Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
If you have ever wished for a comfort meal that combines the rich, melty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the messy, hearty fun of sloppy joes, then this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It takes simple ingredients like ground beef, provolone cheese, and vibrant green peppers, and transforms them into a warm, saucy sandwich experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of juicy meat, melty cheese, and just the right amount of tangy sauce, making it irresistible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential; each one plays a key role in building the bold, layered flavors and appealing textures that make this dish so memorable.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that provides rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté veggies to a perfect softness without extra heaviness.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Gives a fresh, slightly crisp bite and vibrant color.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami richness that elevates the beef.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors naturally.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds that classic tangy-sweet sloppy joe touch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the mixture to the perfect sloppy consistency.
- ¾ cup beef broth: Provides moisture and boosts the savory profile.
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully for that signature Philly cheesesteak creaminess.
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted): Hold all the deliciousness together with a little crunch.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking them gently until they’re soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation, and the slight sweetness of the sautéed veggies complements the savory beef perfectly. Add in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds to release its amazing aroma without burning it.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef straight into the skillet with those tender veggies. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s evenly browned and cooked through. You want every bite to have that rich, meaty goodness. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off to keep things balanced, ensuring the final dish isn’t too oily.
Step 3: Season and Thicken the Mixture
Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ketchup for a beautiful, savory-sweet flavor combo that makes these sloppy joes sing. Then dust the flour over the mixture and stir well—this thickening agent is key to getting that perfect sloppy joe texture that clings to the meat and veggies. Cook it another minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth slowly and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. This soft cooking time allows the sauce to thicken just enough so it’s luscious and coats each comforting bite without being runny.
Step 5: Melt the Provolone Cheese
Lay slices of provolone cheese evenly over your simmering meat mixture and cover the pan. Wait for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Stir the cheese gently into the mixture to create that creamy, cheesy Philadelphia-inspired touch that turns your sloppy joes into something truly special.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the warm, cheesy beef mixture generously onto toasted hamburger buns. You now have the perfect handheld, melty version of the iconic Philly experience packed into your favorite sloppy joe sandwich. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
While the sandwich is fantastic on its own, consider topping your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe with some fresh sliced pickles or a few crisp shredded lettuce leaves to add a fresh crunch. For extra kick, a handful of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce never hurts and brightens the overall flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these sloppy joes alongside crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. If you’re in the mood for some indulgence, onion rings or coleslaw perfectly complement the savory richness of the sandwich and add textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to spice things up? Try serving the Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture over toasted hoagie rolls instead of hamburger buns for a closer nod to the original Philly sandwich. For a fun twist, scoop the mixture over baked potatoes or even stuff it into bell peppers for an unexpected but delicious presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the beef mixture separate from the buns helps prevent sogginess and keeps everything tasting fresh when reheated.
Freezing
This beef and cheese mixture freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up. Toast fresh buns or bread before assembling for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is the classic choice for authenticity, Swiss or American cheese slices also melt beautifully and offer a slightly different flavor profile that still complements the beef wonderfully.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I add heat?
The basic Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is mild but packed with flavor. To add spice, toss in chopped pickled jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even diced fresh chili peppers during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep all the other flavorings to maintain that delicious Philly cheesesteak vibe.
What’s the best bread to use?
Hamburger buns work perfectly for these sloppy joes due to their size and texture. For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak feel, hoagie rolls or sub sandwich rolls are fantastic choices that can hold even more filling.
How long does it take to make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal without skimping on flavor or comfort.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is a wonderful blend of two classic favorites, perfect for when you want something easy, cheesy, and totally comforting. It’s quick enough for any night but flavorful enough to impress anyone who tries it. I encourage you to give it a try and share this cozy, melty delight with your friends or family—it just might become your go-to dinner option soon!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting, saucy goodness of sloppy joes. Ground beef is cooked with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and garlic, then simmered with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and beef broth to create a rich, thick filling. Melted provolone cheese adds a creamy finish, all served on toasted hamburger buns for a hearty, delicious sandwich perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup beef broth
Cheese & Bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded provolone)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary to prevent the mixture from becoming greasy.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ketchup. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth while stirring. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Melt Cheese: Lay slices of provolone cheese over the beef mixture, then cover the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Gently stir to incorporate the melted cheese into the mixture for a creamy texture.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm for a satisfying sandwich experience.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You may use hoagie rolls instead of hamburger buns for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking the beef for a less oily sandwich.
- Provolone cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or American cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
