any busy night. Go ahead, give them a spot in your weekly rotation and watch everyone light up when you bring these to the table!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the ease of a sloppy joe. Savory ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese make for a deliciously messy sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
Additional:
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk cornstarch into beef broth until smooth, then pour into the skillet. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish: Turn off heat, stir in provolone cheese until melted. Spoon mixture onto toasted buns and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, top with more provolone or melt cheese on the bun.
- Also delicious served open-faced or over baked potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
