There’s something undeniably comforting about taking a classic sandwich concept and giving it a playful twist. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes marry the best of both worlds: tender, seasoned beef coated in a rich, savory sauce that clings to every crevice of a soft, sesame bun. This mashup honors the iconic combination of onions, peppers, and gooey cheese we all love in a Philly cheesesteak while delivering the deliciously messy charm of a Sloppy Joe. Every bite is a symphony of flavors—slightly sweet ketchup, tangy Worcestershire, and steak sauce coming together in a velvety sauce that envelopes each morsel of beef, topped with a blanket of melted provolone.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a satisfying weeknight meal, these sloppy joes are a game-changer. They’re beginner-friendly, ready in under 40 minutes, and perfect for lunch or dinner. As you sauté onions and peppers in olive oil and butter, your kitchen fills with the promise of comfort food elevated by Philly’s signature flavors. The prep is simple, the cooking straightforward, and the results utterly unforgettable. Get ready to dig in with napkins at the ready—this is one sandwich you’ll want to savor, share, and make again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES
Every star dish starts with quality ingredients that work in harmony. In this section, we’ll explore the essential components of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and how each one plays its part in building that unforgettable flavor profile.
- Ground beef
This is the hearty foundation of your sloppy joes. When cooked and seasoned properly, it provides juicy richness that carries the sauce and melds with the cheese.
- Olive oil
A crucial first step for sautéing vegetables, olive oil adds a fruity, subtle dimension and helps distribute heat evenly in the skillet.
- Butter
Melting alongside the oil, butter lends a creamy richness and a hint of sweetness, intensifying the flavors of onions and peppers.
- Onion
Chopped into small pieces, onions soften and caramelize during sautéing, releasing natural sugars that balance the savory beef.
- Green bell pepper
Provides a bright, slightly grassy note and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
- Ketchup
Brings tangy sweetness and a bit of acidity, acting as the saucy backbone for this sloppy joe variation.
- Worcestershire sauce
Adds umami depth and a savory, almost Worcestershire-y punch that ties all elements together.
- Steak sauce
Intensifies the beefy flavor with a complex blend of spices and tang, creating that Philly-style authenticity.
- Salt
Enhances all flavors and ensures your beef mixture isn’t bland. A little goes a long way in well-seasoned dishes.
- Ground black pepper
Provides gentle heat and earthy notes, rounding out the seasoning for a well-balanced taste.
- Garlic powder
Offers concentrated garlic flavor without extra moisture, deepening the savory profile.
- Cornstarch
Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the beef, giving you that ideal sloppy-joe consistency.
- Beef broth
Blends with cornstarch to form a luscious sauce; it infuses extra beefy richness and moisture.
- Provolone cheese
Soft, mild, and wonderfully melty, provolone blankets the warm beef mixture, adding creamy texture and subtle smokiness.
- Sesame burger buns
Soft yet sturdy, these buns cradle the filling and soak up the sauce without falling apart, plus the sesame seeds add a nice nutty crunch.
HOW TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES
With all your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into transforming them into a mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe. These steps walk you through the process from skillet to broiler, ensuring every element is cooked to perfection.
1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the oil shimmers. This creates the ideal surface for sautéing.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until both soften and become slightly translucent—about 3–4 minutes. You want them tender but not browned.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a sturdy spatula to break it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until there’s no pink left—around 5–6 minutes.
4. Carefully drain excess fat, leaving just enough for flavor. This keeps the mixture rich without becoming greasy.
5. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well so the beef is evenly coated in the flavorful blend.
6. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until fully dissolved. Pour this slurry into the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef—about 5 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Slice the burger buns in half and arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
9. Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of each bun, ensuring even distribution.
10. Top each piled-high beef portion with a slice of provolone cheese, draping it over the edges for maximum melt.
11. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven, cover with the top bun halves, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES
Once your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are hot off the broiler, it’s time to plan the perfect accompaniments. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving ideas bring out the best in every bite.
- Pair with crispy fries
Season homemade or frozen fries with a sprinkle of garlic salt and paprika. Bake or fry until golden brown, then serve alongside your sloppy joes for the ultimate comfort-food duo.
- Serve with a fresh green salad
Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing salad cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Add pickled jalapeños
Offer a bowl of tangy, spicy jalapeños for guests to top their sandwiches. This adds a lively kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy provolone.
- Create a slaw topper
Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple buttermilk dressing for a crunchy slaw. Pile it onto your sloppy joes to introduce cool crunch and extra flavor layers.
HOW TO STORE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES
Got leftovers? No problem. Proper storage ensures your sloppy joes stay delicious and safe to enjoy later. Follow these tips to maintain that signature saucy texture and bold Philly-style flavor.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Transfer cooled beef mixture into a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents moisture loss and flavor fade.
- Freeze in portioned bags
Scoop individual servings of beef mixture into zip-top freezer bags, pressing out excess air before sealing. Lay flat in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Keep buns separate
Store unused sesame buns in a bread bag or sealed plastic to maintain softness. Toast lightly before serving to refresh their texture.
- Reheat gently
Warm the beef mixture in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Stir occasionally to distribute heat and prevent dryness.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the hearty, saucy charm of a Sloppy Joe and the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. From sautéing the peppers and onions in butter and olive oil to melting provolone under the broiler, every step builds layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a game-day spread, or just craving something comforting, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver on taste, convenience, and that nostalgic “wow” factor. Feel free to swap in mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flair, or switch up the cheese to cheddar or American for a new twist. With just 15 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking time, this beginner-friendly recipe fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine.
This article is designed to be your go-to guide for creating and enjoying Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes at home. You can print it out or save it for later reference, so the next time you’re in need of a quick, delicious meal, everything you need is right here in one place. Don’t forget that there’s a handy FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you give this recipe a try or have tips and tricks of your own, please leave a comment, ask questions, or share your feedback. I’d love to hear about your experience and help you troubleshoot any part of the process. Enjoy every messy, cheesy bite!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Description
Experience the best of both worlds with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, where juicy ground beef meets peppers, onions, and gooey provolone on a soft bun.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until they become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-6 minutes.
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Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount for flavor.
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Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with beef broth until dissolved. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the beef mixture.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
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Preheat your oven's broiler. Slice the burger buns in half and place them on a baking sheet.
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Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
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Top the beef mixture on each bun with a slice of provolone cheese.
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Place the baking sheet under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
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Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve immediately.
Note
- For extra flavor, you can add mushrooms to the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chopped jalapenos.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Try different types of cheese, like cheddar or American, to change the flavor profile.
- This dish pairs well with a side of fries or a fresh salad.
