If you are craving a fun twist on a classic comfort dish, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is here to deliver all the flavor and satisfaction in one amazing bite. Combining the rich, savory goodness of tender ground beef with the melty, gooey provolone cheese and vibrant bell peppers and onions, this recipe elevates the humble sloppy joe to an entirely new level. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that brings together the best of Philly cheesesteak vibes with that nostalgic sloppy joe charm, making every sandwich a warm, hearty celebration of flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and essential, each one playing a key role in building the vibrant flavor profile and texture that makes this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing vegetables and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground beef: The hearty, savory star that makes this dish satisfyingly meaty and filling.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch when softened perfectly.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, crisp texture and a pop of color to balance the richness.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with aromatic depth and a touch of boldness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and tang that complement the beef wonderfully.
- Beef broth: Keeps the mixture moist and intensifies the savory notes.
- Ketchup: Offers a subtle sweetness and that iconic sloppy joe flavor base.
- Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to your ideal sloppy consistency.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s individual flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully into the mixture, delivering that creamy, cheesy essence.
- Hamburger buns: Toasted to golden perfection, they cradle the filling and provide satisfying structure.
- Butter (optional): For toasting the buns, lending a rich, buttery finish that makes each bite extra indulgent.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and diced green bell peppers. Sauté them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Follow this by stirring in minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, setting a delicious flavor foundation.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing rich, meaty flavors that form the heart of the sloppy joes. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Into the skillet goes Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the mixture to reduce slightly, intensifying the taste.
Step 4: Thicken and Melt the Cheese
If you prefer a thicker sauce, now’s the time to stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce achieves your desired consistency. Then, turn off the heat and fold in the chopped provolone cheese, letting it melt luxuriously into the mixture, making it creamy and irresistible.
Step 5: Prepare the Buns and Assemble
While the filling finishes, toast your hamburger buns in a skillet with a little butter if you like that crisp, buttery edge. Spoon generous portions of the cheesy, meaty mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns, slap on the tops, and serve immediately. The combination of warm, toasted bread and the savory filling is pure comfort food magic.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your sandwiches, consider adding crisp pickle slices or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. For those who love a little heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños pair wonderfully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
Keep the meal balanced and satisfying with classic sides like crispy French fries, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. These options complement the savory sloppy joes by adding crunch, acidity, or freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful by turning these sloppy joes into sliders for parties or using hoagie rolls for a heartier sandwich style. You can also serve the meat mixture over buttery toasted bread for an open-faced version that feels a bit lighter but just as satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and allows you to enjoy a quick, delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the beef mixture (without the buns) in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain its tasty consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating without drying out the flavorful sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional and melts beautifully, alternatives like mozzarella or American cheese work well too, each giving a slightly different creamy texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils. Just be sure to adjust seasonings and cooking times to suit the substitute for best flavor.
How spicy is the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add heat by incorporating hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy mustard to taste.
Can I prepare the filling without the buns for meal prep?
Definitely! The filling stores wonderfully on its own and can be used later with fresh buns or even served over rice or pasta for a different meal.
What’s the best way to get that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor?
Including green bell peppers and onions sautéed until tender, along with Worcestershire sauce and provolone cheese, will bring you wonderfully close to the classic Philly flavor while keeping that delicious sloppy joe style.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is a shining example of comfort food done right. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with bold flavors, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe invites you to dive into its melty, meaty goodness and enjoy every satisfying bite. Give it a try—you may just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
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: Kid-Friendly
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes reinvent the classic sloppy joe with the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. This easy skillet recipe features ground beef cooked with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, garlic, and savory Worcestershire sauce, all melted together with creamy provolone cheese. Served on toasted buns, it’s a quick and satisfying American main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 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
Cheese & Bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese, chopped or shredded
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for buns)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and peppers: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and cook briefly: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Create the sauce: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors meld together.
- Thicken if needed: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the skillet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Melt the cheese: Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped or shredded provolone cheese until it melts and combines smoothly with the beef mixture.
- Toast buns: Lightly butter the hamburger buns if desired, then toast them in a skillet until golden and warm.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, place the top halves over, and serve warm for a hearty and cheesy meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
