Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
If you love the irresistible flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but crave the comfort of a cozy, saucy sandwich, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are about to become your new weeknight obsession. This dish fuses all the savory, cheesy goodness of the classic Philly staple with the nostalgic messiness of a Sloppy Joe, resulting in a simple, soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Effortlessly easy, bursting with rich flavor, and ready in under half an hour, these sandwiches are destined to be a huge hit—especially with anyone who appreciates a hearty, melty, and messy handheld treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes comes from combining just a handful of everyday ingredients—no fancy extras, just the essentials that bring hungry smiles with every bite. Each ingredient has a purpose, from building juicy depth of flavor to adding pops of freshness and a classic cheesesteak vibe.
- Ground beef: The hearty, juicy base that soaks up all those savory flavors—opt for 80/20 for the best blend of flavor and tenderness.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, subtle note while getting all the veggies off to a perfect start in the skillet.
- Onion (diced): Softens into the beef and creates an aromatic, sweet-savory backbone for the whole sandwich.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Lends a classic cheesesteak crunch and a fresh pop of color.
- White mushrooms (chopped): These little umami bombs make your filling extra hearty and flavorful—don’t skip them!
- Garlic (minced): Brightens up the mix and adds that irresistible garlicky depth to every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce: This is your secret weapon for steakhouse flavor, delivering savory, slightly tangy notes.
- Salt and black pepper: The perfect dynamic duo for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving your sloppy joes the perfect, scoopable consistency.
- Beef broth: Brings a juicy depth that keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
- Ketchup: Adds just the right hit of sweetness and tang for that signature “sloppy” quality.
- Provolone cheese: Creamy slices that turn the beefy filling into a cheesy dream—melted over the top for a true Philly experience.
- Toasted hamburger buns: The deliciously soft, slightly crispy vessel that holds all the magic together—toast with a little butter for extra flavor!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for a deeply browned, crumbly texture—this takes about 5 to 6 minutes and creates a delicious foundation for the rest of your ingredients. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off for a lighter result.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With the beef still in the skillet, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, chopped mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the veggies soften and release their aromas, your kitchen will start to smell like pure comfort—promise!
Step 3: Season and Flavor
Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce along with the salt and pepper. This is where the dish takes on those signature steakhouse notes. Give it all a good mix to make sure every bit of beef and veggie gets coated in that delicious, tangy-salty flavor.
Step 4: Make It Saucy
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until it’s totally dissolved—this is your ticket to a rich, thick, and glossy sauce! Pour the broth mixture and ketchup into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sauce thickens to that signature Sloppy Joe texture.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let it gently melt into gooey puddles—about a minute or two. When the cheese is perfectly bubbly and delicious, your filling is ready for the spotlight.
Step 6: Build and Serve
Grab your toasted hamburger buns (for extra flavor, give them a swipe of butter before toasting!) and generously spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto each one. Serve your piping hot Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes straight away and get plenty of napkins—it’s going to be delightfully messy!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes take these sandwiches from tasty to totally crave-worthy. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, or add banana pepper rings for a bit of zippy heat. A little extra melted provolone over the top won’t hurt, either!
Side Dishes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with crispy oven fries, kettle-cooked chips, or a simple green salad to keep things balanced. For a classic diner touch, serve with a pickle spear and a scoop of creamy coleslaw on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the filling over toasted hoagie rolls for an authentic Philly experience, or spoon it atop crispy baked potatoes for a fun twist. You can even use slider buns for party-friendly mini sandwiches—Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are endlessly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes keep beautifully in the fridge. Store the cooled filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat and serve on fresh, toasty buns for best results—don’t assemble in advance to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
The cheesy beef mixture freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for a fast meal fix on the busiest of nights.
Reheating
Gently reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can add a splash of beef broth to bring back its saucy consistency. For single servings, pop it in the microwave and stir halfway through reheating for even cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional and super melty, feel free to experiment with American, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for extra bite. Any cheese that melts well can work in your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Are these sandwiches spicy?
Nope, the recipe as written is mild and family-friendly. If you like a bit of heat, just add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your filling to amp things up.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Brush the cut sides lightly with butter and pop them under the broiler or on a hot skillet for a few minutes until golden and crisp. This makes the buns sturdy enough to handle the saucy filling without falling apart.
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, or freeze as needed. Just reheat and scoop onto buns right before serving for the best texture.
Do I have to use ground beef?
No, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The flavors will still shine, and you’ll have a tasty twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, cheesy hand-held dinner that comes together in just minutes, it’s hard to beat Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. With their savory beef, melty cheese, and classic cheesesteak flavor, they’re guaranteed to please anyone lucky enough to grab a bite. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will be so glad you did!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the comfort of a sloppy joe. A delicious and easy weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 8 ounces white mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
For Serving:
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook beef: Until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic; cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Season: Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Thicken sauce: Whisk cornstarch into beef broth, add to skillet with ketchup, simmer until thickened.
- Melt cheese: Reduce heat, place provolone over beef mixture, cover until melted.
- Assemble: Spoon beef mixture onto toasted buns and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast buns with a light spread of butter.
- You can also make this with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
