Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Imagine taking the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly Cheesesteak and blending it with the satisfying, saucy mess of a Sloppy Joe. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This recipe is a brilliant fusion of two beloved comfort food icons, delivering all the familiar flavors you crave in a convenient, quick-to-prepare meal. Perfect for bustling weeknights, casual gatherings, or game day feasts, these sloppy joes are loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, sweet onions, and an abundance of melty, gooey cheese, all piled high on soft hamburger buns.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding dinner recipes that are both incredibly flavorful and quick to make can feel like a challenge. But with this recipe, you can have a hearty and indulgent meal on the table in under 30 minutes, without compromising on taste or satisfaction. The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes lies in their simplicity and the explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a long-time fan of traditional sloppy joes or an ardent admirer of the authentic cheesesteak, this dish offers a delightful new experience that combines the best characteristics of both. It’s the ultimate answer to those cravings for a substantial sandwich that feels special but fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The rich, savory ground beef mixture, infused with the distinct flavors of Worcestershire sauce and a hint of tang from ketchup, creates a mouthwatering filling. When combined with the sautéed vegetables and blanketed in melted provolone, it transforms into a sloppy joe experience that’s truly unforgettable. It’s an ideal family dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
Essential Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
For the exact measurements and full recipe details, please scroll down to the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground Beef: We recommend using an 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef for this recipe. It offers a great balance of flavor and ensures there isn’t too much excess grease to drain, which can dilute the sauce’s rich taste. You could also experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, though the beef truly provides that classic cheesesteak essence.
- Onion: A medium yellow or white onion, finely diced, provides a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling, a hallmark of any good cheesesteak.
- Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers are traditional for cheesesteaks, adding a slightly bitter, fresh counterpoint to the rich beef. However, feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile and a pop of color.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (like cremini or white button) add an earthy umami flavor and a lovely tender texture to the mix, enhancing the “Philly” aspect of this sloppy joe.
- Provolone Cheese: This is a crucial component for that authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey, cheesy pull. If you prefer, American cheese is another classic cheesesteak choice, or even a sharp cheddar for more bite.
- Ketchup: Just a small amount of ketchup provides a subtle tanginess and a touch of sweetness to the sauce, helping to balance the savory flavors without making the sloppy joe taste overly “ketchupy.” It’s a secret ingredient that truly elevates the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This savory sauce is a powerhouse of flavor, adding a deep umami punch that complements the beef perfectly and gives the sloppy joe sauce its complexity.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste, but don’t skip them!
- Beef Broth: Used as the liquid base for our flavorful sauce. Choose a low-sodium variety to control the overall salt content of the dish.
- Cornstarch: A fantastic thickening agent that helps to create a luscious, cohesive sauce for your sloppy joes, ensuring it clings beautifully to the beef and veggies and doesn’t make your buns soggy too quickly.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft hamburger buns are the ideal vessel for this messy delight. For an extra touch, lightly toast or butter and grill them before serving to add texture and prevent them from getting too soft from the juicy filling.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Delicious Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Making these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is incredibly straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your pound of ground beef to the hot pan. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef apart into crumbles. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is mostly browned and no longer pink. It doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage, as it will continue to cook with the vegetables and sauce.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Once the beef is sufficiently browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important to prevent a watery sauce and an overly greasy finished product. Then, add the diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté these vegetables for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and tender, and the onions are translucent. The aroma will be fantastic!
- Prepare and Thicken the Sauce: While the vegetables are softening, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This slurry will help thicken our sauce. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully and for the sauce to thicken to that perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- Melt in the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the provolone cheese. Continue to mix gently until the cheese has completely melted into the hot beef and vegetable mixture, creating a wonderfully gooey and cohesive filling. The melted cheese is what really brings the “cheesesteak” part of this dish to life!
- Serve Immediately: Scoop generous portions of the hot Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto your prepared hamburger buns. For an extra cheesy touch, you can place an additional slice of provolone or American cheese on top of the filling before serving. Serve immediately and get ready for a delicious, satisfying, and delightfully messy meal!
Recipe Tips & Delicious Variations
To make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes even better, or to adapt them to your specific tastes, consider these helpful tips and suggestions:
- Cheese Choices: While provolone offers that classic Philly flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. American cheese is a traditional cheesesteak choice for its superior melt and creamy texture. For a sharper flavor, sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack can also work wonderfully. You could even create a quick cheese sauce (like a cheddar béchamel) to pour over the filling for an extra indulgent experience.
- Vegetable Combinations: The combination of onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms creates a fantastic flavor base. However, don’t hesitate to customize! Add a clove or two of minced garlic when sautéing the vegetables for an extra aromatic kick. Other additions could include finely diced jalapeños for a touch of heat, or different colored bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) to make the dish visually more appealing and add varied sweetness.
- Amp Up the Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the beef and vegetable mixture while it simmers. A splash of beef bouillon or a cube dissolved in the broth can also intensify the savory notes.
- Meat Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, this recipe can be adapted. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken. If you want to replicate a more authentic cheesesteak texture, you could thinly slice sirloin or ribeye steak against the grain, sear it quickly, and then chop it finely before incorporating it into the sauce.
- Bun Preparation is Key: Don’t just grab a bun! Lightly toasting your hamburger buns (either in a dry skillet, under the broiler, or on a grill) adds a delightful crispness that stands up better to the saucy filling. You can also butter the inside of the buns before toasting for an extra layer of flavor. For a heartier sandwich, consider using hoagie rolls or sub buns, though they might be less “sloppy joe” in style.
- Make It Ahead: The sloppy joe filling can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or busy event days.
- Serving Suggestions: These sloppy joes are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides. Think crispy French fries, onion rings, a simple green salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some homemade potato chips.
- Storage & Reheating: Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Freezing is also an option; store the cooled filling in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Sloppy Joes are undeniably a classic and beloved dinner choice, especially when you need to feed a crowd. This Philly Cheesesteak rendition is no exception – it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, earning rave reviews for its unique flavor and satisfying appeal. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for hosting; you can even keep the filling warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting if you’re making it ahead for a party or potluck. This ensures your guests can enjoy a hot, fresh sandwich whenever they’re ready.
More Delightful & Easy Dinner Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you’ll be thrilled to discover more quick and easy dinner solutions. Here are a few more recipes that are perfect for weeknights and family meals:
- Taco Pasta Skillet: A vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal that combines the best of taco night with comforting pasta.
- Creamy Salsa Chicken: Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy salsa sauce – perfect with rice or tortillas.
- One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo: Indulgent Alfredo pasta made effortlessly in a single pan, packed with chicken and fresh spinach.
- Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken: A quick and delicious takeout-style meal you can make at home, bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
- Creamy Beef Pasta: A hearty and satisfying pasta dish featuring ground beef in a luscious, creamy sauce.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Quick & Easy Recipe
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Equipment
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Pot and Pan Set
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GIR Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (or other color)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz Provolone cheese, sliced or shredded, plus more for topping if desired
- 6 Hamburger Buns (toasted or grilled)
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until mostly browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.1 pound ground beef
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Add the diced onions, sliced green bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and tender.1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 cup mushrooms
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In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.1 cup beef broth, 1 Tablespoon cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons ketchup, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the provolone cheese until completely melted and incorporated into the sloppy joe mixture.4 oz Provolone cheese
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Scoop generous portions of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately, with an additional slice of cheese on top if desired for extra gooeyness.6 Hamburger Buns
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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