Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you crave all the cheesy, beefy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the easy, family-friendly comfort of a Sloppy Joe, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes will absolutely delight you. Imagine juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, a rich, savory sauce, and gooey melty cheese—all generously piled onto toasty buns. This quick weeknight recipe packs in serious flavor with simple ingredients and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering up the essentials for these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes couldn’t be simpler—each ingredient has a role to play, delivering classic flavor, irresistible texture, or an eye-catching pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Ground beef (1 pound): Go for 80/20 for juicy flavor, or swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds flavor and helps the veggies sauté to perfect tenderness.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Sweats out for mellow sweetness and a classic cheesesteak feel.
• Green bell pepper, diced (1): Provides crunch, color, and signature Philly flavor.
• Mushrooms, chopped (1/2 cup, optional): Add earthy depth and a touch of umami—totally worth it if you’ve got them.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that aromatic boost and subtle bite.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the savoriness and adds rich complexity.
• Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Brings slight tang and balances the savory flavors with a kiss of sweetness.
• Beef bouillon or base (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the meaty taste and mimics the flavor of classic cheesesteak.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essentials for elevating every component—adjust to taste.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle background heat to balance everything out.
• Cornstarch + water slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1/4 cup water): Thickens up the saucy mixture, ensuring it’s just the right stick-to-your-bun consistency.
• Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): This is what makes it extra melty and delicious—provolone for classic vibes, mozzarella for stretchiness.
• Hamburger buns (4): Toast them for extra sturdiness; they’ll hold up to the juicy filling perfectly.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms (if you’re using them). Sauté these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until they’re softened and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for that classic cheesesteak aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma

Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. You want it to become aromatic but not browned—this quick hit of garlic elevates the entire flavor profile of your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, crumble in your ground beef. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring bite-sized pieces and even browning. Cook until there’s no more pink left, then drain off any excess fat. This is the hearty, meaty base that will soak up all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Create That Signature Sauce

It’s time to dial up the savory goodness! Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, beef bouillon, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up so the meat and veggies are evenly coated—every bite will sing with flavor.

Step 5: Thicken the Mixture

Quickly whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour that into your skillet and give everything a stir. Within about 2 minutes, the mixture will thicken up just enough so your filling is rich and saucy, but not runny.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the shredded cheese. Watch as it melts, turns creamy, and pulls the whole mixture together—this is what makes Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes utterly irresistible! Provolone melts into subtle creaminess, while mozzarella delivers that satisfying cheese pull.

Step 7: Serve on Toasted Buns

Spoon that luscious, cheesy beef and veggie mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve them hot, and get ready to watch faces light up! Toasting the buns isn’t just a pro move—it keeps everything together and adds a lovely crunch.

How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

A little topping goes a long way! Consider a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra shreds of provolone. For a spicy kick, try pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you’re a fan of classic cheesesteak condiments, a bit of yellow mustard or even a scoop of sautéed onions can take things up a notch.

Side Dishes

These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes pair beautifully with crisp oven fries, a light green salad, or classic potato chips. For a comforting twist, whip up a batch of creamy cole slaw or some roasted veggies—the perfect way to round out your meal (and soak up any extra sauce!).

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving the filling open-faced on toasted sub rolls, or stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a low-carb option. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes also make fantastic sliders for parties or game day—just pile the cheesy beef onto small rolls for bite-sized crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep exceptionally well! Simply transfer any extra filling to an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Store the filling and buns separately so your sandwiches don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Want to stock up? Let the meat mixture cool completely, then spoon it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another round of Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s looking a bit thick. Or, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. Toast fresh buns and you’re all set!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Classic provolone is traditional, but you can also use mozzarella for meltiness or even a combo of American, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Try slices or shredded cheese depending on what you love or have on hand.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

A quick pass on a dry skillet or under the broiler works perfectly. For extra richness, brush the inside of each bun with a little melted butter before toasting for a golden, crispy finish that stands up to the juicy filling.

Can I make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free buns or rolls. Double check that your beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup are gluten-free as well, since some brands contain gluten-based additives.

Do I have to use green bell pepper?

Not at all. Mix it up with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for different flavors and colors. You can even omit the peppers entirely if you prefer—or load up on mushrooms for a heartier, earthy vibe.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a large skillet. These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are perfect for feeding a crowd, and the filling holds well on a buffet with a pile of toasted buns on the side.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your dinnertime routine with a sandwich that’s big on flavor and totally satisfying, give these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes a try! Every bite offers that signature Philly taste with a fun, easy twist. They’re great for sharing with family or friends, and once you taste them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

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