Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that feels like a weeknight win and weekend treat wrapped up in one delicious bun: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This dish brings together the oozy-cheesy magic of the classic Philly cheesesteak and the saucy nostalgia of a good old-fashioned sloppy joe. Every bite is brimming with savory beef, sweet peppers, tender onions, melty provolone, and just the right amount of sauciness to ensure your taste buds (and maybe your fingers) are totally delighted. Whether you’re feeding a rowdy game day crowd or looking to spice up family dinner, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes really deliver on flavor, comfort, and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is how straightforward and accessible the ingredient list is. Each addition serves a purpose, ensuring you get all the savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy notes these sandwiches are famous for. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters!
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base—the more flavorful the beef, the richer your sandwich.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings sweetness and just the right soft crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Gives color, freshness, and a classic Philly taste.
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (chopped, optional): Adds an earthy flavor; skip if you’re not a fan!
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Rounds out the savoriness with an aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Secret ingredient for a seriously savory backbone.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip this!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of warmth that balances the dish.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Brings a hint of tang and just enough sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Slightly thickens your filling so it’s the perfect level of “sloppy.”
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Adds juiciness and extra beefy flavor.
- 4 slices provolone cheese (chopped or shredded): That creamy, classic melt Philly cheesesteaks are known for.
- 4 hamburger buns: The ultimate vehicle for soaking up all that delicious filling.
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 your ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’re looking for a lovely browned color and crumbled texture—this usually takes about 5–6 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, be sure to drain it off so your filling isn’t too oily but stays perfectly rich.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Time to bring a little color and extra flavor! Add in your diced onion, bell pepper, and, if you’re using them, those earthy chopped mushrooms. Stir everything in with the beef, letting the veggies soften and mingle for about 4–5 minutes. You want the onions to look translucent and the peppers to be just-tender. This is where that classic Philly cheesesteak punch starts to shine.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Crank up the aroma by tossing in your minced garlic—just about 30 seconds is all you need here so it doesn’t burn but gets super fragrant. Then stir in Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Make sure to fully incorporate these so every bite of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes packs a hit of flavor.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Grab your flour and sprinkle it evenly over the beef and veggies. Stir it in really well; the flour helps thicken the mixture, holding all that goodness together and preventing a runny mess. Next, pour in your beef broth, stirring again, and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, until everything thickens into that signature sloppy joe sauciness.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Turn off the heat and fold in your chopped provolone cheese. Watch as it melts into the filling, coating everything in that signature creamy, stretchy cheese—the secret to making this taste unmistakably like a Philly cheesesteak. Give it a good stir so the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
If you like, toast your hamburger buns for a little crunchy contrast. Then pile the cheesy meat filling generously onto each bun. Serve them up while warm and gooey—get ready for smiles at the table and likely some happy, sauce-smeared faces!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped provolone, more sautéed mushrooms, or sliced green onions over the top for a decorative and flavorful finish. A few crunchy pickle slices on the side never hurt, either! Bringing the final touch to your sandwiches makes the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with crispy oven fries, a fresh crunchy slaw, or even kettle potato chips for a classic comfort food combo. Don’t overlook a simple green salad—its refreshing crunch makes the sandwich shine even more. Whatever you choose, sides that have a bit of crunch work best to balance the soft, cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Try serving these as sliders on mini rolls for a crowd-pleasing handheld snack. Or, if you’re feeling inspired, load the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe filling onto baked potato halves or spoon it over a pile of hot fries for a wild, fork-and-knife twist on “cheesesteak loaded fries.” Endless options to keep things exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe meat mixture, lucky you! Just pop the cooled filling into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the buns separately to keep them from getting soggy—this way, you can rediscover fresh-tasting sandwiches any day of the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to meal prep or save leftovers for another busy night. Let the cooked filling cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling, use a skillet over medium heat, stirring now and then until it’s hot all the way through. You can also microwave it in a pinch—about a minute at a time, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth if the filling looks a little dry, and then assemble your sandwiches fresh!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken make lighter alternatives while still soaking up all those savory, cheesy flavors. The result is a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe with a slightly different, but still delicious, twist. Just watch the cook time and add a little extra oil if your poultry is very lean.
Do I have to use provolone cheese?
Provolone is traditional for Philly flavor, but mozzarella, white American, or even Swiss will melt beautifully and taste fantastic. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melty cheese to make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes just right for your crowd.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
For the best buns, lightly butter each cut side and place them face-down on a hot skillet or grill for a minute or two until golden and crisp. You can also pop them under the broiler for a quick toast—just keep an eye out so they don’t burn!
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Try tossing in some chopped red bell pepper, jalapeños for heat, or even a handful of baby spinach at the end. These tweaks can make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes even more colorful and personalized.
How do I keep my sandwiches from getting too messy?
Serve with sturdy buns that are lightly toasted, and don’t overload them—sometimes less is more! Keeping the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture thick (thanks to the flour and simmering) also helps everything stay put, so every bite is satisfyingly “sloppy” without total chaos.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that brings excitement and comfort in equal measure, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are about to be your new favorite go-to. With simple steps, familiar ingredients, and loads of cheesy, beefy flavor, they’re sure to be a repeat request in your home. Give them a try—your tastebuds (and whoever you share with!) will thank you.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun, sloppy joe twist with this easy and delicious recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Savory ground beef cooked with onions, peppers, and melted provolone cheese, all served on toasted buns.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 4 slices provolone cheese, chopped or shredded
Additional:
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using), and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Season and Thicken: Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ketchup, stirring to combine. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in chopped provolone until melted and combined. Toast hamburger buns if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Swap provolone for mozzarella or white American cheese for a different flavor.
- These also work great as sliders for a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
