If you're a fan of the iconic Philly cheesesteak and also love the comforting goodness of sloppy joes, then you’re in for a treat. This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is the perfect combination of both worlds. Imagine all the flavors of a juicy cheesesteak with the messy, saucy goodness of a sloppy joe. It's a quick, easy, and family-friendly meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and some exciting variations to make this dish even more mouth-watering!
What are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fusion between two beloved American sandwiches: the Philly cheesesteak and sloppy joes. Philly cheesesteak traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions served on a soft hoagie roll. Sloppy joes, on the other hand, are made with ground beef cooked in a tomato-based sauce, served on hamburger buns. In this recipe, we combine the savory flavor of beef with the cheesy goodness of Philly cheesesteaks, adding some extra elements to give it that signature sloppy joe texture. The result? A mouthwatering, easy-to-make sandwich that’s savory, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Before diving into the cooking instructions, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need for your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – About 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Onion – 1 medium-sized yellow onion, finely chopped. This adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
- Green Bell Pepper – 1 large bell pepper, diced. Adds color and crunch.
- Mushrooms (optional) – 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Mushrooms are often used in Philly cheesesteaks, and they bring a nice, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Beef Broth – About ½ cup. This helps to enhance the beefy flavor and keep the mixture moist.
- Worcestershire Sauce – 1 to 2 tablespoons for that rich umami kick.
- Ketchup – ¼ cup. Adds tanginess and sweetness to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Mustard – 1 tablespoon. Balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste. Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.
For the Cheese:
- Provolone Cheese – 4 to 6 slices. This is the traditional cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks, giving it that smooth, melty goodness.
- Cheez Whiz or American Cheese – Optional but adds an extra creamy texture to the dish.
For the Buns:
- Soft Rolls or Hamburger Buns – 4 to 6 buns, depending on how many servings you want to make.
Substitutions and Variations
There’s plenty of room for creativity with this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe! Here are some substitution ideas and variations you can try:
- Lean Protein Option: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this recipe.
- Low Carb Option: If you're cutting back on carbs, serve the sloppy joe mixture in lettuce wraps or on low-carb bread.
- Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, or use lentils for a vegetarian twist.
- Spice It Up: Add some heat with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- More Veggies: Try adding extra vegetables like red bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition content.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect batch of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Push the veggies to one side of the skillet, and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks with a wooden spoon.
- Season and Add Liquids:
- Once the beef is browned, mix it together with the sautéed veggies. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together, and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and place the provolone cheese slices directly on top of the beef mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes. If you're using Cheez Whiz, you can also drizzle it over the top before serving for an extra cheesy twist.
- Toast the Buns (optional):
- For an extra layer of texture, you can lightly toast your rolls or hamburger buns in a separate skillet with a bit of butter. This step is optional but highly recommended for that crispy, golden touch.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto your toasted buns, and serve immediately!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is straightforward, a few common mistakes can make or break your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time:
- Not Draining Excess Fat: If your ground beef has a high-fat content, make sure to drain off the excess grease before adding the seasonings. This prevents the mixture from becoming too greasy.
- Overcooking the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef. Cook it just until it's browned to avoid a dry and tough texture.
- Skipping the Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! It’s a crucial component of both Philly cheesesteaks and sloppy joes, so make sure you have enough cheese to give it that signature creamy, melty texture.
- Not Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns might seem like an unnecessary step, but it really helps to keep the sandwich from becoming soggy while adding a satisfying crunch.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate your dish, even if it’s just a casual weeknight meal. Here are some ways to serve and present your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes that will impress your family and guests:
- Classic Sandwich Style: Serve the sloppy joe mixture piled high on the buns with a side of fries or chips.
- Open-Faced: For a different twist, serve the sandwich open-faced, with the meat mixture spooned generously over one half of the bun, and melted cheese on top.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Sliders: Make smaller, slider-sized sandwiches perfect for parties or appetizers.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh herbs can add color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are best served hot and fresh, right off the skillet. Here are some classic side dishes and accompaniments to serve with your sandwiches:
- French Fries: Crispy, golden fries are the perfect pairing.
- Potato Chips: For a crunchy side, serve with a side of chips.
- Coleslaw: The creamy tang of coleslaw provides a great contrast to the richness of the sloppy joes.
- Pickles: Pickles add a refreshing, tangy crunch that complements the richness of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Presentation doesn’t have to be elaborate. Here are some ideas for making your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes look appealing:
- Rustic Wooden Boards: Serve the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board for a casual yet stylish presentation.
- Garnished with Cheese: Grate a little extra cheese on top of the sandwiches before serving.
- Mini Serving Platters: If you’re making sliders, serve them on mini serving platters or small trays for individual portions.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips
- Pre-cook Vegetables: To save time, you can pre-cook the veggies the night before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to make the sloppy joes.
- Extra Creamy: For an extra creamy texture, consider stirring in some cream cheese into the beef mixture.
- Use a Crockpot: You can make this dish in a slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables first, then combining everything in the slow cooker to simmer on low for 2-3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the sandwiches.
Q: Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
A: Absolutely. Let the beef mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free buns or serve the sloppy joe mixture over gluten-free toast or lettuce wraps.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is an easy, delicious, and fun twist on two classic American favorites. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a game-day gathering, this dish is sure to impress. With its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty beef filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Be sure to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make it your own. Happy cooking!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe blends the classic flavors of Philly cheesesteak with the ease of sloppy joes. Ground beef, onions, and bell peppers come together with melted cheese in a rich, savory sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's ready in just minutes and will satisfy the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 6 sandwich buns
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic, sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
- Dissolve cornstarch in a little cold water and add to the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat, stir in cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the beef mixture on toasted sandwich buns.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone cheese for mozzarella or American cheese based on preference.
- For a more authentic Philly flavor, add sautéed mushrooms.
- Toast the buns for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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