Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – all the cheesy, beefy, peppery goodness of two classic sandwiches packed into a quick and messy weeknight favorite. It’s cheesy, saucy, and just messy enough to make you feel like a kid again, the kind of meal that doesn’t require a knife, fork, or even a plan.
Messy, Cheesy, and Totally Worth It
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe is the kind of sandwich that requires extra napkins. It’s juicy, cheesy, a little messy (or a lot), and completely irresistible. Basically everything I want in comfort food.
This is the kind of dinner that doesn’t need fancy sides or extra effort. It’s fast, hearty, and wildly comforting. Plus, there’s something so fun about piling that saucy, cheesy beef mixture onto soft buns and watching it melt together into a sandwich that’s impossible to eat politely.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, made weeknight easy.
- Melty, cheesy, saucy perfection in every bite.
- Family-friendly, quick, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Totally customizable, yummy vegetables, extra cheese, even a spicy twist if you’re feeling bold.
- Great for leftovers or meal prep, if any actually survive the first round.
Ingredients and Tips
- Ground beef: I use 80/20 ground beef. A little fat means more flavor. If you’re using lean beef, add a splash more oil to keep the filling from drying out.
- Don’t skip the veggies: The onion, bell pepper and mushrooms are what makes this taste like a Philly Cheesesteak. Dice them small so they melt right into the sauce.
- Cheese: Go for provolone. This is the time to grab the good stuff from the deli counter, not the individually wrapped slices. It melts creamier and tastes richer.
- Thicken it right: Whisk the cornstarch into the broth before adding it to the pan for that silky, saucy filling instead of lumps.
- Toast the buns: It’s optional, but lightly toasting your buns helps them hold up that filling and adds a little crunch.
- Double up: The leftovers reheat like a dream.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned. If there’s a lot of grease, drain the excess before moving on.
Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize. This step builds tons of flavor, so don’t rush it.
Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until smooth, then pour it into the skillet. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef mixture.
Lay the provolone slices right over the meat mixture and cover the pan for about a minute. Once the cheese melts, stir gently to mix it all together into one glorious, cheesy filling.
Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the hamburger buns. Serve them warm, maybe with a side of fries or a crisp salad if you’re feeling virtuous. And yes, you’ll need extra napkins.
Substitutions
- Ground beef: If you’re looking for something lighter, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Sweet, mozzarella, white cheddar or American cheese are all great options.
- Veggies: Any color pepper works, or swap it for a poblano for a smoky flavor.
- Mushrooms: These are optional but I really like them for their meaty texture. However, if you’re not a fan, just leave them out or used diced zucchini instead.
- Buns: Brioche, pretzel buns, or crusty rolls. In a pinch, scoop the filling onto toasted sandwich bread or serve it open faced.
How To Serve Them
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the kind of meal that doesn’t need much help. But if you want to turn dinner into something special, here are a few ideas:
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Easy Coleslaw
Homemade Slider Buns
Air Fryer French Fries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, and they’re perfect for meal prep. Cook the beef mixture as directed, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of beef broth if it thickened too much in the fridge.
Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Absolutely. The filling freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving.
How can I make these spicier?
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce with the sauce ingredients. You can also top the sandwiches with pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
Can I make them low-carb?
Yes. Skip the buns and serve the filling over roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter version that’s still full of flavor.
Try These Sandwiches Next
- Italian Sub Sandwich
- Italian Beef Sandwich (Instant Pot)
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Best Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Sloppy Joes (From-Scratch & Weeknight Approved)
- Easy Banh Mi Sandwich
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until veggies soften.
- Stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk cornstarch into beef broth, then pour into skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Lay provolone slices over the meat mixture. Cover pan and let cheese melt, about 1 minute. Stir gently to combine.
- Spoon mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead: The beef mixture can be cooked up to 4 days in advance. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.
- Freezer friendly: Cool the filling completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Cheese options: Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, white cheddar, or American cheese all melt beautifully.
- Customize the veggies: Bell peppers and onions are traditional, but you can add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even spinach for a twist.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
