If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the mouthwatering flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comforting, saucy goodness of sloppy joes, your dream just came true. This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe takes your favorite sandwich elements and reimagines them as an irresistibly cheesy, tender, and saucy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The juicy ground beef mingles with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, all nestled under melted provolone cheese and served on toasted buns for an unforgettable, cozy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe are delightfully simple yet essential to creating those bold, savory flavors and perfect textures you crave. Each component plays a key role from the seasoning to the melt of cheese, bringing it all together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that delivers rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth start for sautéing and helps brown the beef nicely.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Offers sweetness and softness that balance the meat’s richness.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Brings a mild crunch and a slight freshness to the mix.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives a deep, savory umami boost that makes the flavors pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of heat and depth.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional): Sweetens and adds tanginess to the sauce, if you like a little extra flavor kick.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and richness to meld everything together beautifully.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Melts over the meat for that iconic Philly cheesesteak creaminess.
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted: The sturdy, golden vehicle for your cheesy meaty filling.
- Butter (optional, for toasting buns): For that extra layer of golden, crispy goodness and flavor.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet—a warm pan makes all the difference for developing flavor. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it sizzles. This step locks in the juiciness and adds that deep, meaty character to your sloppy joes. If there’s excess fat, draining it now will keep the dish balanced.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cooking these together for about 4 to 5 minutes softens the veggies and lets their natural sweetness shine, giving your filling that traditional Philly cheesesteak vegetable vibe.
Step 3: Add Flavorings and Thicken
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ketchup if you’re using it—it’s a small touch that adds depth and a hint of tang. Then sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat everything; this is the secret step that thickens your sloppy joe filling into a perfect, clingy sauce that hugs every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate the Beef Broth and Melt Cheese
Pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, lay slices of provolone cheese on top of the savory meat mixture, and cover the skillet briefly so the cheese can melt luxuriously. Once melted, give it a gentle stir so every spoonful is cheesy and delicious.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon that irresistible cheesy beef mixture generously onto toasted hamburger buns. If you want to kick it up a notch, butter the buns before toasting them in a skillet for extra crunch and richness. Serve warm and enjoy the combo of familiar flavors with a fun twist.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe, try topping your sandwich with thinly sliced pickles or a few sliced jalapeños for a spicy contrast. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a handful of crispy fried onions adds texture and color, turning a simple sandwich into a gourmet delight right at your own table.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple garden salad complement the richness of the sloppy joes perfectly. For a healthier route, roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries bring both color and fresh flavors to the plate without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling over toasted open-faced buns and broil with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. You can also make slider-sized portions for parties or use hoagie rolls to bring it even closer in spirit to a true Philly cheesesteak.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the filling separate from the buns helps prevent sogginess and lets you reheat everything fresh for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Allow the filling to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight dinner rescue.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For extra melty cheese, add another slice on top as it heats. Toast buns fresh on a skillet or in a toaster oven, then assemble for a comforting, just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well for this recipe. Just keep in mind it has a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or seasoning to punch up the taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add spice with jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the ingredients and method stay the same to keep that comforting cheesy sloppy joe vibe.
What cheese works best besides provolone?
Provolone is classic for the Philly flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella, American, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy buns, toast them well—ideally with a bit of butter—just before assembling. You can also serve the filling on the side as a dip, letting everyone spoon it onto their buns as they eat.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a down-to-earth, flavor-packed Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or a laid-back weekend feast, this recipe is sure to become one of your staples. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to that perfect cheesy, saucy goodness—so go on, give it a try and savor the deliciousness!
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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
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe by incorporating the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Ground beef is cooked with onions, green peppers, and garlic, then simmered with Worcestershire sauce and beef broth before being topped with melted provolone cheese and served on toasted buns. It’s an easy, comfort food dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon flour
Liquids and Cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Bread
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Season the mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ketchup if using. Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir to coat the ingredients, which will help thicken the sauce later.
- Add beef broth and thicken: Pour in the beef broth gradually, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
- Melt the cheese: Lay the provolone slices over the meat mixture in the skillet. Allow them to melt fully, then stir gently to combine the cheesy flavor throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting and flavorful sloppy joe with a Philly twist.
Notes
- For extra flavor, butter and toast the buns in a skillet before assembling the sandwiches.
- Optionally, top the sandwiches with extra provolone cheese and broil for 1–2 minutes for a melty, golden finish.
