If you’re craving a comforting, hearty sandwich that truly packs a punch of flavor, the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This recipe takes the classic sloppy joe and kicks it up a notch by infusing it with the savory essence of Philly cheesesteak — tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey provolone cheese, and a rich, tangy sauce all hugging a toasted bun. It’s the perfect balance of messy and mouthwatering, guaranteed to satisfy both comfort food lovers and sandwich aficionados alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe lies in how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture. Each element plays a pivotal role, from the juicy ground beef to the melty cheese, building a sandwich that’s juicy, savory, and delightfully messy.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors to come.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the beef and sauté the veggies perfectly without drying out.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Brings aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness when caramelized.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the mixture with a warm, savory kick.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Keeps the beef juicy and adds a rich, meaty undertone.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Introduces sweetness and tang that balances the savory components.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the savory depth with a hint of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch, it makes a smooth thickening slurry.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to create that signature Philly cheesesteak gooeyness.
- 4-6 hamburger buns (toasted): Toasting adds a satisfying crunch that holds up to the juicy filling.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This browning step is crucial because it develops those rich, savory caramelized bits that make the dish so tasty. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the same skillet, toss the diced green bell pepper and onion. Sauté these until they soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Their natural sweetness will deepen as they cook, balancing the beef’s hearty flavor. Add the garlic last, cooking just 1 to 2 minutes to avoid any bitterness while releasing that irresistible fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to create the signature sauce for this sloppy joe. Pour this vibrant mixture over the beef and vegetables in the skillet, stirring well to combine all those bold flavors. This step infuses the filling with tangy, umami-rich notes that elevate the sandwich beyond the ordinary.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
To get that perfect sloppy joe texture, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and cook for a couple more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling beautifully to every chunk of beef and veggie. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors just right.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Lay slices of provolone cheese over the hot beef mixture in the skillet. Cover the pan briefly to trap the heat and let the cheese melt to ooey-gooey perfection. This melted provolone is what truly transforms this dish into a Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe, delivering that irresistible cheesy goodness with every bite.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Finally, spoon generous portions of the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. The toasty buns provide a sturdy yet tender bed that holds the filling without falling apart – perfect for enjoying this wonderfully messy sandwich.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re still hot and oozing with melted cheese to enjoy the full flavor experience.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
While the sandwich is fantastic as-is, adding fresh garnishes like pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can brighten and enhance each bite. A few crunchy pickles on the side add a contrasting texture and a bit of tang that pairs wonderfully with the rich beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
This sandwich shines alongside classic comfort sides. Think crispy golden fries, a crisp garden salad with a zingy vinaigrette, or even some creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Each complement offers a lovely variety of flavors and textures to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these sloppy joes open-faced on a baking sheet, broiling them briefly to get bubbly, browned cheese on top. Or, turn them into slider versions for a party by using mini buns—perfect for a fun, casual gathering. No matter the presentation, these sandwiches steal the show every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate from the filling if possible to prevent sogginess, then assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.
Freezing
The beef and vegetable mixture freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, covered, to warm through without drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage. Warm your buns separately and then assemble for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional and melts wonderfully, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
Is ground beef the only meat option for this recipe?
Ground beef is classic here, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and watch for flavor — you may want to add a bit more seasoning.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, try using finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat substitutes. Adjust seasonings and broth to enhance umami flavors accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies or mix in some diced jalapeños for a nice spicy kick that complements the savory profile.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Toast buns cut side down in a hot dry skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two until golden and crisp. This adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy under the juicy filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe that makes it a go-to for comfort food lovers everywhere. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving up a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe delivers flavors that are rich, hearty, and endlessly comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did—next time you want a sandwich with serious attitude, this one’s your winner.
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe offers a delicious twist on classic sloppy joes by incorporating the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Ground beef is cooked and sautéed with green bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmered in a tangy sauce and topped with melted provolone cheese, all served on toasted hamburger buns. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this savory sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables, stirring well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the Mixture: In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Melt the Cheese: Layer the slices of provolone cheese over the beef mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, creating a gooey, flavorful topping.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon generous portions of the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns, making sure to get a good amount of both meat and melted cheese in every bite.
- Serve: Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes immediately while hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting sandwich perfect for any casual occasion.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- To keep the buns from getting soggy, you can lightly butter and toast them before assembling the sandwiches.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the beef broth to 2 tablespoons.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
