Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Savory Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe – Homestyle Fun

Philly cheese steak sloppy joes blend classic comfort with unexpected culinary creativity.

Imagine a sandwich that captures the soul of a beloved street food with a twist.

Hearty ground beef mingles with caramelized onions and sweet bell peppers, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Melted cheese cascades through the rich meat, promising an indulgent experience that tantalizes your taste buds.

Each bite delivers a mesmerizing combination of textures and savory notes that feel both familiar and exciting.

The dish revolutionizes a traditional recipe into something extraordinary, breaking free from standard sandwich expectations.

You can want to dive into this mouthwatering creation that promises to become an instant favorite at your table.

All About Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and browned for the best flavor.

  • How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. These will give your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes an extra kick of heat.

  • What if I don't have Provolone cheese?

No problem! You can swap Provolone with Swiss, American, or Monterey Jack cheese. Each will provide a delicious, melty texture to the dish.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the beef mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving on toasted buns.

Sloppy Joe Meets Philly: Why This Recipe Wins

Sloppy Joe Meets Philly: Why This Recipe Wins
  • Combines the classic Philly cheesesteak taste with the comforting sloppy joe format, creating a mouthwatering fusion that delivers rich, bold flavors in every bite.
  • Streamlines preparation with a simple cast iron skillet method, minimizing dirty dishes while developing deep caramelized flavors through strategic cooking techniques like undisturbed browning and careful sautéing.
  • Transforms traditional sloppy joes into a gourmet experience by incorporating premium ingredients like Provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and buttery brioche buns, making this recipe perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings.
  • Requires just 20-25 minutes from start to finish, offering a speedy solution for busy families craving a delicious, satisfying meal without complex cooking skills or extensive prep time.

Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Classic protein with rich flavor, choose lean for less grease.
  • Provolone Cheese: Creamy melting cheese that adds signature Philly cheese steak taste.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and sweetness, select fresh and crisp produce.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and helps bind sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides complex umami flavor and depth.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
  • Beef Broth: Creates moisture and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create smooth, thick sauce texture.
Bread:
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, rich bread that complements the hearty filling, choose fresh and slightly buttery buns.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Butter: Enhances flavor and helps sauté vegetables, use unsalted for better control.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place ground beef in the skillet and let it cook without moving until a deep brown crust develops. Break the beef into pieces and continue cooking until completely browned.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Remove beef from the skillet, keeping the rendered fat. Add butter to the pan, then introduce:
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms

Sauté the vegetables without stirring for 1-2 minutes, then stir and cook until they caramelize and develop rich golden edges.

Step 3: Create Savory Sauce

Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add:
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

In a separate small cup, blend beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Melt Cheese Into Mixture

Turn off the heat. Fold chopped Provolone cheese into the beef mixture, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.

Step 5: Prepare Toasted Buns

Prepare brioche buns by toasting them under a broiler or in a toaster oven. For extra flavor, lightly spread butter on the interior of each bun before toasting.

Step 6: Assemble And Serve

Generously spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the warm, toasted brioche buns. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this decadent twist on a classic sloppy joe.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Sloppy Philly Bites

Cooking Tips for Perfect Sloppy Philly Bites
  • Sear for Maximum Flavor: Let ground beef develop a deep brown crust before breaking it apart to unlock rich, caramelized taste and enhance overall meat texture.
  • Veggie Caramelization Secret: Avoid stirring vegetables immediately to create golden-brown edges, which intensifies their natural sweetness and adds complex flavor layers.
  • Cornstarch Thickening Trick: Mix cornstarch with beef broth separately before adding to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat when folding Provolone to prevent overcooking, creating a creamy, perfectly integrated cheese sauce.
  • Bun Toasting Pro Tip: Butter bun interiors before toasting to develop a crispy, golden exterior that adds delicious crunch and rich flavor to your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

Storing & Reheating Philly Cheese Steak Joes

Storing & Reheating Philly Cheese Steak Joes
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating to prevent tough meat texture.

Sides That Go with Philly Sloppy Joes

  • Enhance Beer Pairing: Select a crisp, hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and complements the cheesy, savory sloppy joe filling.
  • Elevate Side Dish: Serve alongside crispy seasoned waffle fries or classic golden french fries to add crunch and balance the soft, saucy sandwich texture.
  • Match Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which offers bold fruit notes that stand up to the robust beef and melted cheese combination.
  • Craft Refreshing Drink: Prepare a tangy cucumber-mint lemonade that provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty sloppy joe sandwich.

Creative Variations of Sloppy Philly Goodness

  • Spicy Southwestern Sloppy Joes: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add taco seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired version. Mix in some black beans and corn for extra texture and flavor.
  • Philly Cheese Steak Sliders: Use smaller dinner rolls instead of brioche buns. Swap Provolone for traditional Cheez Whiz or white cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties or game day snacking.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Sloppy Joes: Incorporate feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives into the beef mixture. Top with crumbled feta and serve on ciabatta bread for a Mediterranean-style experience.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip the buns entirely and serve the beef mixture inside large crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and crunch.
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling Philly cheese steak sloppy joes bring classic sandwich flavors together in one messy, irresistible meal. Hearty beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
  • 8 oz (226 g) brown mushrooms (minced)

Cheese and Buns:

  • 8 oz (226 g) provolone cheese (sliced, chopped)
  • 6 brioche hamburger buns (toasted)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high, allowing ground beef to develop a rich, caramelized crust without moving. Crumble the meat and continue cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
  2. Transfer the beef to a plate, reserving the rendered fat in the skillet. Melt butter and introduce diced onions, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Allow vegetables to sit undisturbed initially, then stir to achieve an even golden-brown caramelization.
  3. Reintroduce the browned beef to the vegetable mixture. Incorporate ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Create a quick slurry by whisking beef broth with cornstarch, then pour into the skillet to create a glossy, thickened sauce.
  4. Reduce heat and gently fold chopped Provolone into the meat mixture, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, luxurious texture.
  5. Prepare brioche buns by lightly buttering the interior and toasting under a broiler or in a toaster oven until edges are golden and crisp.
  6. Generously ladle the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns, ensuring an abundant serving that slightly overflows the bread.
  7. Serve immediately while the filling remains hot and the buns maintain their crisp texture, ready to be devoured.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear ground beef to develop a deep, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.
  • Create a rich, vegetable base by caramelizing onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms in the same skillet used for browning the beef, capturing all the delicious drippings.
  • Use cornstarch slurry to naturally thicken the sauce, ensuring a luscious, clingy texture that coats every bite of the ground beef mixture.
  • Choose high-quality Provolone cheese for maximum creaminess and an authentic Philly cheesesteak-inspired flavor profile.
  • Toast brioche buns to add a golden, crispy exterior that provides the perfect textural contrast to the saucy, cheesy beef mixture.
  • Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the buns are warm for the most satisfying eating experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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