A Recipe That Brings Two Classics Together
Some meals have a way of making you stop and savor every bite. They remind you of family dinners, game nights, and casual gatherings where food brings everyone together. That’s exactly what Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes do—they take two beloved sandwiches and merge them into one irresistible bite.
I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a cold Friday evening, and my family was torn between two cravings. My husband wanted a classic Philly cheesesteak, while my kids were asking for Sloppy Joes. Instead of choosing one, I decided to blend the best of both worlds—tender beef, melted Provolone cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, all tucked into a soft, toasted bun. The moment we took our first bites, we knew we had a new family favorite.
There’s something magical about how the richness of the beef, the gooey cheese, and the tangy sauce come together. It’s comfort food at its finest, but it’s also quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something satisfying after a long day, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. A Fusion of Two Iconic Sandwiches
This dish blends the best elements of a Philly cheesesteak and a Sloppy Joe—it’s savory, cheesy, slightly messy, and packed with bold flavors.
2. Ready in Just 30 Minutes
With simple ingredients and quick cooking, this is a meal you can whip up in half an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
3. A One-Skillet Wonder
Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup effortless. No complicated steps, just simple, satisfying cooking.
4. Family-Friendly and Customizable
Whether you prefer it spicier, cheesier, or even with a different protein, this recipe is easy to adjust to your taste.
5. Works for Any Occasion
Serve it for family dinners, game-day snacks, or casual gatherings—it’s always a hit.
Bold and Savory Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, minced
For the Signature Sauce:
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Cheesy Finish:
- 8 oz Provolone cheese, chopped (use 6 oz if you prefer it less cheesy)
For Serving:
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook the ground beef in a cast iron skillet until a deep crust forms, then break it apart and continue cooking until mostly browned.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Remove beef from the skillet, then melt butter and cook onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until caramelized.
- Combine the Flavors:
- Return the beef to the skillet, then add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Whisk together cornstarch and beef broth, then pour into the skillet. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Stir in the chopped Provolone until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Pile the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted brioche buns and enjoy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1. Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor
Cooking the beef until it forms a crust enhances the deep, savory flavor. Avoid stirring too soon—let it sit and develop that rich caramelization.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
To get perfectly caramelized onions and peppers, cook them in a single layer and let them brown before stirring. This develops the sweetness and depth of flavor.
3. Use High-Quality Cheese
Provolone is the classic choice, but you can also mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even American cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
4. Toast the Buns for the Best Texture
A quick toast in a buttered skillet or under the broiler makes a big difference. It keeps the buns crispy on the outside while staying soft and warm inside.
5. Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce
If you like a thicker filling, let the mixture simmer longer. For a saucier Sloppy Joe, add a splash of extra broth.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Spicy Kick
- Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Swap Provolone for Pepper Jack cheese.
2. Loaded with Veggies
- Add sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
3. Different Protein Options
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Try ground sausage for a richer, more robust flavor.
4. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly
- Serve over lettuce wraps or roasted portobello mushrooms instead of buns.
5. Cheese Lover’s Version
- Mix cheese directly into the beef for an even gooier, creamier filling.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1. Crispy French Fries or Tater Tots
A classic pairing that adds crunch and extra satisfaction.
2. Side Salad
A light arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the sandwich.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Serve with roasted zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers for a healthier side.
4. Coleslaw
A tangy vinegar-based slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, meaty filling.
5. Onion Rings
A crispy, golden batch of onion rings makes this meal even more indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the filling up to 2 days in advance, store it in an airtight container, and reheat when ready to serve.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep the filling in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
3. Can I Freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Yes! Let the filling cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
4. What’s the Best Bread for This Sandwich?
- Brioche buns for a buttery, soft bite.
- Hoagie rolls for a classic cheesesteak feel.
- Hawaiian rolls for a sweet, savory contrast.
5. How Can I Make It Less Messy?
Use less broth for a thicker filling or serve in a toasted pita pocket for a neater sandwich.
6. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and simmer on low for 4 hours.
7. What’s the Best Cheese for This Recipe?
- Provolone for classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Cheddar for a sharper taste.
- Mozzarella for an ultra-stretchy melt.
- American cheese for extra creaminess.
A Dish That Feels Like a Hug in Every Bite
At the heart of every great meal is a sense of comfort and connection, and that’s exactly what Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver. They’re cheesy, messy, bold, and bursting with flavor—the kind of food that makes you stop and enjoy every bite.
Whether you’re making these for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun game-day meal, or just to satisfy a comfort food craving, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home.
So next time you can’t decide between a Philly cheesesteak or a Sloppy Joe, why not have both? Because some flavors are just meant to be together.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A delicious fusion of two classic sandwiches, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are packed with savory ground beef, melted Provolone cheese, and caramelized onions and peppers—all in a soft, toasted bun. This one-skillet wonder is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, minced
For the Signature Sauce:
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Cheesy Finish:
- 8 oz Provolone cheese, chopped (use 6 oz if you prefer it less cheesy)
For Serving:
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until a deep crust forms, then break apart and continue cooking until mostly browned.
- Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Melt butter in the skillet and add diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Cook until caramelized and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Flavors:
- Return the beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and beef broth together until smooth.
- Pour into the skillet, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Stir in the chopped Provolone cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Toast brioche buns in a buttered skillet or under the broiler for extra crispiness.
- Pile the cheesy beef mixture onto each bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option: Freeze the cooked filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Customization: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, use Pepper Jack cheese for spice, or add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Best Buns to Use: Brioche buns for a soft texture, hoagie rolls for a Philly cheesesteak feel, or Hawaiian rolls for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American