If you love the hearty, indulgent flavors of a classic Philly sandwich but crave something a little easier to throw together for dinner, you’re going to adore this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. This dish takes the beloved elements of a traditional cheesesteak—savory beef, sautéed onions and peppers, melty provolone cheese—and transforms them into a saucy, sloppy joe style filling that’s perfect for sandwiches. It’s comfort food with a delicious twist, guaranteed to satisfy those craving that iconic cheesesteak taste without any of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe lies in its simple, down-to-earth ingredients, each one adding essential flavor, texture, and color. From tender ground beef to vibrant bell peppers, every component works together to create a rich and satisfying sandwich experience.
- 1 lb ground beef: The base protein that delivers hearty flavor and a perfect texture for this sloppy joe style filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps in cooking the beef and veggies evenly.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and balances the savory beef taste.
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and beautiful green color.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Offers tangy sweetness and helps bind the sauce together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a savory, umami depth that amps up the beefy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce: Introduces a rich, smoky, and tangy complexity to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty taste in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy options to hold the delicious filling without falling apart.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and offers mild, creamy cheesiness that complements the beef.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the savory foundation of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers
Next, toss in your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté everything together until the veggies soften and begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. This combination brings that authentic cheesesteak flavor and a bit of sweetness that balances the beef.
Step 3: Add Sauces
Mix in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and steak sauce. Stir these into the beef and vegetable mixture thoroughly so every bite is bursting with tangy, savory flavor. These sauces are what really turn this sloppy joe into a Philly-inspired masterpiece.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch into the beef broth and pour the mixture into your skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This stage is where your filling transforms from loose to luscious, perfectly coating the meat and veggies.
Step 5: Prepare Buns for Broiling
Set your oven to broil and arrange the hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Prepping the buns this way makes them warm and slightly crispy, ready to soak up the hearty filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon generous portions of the savory beef mixture onto each bottom half of the buns. Lay one slice of provolone cheese over the meat while it’s still hot so it starts to melt nicely.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler. Keep a close watch as the cheese melts and bubbles, roughly 1-2 minutes. This quick broil adds a wonderful, gooey finish to the sandwiches.
Step 8: Serve
Once melted, remove your imperfectly perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes from the oven and top each with the bun’s other half. These sloppy joes are best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is still melty and the filling perfectly warm.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
While this recipe shines all on its own, tossing on a few simple garnishes can elevate it further. Try a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness, or a few pickled jalapeños if you’re in the mood for a spicy kick. A drizzle of extra steak sauce can also add a touch of extra tang.
Side Dishes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes go wonderfully with classic, easy sides. Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the savory richness. OR, crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges give you that perfect combo of crispy and fluffy. Even a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Serve the sloppy joe filling on toasted baguette slices for a rustic vibe, or pile it over baked potatoes for a fun twist on loaded spuds. You could also wrap the mixture in warm pita pockets for portable sandwiches that are perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and believe me, you might!), store the beef mixture separately from the buns in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and you’ll have a quick, satisfying meal ready to reheat.
Freezing
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the beef filling into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient future meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot throughout, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwave reheating on high to keep the texture intact. Toast fresh buns just before serving to maintain that fresh sandwich feel.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work if you want a leaner option, though the rich flavor of beef is what makes this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe so special. For an even more authentic twist, try finely chopped ribeye steak, though cooking times will vary.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily swap out the beef for plant-based grounds or finely chopped mushrooms and add some extra seasoning to mimic the umami depth. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid soggy veggies.
What type of cheese works best?
Provolone is traditional and melts beautifully, but you could also experiment with mozzarella or even American cheese for a creamier texture. The key is picking a cheese that melts well and complements the bold flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free buns and double-check that your steak sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great recipe for many dietary needs.
How spicy is this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
By itself, it’s mildly seasoned and not spicy, but you can easily add heat by including sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the cooking process or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it combines everything I love about a classic cheesesteak in an effortless, weeknight-friendly form. It’s saucy, cheesy, hearty, and downright satisfying. I hope you give it a try and find it as deliciously comforting as I do!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop with Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe transforms the classic sloppy joe into a delicious, cheesy sandwich inspired by the famous Philly cheesesteak. Ground beef is cooked with sautéed onions and green bell peppers, then richened with sauces and thickened to create a savory filling. Topped with provolone cheese and broiled to melty perfection, these sloppy joes offer a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté together with the beef until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, around 5 minutes.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and steak sauce. Mix thoroughly so the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful sauces.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into the beef broth to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Buns for Broiling: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet, getting them ready to receive the beef mixture.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the cooked beef and vegetable mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Lay a slice of provolone cheese on top of the hot beef filling.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until the provolone cheese melts and bubbles. Be alert to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and cover each with the top half of the buns. Serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the skillet.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when adding the sauces.
- Provolone cheese can be substituted with American or mozzarella if desired.
- For a gluten-free option, serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
- Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the cheese or buns.
