If you love hearty comfort food and crave the bold, cheesy flavors of a Philly favorite, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will quickly become your new go-to dinner. Imagine all the juicy, melty goodness of a traditional cheesesteak packed into a cozy, satisfying sloppy joe — every bite is both nostalgic and exciting. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you’re yearning for something fun, filling, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each item brings something special to the dish, whether it’s a pop of color, a burst of savory flavor, or the oozy melt of provolone. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: Kicks off our sizzle and helps soften the veggies without adding heaviness.
- Ground beef: The star of the show, providing heartiness and that signature juicy texture.
- Onion: Adds sweet and savory undertones that balance out the richness of the beef.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor and bright color.
- Garlic: Delivers a subtle punch — don’t skip it!
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the beef a complex, umami-packed depth.
- Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses an extra layer of flavor.
- Ketchup: Just a touch adds a tangy sweetness that rounds out the mixture.
- Cornstarch (optional): For those who love a thicker, less drippy sloppy joe (simply mix with a little water, see below).
- Salt and black pepper: Bring all the flavors together and wake up your tastebuds.
- Provolone cheese: The best part — oozy, melty goodness that ties the whole sandwich together.
- Hamburger buns: Soft, toasty buns for the perfect vessel.
- Butter (optional): Toasting the buns in butter takes them over the top.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, then let them sizzle and soften for 3 to 4 minutes. This step infuses the oil with their sweet, earthy flavors while setting the foundation for your savory filling. Give everything an occasional stir to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Once your onions and peppers are softened and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds, until you can smell that lovely garlicky aroma. This brings another layer of deliciousness, so keep an eye out — garlic burns fast!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through, absorbing all those great flavors from the veggies. Once the beef is no longer pink, you can carefully drain off any excess grease if needed for a less oily finish.
Step 4: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Next up, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the mixture bubble and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This step is when all those flavors meld into the irresistible filling that makes Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes truly unforgettable. If you prefer a thicker mixture, stir in cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and fold in the provolone cheese. It’ll melt right into the beef mixture, creating a creamy, gooey texture that’s absolutely key to the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes experience. Stir until every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
If you want to go the extra mile, melt a little butter in a clean skillet and toast your hamburger buns until golden brown. This adds flavor while helping the buns stand up to the rich filling. Plus, a toasted bun always feels like a little something special.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Spoon generous portions of your cheesy, savory beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Pop the tops on, serve immediately, and watch everyone’s faces light up! Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is extra melty and the flavors are at their peak.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
A classic cheesesteak doesn’t need much embellishment, but you can jazz things up with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley for color, or lay an extra slice of provolone directly on top before adding the bun for more gooey drama. For spice lovers, serve with sliced pickled jalapeños or a shake of hot sauce.
Side Dishes
These saucy sandwiches shine alongside crisp, oven-baked fries or a refreshing coleslaw for a little crunch. Potato chips, dill pickles, or a simple green salad also complement the savory, cheesy flavors of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes beautifully. Don’t forget lots of napkins!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving the sloppy joe mix in slider buns or nestled into toasted hoagie rolls for a more Philly-style presentation. You can even spoon the mixture over baked potatoes or turn it into a cheesy bread bowl filling for a fun, unexpected twist. The only limit is your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld! Just keep the filling and buns separate until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Freezing
You can easily freeze the cooked sloppy joe mixture for future busy nights. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture into a skillet or saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture looks a bit dry. Microwave reheating works too — just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Then pile it high on freshly toasted buns!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a delicious, lighter option, and you can even use a plant-based ground for a vegetarian twist. Just season well and follow the same steps as the original Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe.
How do I make it spicier?
If you like some heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture as it simmers or toss in some finely chopped pickled jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick while keeping that classic Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Yes! You can make the beef and cheese filling ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the filling and toast the buns just before assembling. This makes Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes a stress-free option for gatherings or meal prepping.
Are there gluten-free options?
Simply swap regular hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free rolls or serve the beef mixture over baked potatoes for a naturally gluten-free meal. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce for hidden gluten if needed to ensure your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are completely safe.
Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms are a classic cheesesteak addition and fit perfectly here. You can also mix in diced red bell pepper or even a handful of baby spinach for extra flavor and nutrition, all without sacrificing the unmistakable Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes vibe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about transforming a classic Philly cheesesteak into an easy, crowd-pleasing sloppy joe. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver comfort and flavor in every bite, making them perfect for busy nights or laid-back weekends. Give them a try — you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy these legendary flavors!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious fusion of Philly Cheesesteak flavors with the convenience of Sloppy Joes in this easy and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese (chopped or shredded)
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for buns)
For the Sloppy Joes:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cook until softened. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add Flavors: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened. Optionally, add cornstarch for further thickening.
- Finish the Dish: Remove from heat and mix in provolone cheese until melted. Toast hamburger buns and spoon the mixture onto them.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- For an authentic taste, consider adding mushrooms.
- For a spicy twist, incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
