Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
If you’re searching for an easy, fun twist on a classic sandwich, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, melty provolone, sautéed peppers, and onions—transformed into the ultimate, saucy, family-friendly sloppy joe. This irresistible mash-up brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures, all piled onto a soft hamburger bun. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe promises cheesy, hearty comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes so delightful is how each ingredient brings something special to the table. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory beef, and gooey cheese creates layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave. Best of all, every component is simple and easy to find.
- Ground beef: Use lean beef for a juicy, meaty base without excess grease.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize the veggies for extra flavor.
- Onion: Finely diced for subtle sweetness and classic cheesesteak character.
- Green bell pepper: Brings color, crunch, and a hint of earthiness.
- Cremini mushrooms: These deepen the umami and keep the mixture moist.
- Garlic: Just two cloves infuse the filling with aromatic warmth.
- Ketchup: A touch of tang and sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Delivers that signature savory depth reminiscent of a true cheesesteak.
- Beef bouillon powder: Concentrates the beefy flavor without extra liquid.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Beef broth: Helps create a saucy, luscious mixture.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce so it hugs every bite.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully for that iconic cheesy finish.
- Hamburger buns: The perfect, pillowy vehicle to soak up every drop of goodness.
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 cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. This process should take about 5 minutes—don’t rush it! Browning the meat gives the dish its deep, savory foundation. If your beef releases a lot of grease, drain the excess to keep the filling from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, cremini mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. This colorful trio not only boosts flavor but also adds a lovely texture that mimics the classic cheesesteak experience.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Now it’s time to layer in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every bite gets that savory, tangy, umami punch. These ingredients transform the mixture from simple to sensational, tying together the beef and veggies with a balanced, crave-worthy sauce.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, stir in your cornstarch slurry (that’s just the cornstarch mixed with water). Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the filling beautifully. You want it saucy, but not so loose that it slips out of your bun with every bite.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and lay your provolone slices right over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt into gooey, dreamy perfection. Once melted, give it a gentle stir to swirl the cheese throughout, creating that signature Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes richness.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the cheesy beef filling generously onto your hamburger buns. Serve them warm, and get ready for that first glorious, savory, cheesy bite! If you want to go the extra mile, toast your buns before filling for a little crunch and extra flavor.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
Give your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes a finishing touch with simple garnishes. Sprinkle a little chopped parsley for color, or add a few extra sautéed peppers and onions on top for even more flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or a few red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches are hearty enough to stand on their own, but they truly shine with classic sides. Think crispy oven fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a fun twist, try serving with coleslaw or roasted veggies—there’s no wrong answer!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes into sliders for parties, or serve the filling over baked potatoes for a gluten-free option. You can even spoon it onto toasted hoagie rolls for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak vibe. However you serve them, these sloppy joes are bound to be a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply let the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Let the cooked filling cool, then spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. Hold off on adding the cheese until you reheat for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the mixture seems a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. Top with fresh provolone just before serving to bring back that melty, cheesy magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey both work beautifully in this recipe and create a lighter version of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is classic for Philly cheesesteaks, but feel free to experiment with American cheese, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Do I need to toast the buns?
Toasting the buns is optional, but it adds great texture and helps prevent them from getting soggy. Just a few minutes under the broiler or in a skillet does the trick!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Make the filling in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. Add the cheese during reheating for best results.
How do I add spice to the sloppy joes?
If you like a bit of heat, simply stir in some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce when adding the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly comforting and fun about these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. They’re fast, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Give this recipe a try and let it become a new staple at your table!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich by incorporating the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Ground beef is cooked with sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, then simmered in a savory sauce and topped with melted provolone cheese. Served warm on toasted hamburger buns, this hearty and flavorful sandwich makes a perfect quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop depth.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sloppy joe consistency.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and carefully lay the provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet until the cheese has melted completely, then stir gently to incorporate the melted cheese throughout.
- Serve: Spoon the hearty cheesesteak mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm. For best results, toast the buns before filling for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, toast the buns before spooning in the beef mixture.
- To make a lighter version, substitute ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
