If you're a fan of Philly cheesesteaks and love the classic flavor of Sloppy Joes, why not combine the two into one delicious, mouthwatering dish? Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes offer the best of both worlds: the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak paired with the comforting, saucy essence of a Sloppy Joe. This fusion of flavors creates a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even game-day celebrations. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fusion of two classic comfort foods: the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and Sloppy Joes. Traditionally, a Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions served in a long roll, while Sloppy Joes are made with ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on hamburger buns. This recipe brings together the rich, savory elements of a Philly cheesesteak and the saucy, messy nature of Sloppy Joes for a truly indulgent meal. With each bite, you get tender beef, melted cheese, sautéed veggies, and a delicious sauce all packed in a soft roll.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
To make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef – This is the base of the recipe, providing the hearty, beefy flavor you expect in a cheesesteak.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and enhancing the flavors.
- 1 onion, diced – Onions are a key ingredient in both Philly cheesesteaks and Sloppy Joes, adding sweetness and texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – Green peppers add that authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- 1 cup of beef broth – This helps create the savory sauce for your Sloppy Joes.
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of ketchup – Gives a hint of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) – Helps thicken the sauce to achieve the right consistency.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – To season the beef and veggies.
- 4 slices of provolone cheese – Provolone is the go-to cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, offering a mild, creamy texture that melts beautifully.
- 4 hamburger buns or soft sandwich rolls – These will hold your delicious sloppy joe mixture.
Additional Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Variations
- Mushrooms (optional) – Thinly sliced mushrooms can be added for extra texture and an earthy flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Garlic gives the dish an extra punch of flavor.
- Hot sauce – For those who like a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese sauce (optional) – Instead of provolone, you can use a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce for a creamier consistency.
- Jalapeños (optional) – For added heat and a slight crunch, slice up some jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey – If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
Substitutions and Variations
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are quite versatile, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to bulk up the filling.
- Different Cheese Options: While provolone is traditional, you can substitute it with American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or even a gooey cheese sauce.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns or rolls, and make sure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Option: Instead of using a bun, serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb meal.
- Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by dicing the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces. If you're using mushrooms or garlic, slice and mince those as well.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until it's browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they're soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup into the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the skillet, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Cheese: Lay the provolone slices on top of the beef mixture. Let the cheese melt into the beef for 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Buns: While the cheese melts, toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or in the oven until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately!
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is straightforward, but the key to getting it right lies in balancing the flavors and textures. Follow this guide to ensure your Sloppy Joes come out perfectly every time:
- Choose Quality Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to prevent your mixture from becoming too greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables Properly: Don't rush this step. You want your onions and peppers to be soft and slightly caramelized for the best flavor.
- Control the Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick but not too runny, so the Sloppy Joes hold together on the bun without making it soggy.
- Melt the Cheese: Make sure the cheese melts into the meat evenly to create that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting your buns adds texture and helps prevent them from getting soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Browning the beef is essential, but cooking it for too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on it!
- Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry: This step is vital for thickening the sauce. Without it, your Sloppy Joes might be too watery.
- Not Melting the Cheese Properly: Don’t rush the cheese melting process; let it melt slowly over the beef for the best results.
- Using Untoasted Buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes can elevate the experience, making it look just as amazing as it tastes.
- Serve with Fries or Chips: Classic potato chips, sweet potato fries, or even a side of pickles complement this dish well.
- Add a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance the richness of the Sloppy Joes.
- Serve Open-Faced: For a more visually appealing presentation, serve the Sloppy Joe mixture open-faced on one half of the bun with cheese oozing down the sides.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are best served fresh and hot. Pair them with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or potato salad. For a low-carb option, serve the meat mixture on lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens. If you're hosting a casual gathering, consider serving the Sloppy Joes buffet-style, allowing guests to assemble their sandwiches themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Cheese Drizzle: Drizzle extra melted cheese or cheese sauce on top for a gooey, appetizing presentation.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve on Wooden Boards: Plating the sandwiches on wooden cutting boards adds a rustic, inviting feel.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can make the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a little extra broth to loosen it up when reheating.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you like your Sloppy Joes extra saucy, add more broth or reduce it if you prefer a thicker mixture.
- Freeze for Later: The beef mixture freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat for an easy weeknight meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce the fat content or prefer poultry.
- Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. While provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment with American, cheddar, or even Swiss cheese.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time? Yes, the beef mixture can be made in advance and reheated. Just toast the buns fresh before serving.
- What can I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes? They pair well with French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delightful, comforting twist on two American favorites. This recipe combines the rich, cheesy flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the saucy, hearty goodness of a Sloppy Joe. It’s a meal that’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or feeding a crowd, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a fusion of flavors in every bite!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Savor the delicious combination of ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese in these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This easy-to-make, quick meal blends the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak with the comfort and simplicity of sloppy joes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
- Ketchup
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Provolone cheese
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef until browned, then drain.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until thickened, then top with provolone cheese.
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast the buns before serving, and use a mix of provolone and mozzarella cheese for a cheesier finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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