If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the fun, messy goodness of sloppy joes, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef cooked with sweet onions and vibrant green peppers, all enveloped in a rich, melty provolone cheese sauce and nestled between toasted buns. This dish captures the spirit of a beloved sandwich with a twist that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes of savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe shine. Each element plays an essential role: from the juicy ground beef and fresh veggies to the melted provolone that perfectly ties it all together.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef for juicy and flavorful sloppy joes without excess grease.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness for sautéing without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and aromatic depth to the mixture.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that balances the rich meat.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle kick of savory warmth.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers tangy umami, boosting the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Offers a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spice for warmth.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Creates a rich and savory base for the sauce.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft yet sturdy buns are perfect for holding all that delicious filling.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Melted cheese is the star that turns this into a Philly cheesesteak-inspired treat.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’ve softened just right. This soft, fragrant base sets the stage for all the bold flavors to build upon.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant and aromatic. Immediately add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s thoroughly browned, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauces and Seasonings
Now for the flavor boosters: stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients bring that iconic tangy, savory punch that makes sloppy joes so addictive while hinting at those classic Philly cheesesteak vibes.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat and veggies, stirring well to coat everything. Pour in the beef broth next and stir continuously. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes; watch as the mixture thickens into a luscious, saucy filling that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Melt the Provolone for Cheesy Goodness
Turn the heat down to low and arrange the provolone slices over the beef mixture. Cover or just allow the residual heat to melt the cheese until it becomes creamy and dreamy. Give everything a quick stir so the cheese is perfectly integrated, making this sloppy joe utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Toast your hamburger buns if you like a little extra crunch and warmth, then spoon generous portions of the cheesy sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty for maximum satisfaction.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe even more, consider adding some fresh garnishes. Thinly sliced pickles bring a bright tanginess that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy potato chips, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, try oven-roasted fries or onion rings to keep the indulgent, fun vibe going.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get creative? Use slider buns to make mini sloppy joe sliders perfect for parties, or scoop the filling onto crispy toasted baguette slices for open-faced bites. You can also stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers for a low-carb twist that still delivers all that Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover sloppy joe filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Keeping the sauce thick and cheesy means it reheats beautifully, making for easy second-day meals.
Freezing
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe freezes well! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick, comforting meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the mixture seems too thick. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that creamy cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone gives the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or cheddar for a sharper kick. Mixing cheeses can also add more depth.
Is ground beef the only meat option for this recipe?
Ground beef works best for authentic flavor and texture, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option. Just note that the flavor will be milder, so you may want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and peppers. You can also top the finished sloppy joes with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and swap out the hamburger buns for gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a satisfying gluten-free version.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
To keep buns from getting soggy, lightly toast them before assembling. You can also spoon the filling just before serving and avoid letting it sit too long, which helps maintain that perfect balance of crispness and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe at your fingertips, I hope you feel inspired to bring a little cheesy, savory joy to your table. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and suits any occasion with ease. Give it a go and watch it become a fast favorite – your taste buds will thank you!
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
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe puts a delicious twist on the classic sandwich by combining the flavors of Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of sloppy joes. Ground beef is cooked with onions, bell peppers, and garlic, then enriched with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and beef broth to create a savory, cheesy filling topped with melted provolone cheese. Served on toasted hamburger buns, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup beef broth
Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper to add depth and balance to the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat mixture and stir thoroughly to coat. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and lay the provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture. Let the cheese melt completely, then gently stir to combine it into the mixture for a creamy texture.
- Toast the Buns and Serve: Optionally, toast the hamburger buns until golden. Spoon the cheesy sloppy joe mixture onto each bun and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add additional provolone slices or mix in shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Serve with pickles or chips on the side for a classic sloppy joe experience.
