If you crave comfort food that’s both nostalgic and totally irresistible, Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are absolutely calling your name. Imagine all the savory goodness of classic Philly cheese steaks married with the casual, messy joy of a Sloppy Joe, tucked into a toasted bun—that’s what you get here! The combination of tender beef, sweet bell pepper, melty cheese, and a hint of tangy sauce makes this not just a family favorite, but the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of flavorful ingredients to bring out bold textures and colors in every bite. Each addition truly plays a part in creating a sandwich that’s hearty, gooey, and absolutely packed with flavor.
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease, making each bite savory and satisfying.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon helps sauté your onions and peppers, adding richness you’ll taste in every bite.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed, it gives sweetness and depth that ties the whole mixture together beautifully.
- Green bell pepper: This classic addition brings freshness, color, and a subtle crunch that mimics the Philly tradition.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this umami-packed sauce transforms the mixture with a delectable savory bite.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle fragrance and a hint of warmth throughout the filling.
- Salt: Just enough to heighten all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper: Adds mild spice and rounds out the richness of the beef.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of tang and balanced sweetness to the dish’s saucy base.
- Cornstarch and beef broth: When whisked together, they thicken the filling just enough for the perfect, hearty Sloppy Joe texture.
- Provolone cheese: Smooth, creamy, and slightly sharp—provolone is the melty magic that brings everything together.
- Hamburger buns: Toasted to hold up under the juicy filling and provide just the right amount of crunch.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onions and green bell pepper. Sauté these for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened up and their aroma fills the kitchen—this step lays down that familiar Philly cheese steak flavor backdrop.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next up, add the ground beef directly into your skillet with the softened vegetables. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart, cooking it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat pooling, drain it off to keep your filling from getting greasy. This is where those toasty, umami-rich beef notes start to shine.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
It’s flavor time! Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Give everything a thorough stir to combine, coating every crumbled piece of beef and every bit of pepper and onion with that tangy, savory mix.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
Now, whisk the tablespoon of cornstarch into 1/4 cup of beef broth until completely smooth, then pour it into the skillet. Stir well to incorporate, and let the mixture simmer for two to three minutes. You’ll watch the filling transform into a thick, luscious mound that will stay put in your buns, perfecting the classic Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes texture.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat, then layer your provolone cheese slices (or a generous handful of shredded cheese) right over the hot beef mixture. Pop a lid on the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two, just until the cheese melts into gooey pools. With the cheese all melty, gently stir to swirl some of that creamy goodness throughout the beef.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous heap of the cheesy beef mixture onto each toasted hamburger bun. Serve immediately while hot, when the cheese is still delightfully stretchy and the buns are warm and toasty—trust me, this is how to get the full Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes experience!
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a touch of brightness to your Sloppy Joes. For a touch of zing, try a few pickled pepper rings or some extra cracked black pepper right before serving—these little touches make every plate feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Think classic: Serve your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with crispy seasoned fries, a handful of potato chips, or a crunchy dill pickle spear on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad balances out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Besides the classic on-a-bun approach, spoon your beefy, cheesy mixture onto slider rolls for a party platter, or over baked potatoes for a fun twist. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes filling also works sensationally well in stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for loaded nachos. Go wild and make the dish your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply allow the filling to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days and is just as delicious reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes mixture for those nights when you need dinner in a hurry. Store cooled filling in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags (press out the air), and label with the date. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until it’s piping hot, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover and stir occasionally so everything heats through evenly.
FAQs
What kind of cheese works best for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?
Provolone is classic for that creamy, melty texture and mild bite, but you can easily substitute mozzarella, American, or cheddar. Each brings its own delicious twist, so use what you love or have on hand!
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and pile onto freshly toasted buns so everything is hot and the cheese is perfectly melty.
Are there good options for making this dish healthier?
Yes! Try swapping ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken, or serve the filling open-faced on whole wheat buns or even lettuce wraps. You can also add extra veggies, like mushrooms or spinach, for more nutrition and texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a fantastic party or game day dish. Just use a larger skillet or pot, and double all the ingredients. Keep the filling warm in a slow cooker if you want guests to serve themselves.
What toppings go well with these sloppy joes?
Beyond fresh parsley or pickled peppers, try sautéed mushrooms, banana peppers, jalapeños, or even a dab of spicy mustard for a Philly-meets-Sloppy-Joe flavor explosion. Customizing your sandwiches is half the fun!
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to share my love for these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. They’re effortless, cozy, seriously cheesy, and always a hit with friends and family. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight or serving a hungry crowd, I hope you give them a try soon—get ready for rave reviews at your table!
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, combining the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of a sloppy joe. Savory ground beef, onions, and peppers are simmered in a flavorful sauce, topped with melty provolone cheese, and served on toasted buns.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup beef broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Add cornstarch-beef broth mixture and simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Layer provolone cheese over the beef, cover with a lid until melted.
- Assemble: Spoon mixture onto toasted buns and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, American, or cheddar cheese.
- For added flavor, sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
