There is something utterly irresistible about the combination of hearty ground beef, tender sautéed veggies, and melty provolone cheese tucked inside a soft bun, which makes this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe a total game changer. Imagine taking the beloved flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak and transforming them into a sloppy joe that’s perfect for a casual dinner, game day, or a weekend treat. It’s juicy, flavorful, and unbelievably comforting—a dish that brings a smile to your face with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. From the fresh bell peppers adding a subtle crunch and sweetness to the rich beef broth that thickens the sauce, every element is essential.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the meaty, savory foundation that’s juicy and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a slight crispness and fresh flavor that balances the richness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives a hint of tangy sweetness that complements the savory meat.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its umami-packed punch.
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce: Boosts the meaty flavor for that authentic cheesesteak vibe.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a luscious, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to tie the whole sandwich together with creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, crumble in the ground beef and cook it until beautifully browned and no pink remains, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. Breaking it apart with a wooden spoon ensures even cooking and a lovely texture. If there’s extra fat left in the pan, drain it so your sloppy joes stay rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Bell Peppers
Next, toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about 5 minutes. This step is what truly builds that iconic Philly flavor, adding both color and a fresh crunch that contrasts the meaty base.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauces
It’s time to bring on the magic with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and steak sauce. Stir everything well so the beef and veggies get luxuriously coated in this savory, tangy mixture. This combination infuses the filling with layers of sweet, umami, and smoky flavors that you’ll savor in every bite.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the beef broth to make a smooth slurry, then pour it into the skillet. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy coating. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to get it just right.
Step 5: Prepare the Buns for Broiling
While the sauce is thickening, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the hamburger buns, cut sides up, on a baking sheet to get ready for the final, cheesy touch. This step is crucial for melting the cheese without overly toasting the bread.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Cheese
Generously spoon the savory beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Then crown each pile with a slice of provolone cheese. This cheese melts to a creamy, silky layer that perfectly balances the bold flavors beneath.
Step 7: Broil Until Perfectly Melted
Pop the sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely as the provolone softens and bubbles—just the right moment before the cheese browns or burns. This careful timing ensures gooey, delectable cheese topping.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven, top with the bun halves, and serve immediately. These sloppy joes are best enjoyed fresh and hot, allowing you to savor the wonderful melding of classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in an easy-to-handle sandwich format.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe even further, consider adding a few simple garnishes like sliced pickles for tang or some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. These little touches brighten the plate and add fresh contrast to the rich beef and cheese filling.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a light garden salad, or even crunchy coleslaw. These options add texture and balance, rounding out your meal with complementary flavors and satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make this meal feel extra special, serve the sloppy joes open-faced on toasted rustic bread with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Alternatively, scoop the filling out and turn it into a Philly cheesesteak dip, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it separate from the buns helps maintain freshness and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
This recipe’s filling freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just place cooled filling in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For the buns, a brief toast or warming in an oven prevents them from becoming too soft, so your sloppy joes taste just as delicious as when fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
Absolutely! Provolone is classic, but you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or even sharp cheddar for a stronger kick. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe without ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or even try plant-based ground meat alternatives to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the same hearty texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture. It gives a wonderful heat that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
What bread works best for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Soft hamburger buns are ideal, but you can also use hoagie rolls or even sturdy sandwich rolls to hold all that filling without falling apart, especially if you love a ton of sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap regular hamburger buns for gluten-free ones and double-check that your Worcestershire and steak sauces are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and delicious as is.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that delivers big bold flavor with an easy, comforting twist, you have to give this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe a try. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special and game days even more fun. Once you taste that tender beef, sweet peppers, and melty provolone combined into one glorious sandwich, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation for good.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the casual comfort of sloppy joes. Ground beef is cooked with sautéed onions and bell peppers, simmered in a tangy sauce, and topped with melted provolone cheese on toasted hamburger buns for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Sauces: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and steak sauce. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in beef broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Buns: Preheat the oven to broil. Place the hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and cover each with the top halves of the buns. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Monitor the broiling step carefully as cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
- For extra flavor, consider adding mushrooms or substituting provolone with American cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer after adding the cornstarch mixture.
- Drain excess fat from the beef for a less greasy sandwich.
- Use fresh hamburger buns and slightly toast them before assembling for better texture.
