Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction
Craving the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but want something easier and quicker to prepare? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—a brilliant mash-up of two comfort food classics. In this article, you’ll learn how to recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, step by step. Imagine tender ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a rich cheese sauce, all packed into a soft sandwich bun. Stay with me, and by the end of this guide, you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever the craving strikes!

---

What are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a hybrid dish that combines the key flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the loose, saucy goodness of a Sloppy Joe. Traditionally, a Philly cheesesteak features thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers, served in a hoagie roll. A Sloppy Joe, on the other hand, is a saucy ground beef sandwich. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: you get the rich, beefy flavor of a cheesesteak but in a Sloppy Joe-style filling that’s incredibly easy to prepare and enjoy. It’s a fun twist that delivers the hearty satisfaction of both dishes in one bite.

---

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef – The core of this recipe, ground beef serves as the meaty base for your Sloppy Joes. Use an 80/20 blend for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and give the beef a rich flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Onions add sweetness and depth, a classic component of any Philly cheesesteak.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – Bell peppers offer crunch and a touch of bitterness, balancing the richness of the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the savory notes and adds a wonderful aroma.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A key ingredient that adds a tangy, umami-packed depth to the beef mixture.
• 1 tablespoon ketchup – For a touch of sweetness and tang to complement the beefy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a mild kick and complexity to the mix.
• 1 tablespoon flour – Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• ½ cup beef broth – Helps create the perfect saucy consistency, adding richness to the dish.
• 6 slices of provolone cheese – Melted provolone is the ideal cheese for a Philly cheesesteak; it’s creamy and melts perfectly into the beef.
• 4 soft sandwich buns – Serve the Sloppy Joes in sandwich buns that are soft and absorbent to soak up all the juicy goodness.

---

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about adapting recipes to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations in this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken – Swap out the ground beef for leaner ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheddar or American Cheese – If you don’t have provolone, cheddar or American cheese works well. Both offer a different flavor but will still melt beautifully into the mixture.
• Gluten-Free Buns – To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free sandwich buns and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free too.
• Vegetarian Option – Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like crumbled tempeh, tofu, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
• Add Mushrooms – For more texture and flavor, add sautéed mushrooms into the beef mixture. They work well with the Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist – Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for some heat.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables
   Start by dicing the onion and green bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Have all your ingredients ready so the cooking process goes smoothly.
2. 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 apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
   Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add Seasonings
   Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. These ingredients will bring richness and a perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
5. Thicken the Mixture
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, and stir to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.
6. Add Beef Broth
   Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.
7. Add Cheese
   Lay the slices of provolone cheese directly on top of the beef mixture. Let it melt for a minute or two, then stir the melted cheese into the beef for a creamy, cheesy finish.
8. Toast the Buns
   While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the sandwich buns. This will prevent them from becoming too soggy when you assemble the Sloppy Joes.
9. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
   Scoop a generous portion of the cheesy beef mixture onto each bun. Serve hot and enjoy!

---

How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

This dish is straightforward and can be made in just under 30 minutes. The trick is in getting the balance of flavors just right—rich, cheesy, savory, and slightly tangy. Follow the instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your preference. Keep your eye on the skillet while browning the beef, and make sure not to overcook the vegetables so they retain some texture.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Fat – After browning the ground beef, always drain the excess fat. Too much grease will make your Sloppy Joes heavy and overly oily.
• Overcooking the Vegetables – You want the onions and peppers to retain some bite. Sauté them until soft but still a little crisp.
• Skipping the Cheese Melting Step – It’s tempting to just toss cheese into the mixture, but melting it directly over the beef ensures an even, gooey texture throughout.
• Using Stale Buns – Fresh, soft sandwich buns make a huge difference. Stale buns will detract from the texture and overall enjoyment of the dish.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are casual yet flavorful, perfect for a laid-back meal. Here are a few serving tips to elevate your dining experience:

1. Serve with Classic Sides – French fries, potato chips, or a simple salad make excellent sides for this dish.
2. Pickles on the Side – Serve with dill pickles for a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the Sloppy Joes.
3. Napkins Ready – Sloppy Joes are, by nature, messy. Make sure to have plenty of napkins handy!

---

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

For a little visual appeal, you can dress up your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Here are some ideas:

• Add a Cheese Drizzle – Melt additional cheese and drizzle it over the top for extra gooey goodness.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs – A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color.
• Serve Open-Faced – For a more refined presentation, serve the sandwich open-faced with the beef mixture piled high on a toasted bun.

---

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients – The freshness of your onions, peppers, and cheese makes a difference in the overall flavor.
• Double the Recipe – This recipe scales easily, so double it if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Leftovers – The beef mixture reheats well, so save leftovers for the next day!

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve. Just wait to toast the buns until right before serving.

Can I freeze the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe filling?
Absolutely. Cook the beef mixture, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Definitely! While provolone is the classic choice, you can experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese.

Are there any low-carb options for this recipe?
For a low-carb option, serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture over lettuce leaves or use low-carb sandwich buns.

---

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up, blending the best of both the Philly cheesesteak and the Sloppy Joe. This recipe is easy, fast, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a new twist on two beloved classics. Happy cooking!

Print