If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and savory meal with a twist, this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes the classic sloppy joe you know and love and elevates it by infusing the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. With tender ground beef, sautéed veggies, melty Provolone cheese, and a luscious sauce all piled high on a soft brioche bun, this dish promises to satisfy your appetite and impress your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a hearty dinner, this recipe offers a deliciously fun way to enjoy a timeless favorite with all the flair of Philly’s iconic sandwich.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is incredibly simple because it relies on a handful of humble, yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that brings the whole dish to life in the best way possible.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base provides rich meatiness and forms the main protein.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness to sautéed vegetables and enhances flavors.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and a crisp texture contrast.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter note and vibrant color.
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced: Adds earthiness and depth, complementing the beef beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives a touch of tangy sweetness and helps bind the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses an umami kick and savory complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Adds just enough heat and spice.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect sloppy consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a rich base for the sauce and keeps everything juicy.
- 6 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped: Melts into luscious cheesiness reminiscent of a Philly classic.
- 6 brioche hamburger buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold all that goodness without falling apart.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef until a deep, flavorful crust forms on the surface. This is where you build incredible meaty flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving behind some of those tasty bits in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, melt the butter in the same skillet and toss in the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Cook these down until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This trio of veggies adds a wonderful balance of sweetness, earthiness, and a little crunch to the dish.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Sauce Ingredients
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Prepare a small mixture of beef broth and cornstarch, then pour that into the skillet as well. Stir everything together to combine and begin cooking so the sauce will thicken and coat every delicious morsel.
Step 4: Melt in the Provolone Cheese
When the sauce has thickened to a nice, rich consistency, gently fold in the chopped Provolone cheese pieces. Stir just until the cheese melts into the savory sloppy joe filling, creating that signature gooey, cheesy texture that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 5: Toast and Assemble the Buns
Finally, toast your brioche hamburger buns lightly for extra flavor and crunch. Spoon a generous amount of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes filling onto the bottom halves of the buns, then cap them with the top halves. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable, messy, and utterly delicious sandwich.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe to the next level, a few simple garnishes like thinly sliced pickles, fresh chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of extra melted cheese can add brightness and texture contrast. A drizzle of hot sauce or Dijon mustard can also add a little zing if you like it spicy.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs exceptionally well with crispy French fries, crunchy coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad to lighten things up. For a more indulgent meal, creamy mac and cheese or roasted garlic mashed potatoes also make fantastic sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these sloppy joes open-faced with a side of pickled veggies, or pile the filling on toasted baguette slices for an appetizer-style finger food. You could also turn leftovers into a delicious Philly cheesesteak-inspired pasta bake by mixing with cooked pasta and extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes filling keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing the filling separately from the buns helps prevent sogginess and keeps everything fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the filling in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat until piping hot. Keep the buns fresh by freezing separately or storing at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat sloppy joe filling gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Reheat buns in a toaster or oven to restore their lovely crispness before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
Absolutely! While Provolone is traditional and melts wonderfully, you can swap it for Mozzarella, American cheese, or even Cheddar based on your flavor preference. Just keep in mind the cheese’s meltability and taste to maintain that delicious cheesy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup don’t contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Can I prepare the filling in advance and freeze it?
Definitely. The filling freezes well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving with freshly toasted buns.
How spicy is this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
This recipe is mildly seasoned and not spicy by default. However, if you prefer heat, adding a dash of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a spicy cheese can personalize the kick to your liking.
What type of buns work best for these sloppy joes?
Brioche buns are ideal for their soft texture and slight sweetness that balance the savory filling perfectly. However, potato rolls or sturdy hamburger buns will also work well if brioche isn’t available.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, satisfying feeling of biting into a Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe after a busy day. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to win over family and friends with its cheesy, meaty goodness. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious twist on a classic comfort food—you won’t regret it!
Print
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 combines the hearty flavors of a classic sloppy joe with the delicious elements of a Philly cheesesteak. Ground beef is cooked to a rich crust, sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, then simmered in a savory sauce and loaded with melted Provolone cheese. Served on toasted brioche buns, this dish is a comforting and flavorful twist perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
Condiments and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
Bread
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until a deep crust forms, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. This helps develop rich flavor and texture for the base of the sloppy joe.
- Sauté the vegetables: Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced yellow onions, green bell peppers, and minced brown mushrooms until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add beef and seasonings: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet to combine.
- Simmer and thicken: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables nicely, about 3-5 minutes. This creates a rich and flavorful sloppy joe filling.
- Incorporate Provolone cheese: Stir the chopped Provolone cheese into the hot mixture until it melts and becomes gooey, adding the classic Philly cheesesteak cheesiness.
- Toast and assemble buns: While the filling simmers, lightly toast the brioche hamburger buns. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns, then top with the other halves and serve hot.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and creates a better crust when browning.
- Minced mushrooms add umami and moisture, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
- The cornstarch thickens the beef broth sauce for the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- Brioche buns add a rich, buttery flavor that complements the savory meat mixture.
- Feel free to add hot sauce or banana peppers for an extra kick.
- This recipe can be adapted with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different diets.
