Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes bring together the savory, cheesy flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun, easy-to-make sloppy joe form. Made with tender ground beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, this filling is infused with rich, melty Provolone cheese, creating a gooey, flavorful mix that’s perfect for piling high on buttery brioche buns.
The recipe starts by browning the ground beef to develop a deep, caramelized flavor, which is then combined with sautéed vegetables for a hint of sweetness and added texture. The beef mixture is seasoned with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, adding a tangy, savory depth, and thickened with a touch of cornstarch and beef broth. Finally, chopped Provolone is stirred in, melting into the mixture to create a creamy, cheesy texture that makes each bite deliciously satisfying.
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are best served hot on toasted brioche buns for a perfect contrast of soft, gooey filling with crisp, golden bread. They’re a fantastic option for game days, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a comfort food twist on a classic sandwich!
Why You’ll Love It:
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flavor-Packed: Each bite is loaded with savory beef, sweet caramelized vegetables, and gooey cheese.
Great for a Crowd: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or family dinners—this recipe easily doubles if you’re serving a larger group.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Juicy, cheesy, and hearty, these sandwiches are an instant comfort food classic.
Key Ingredients:
Lean Ground Beef: Using lean beef reduces excess grease, which keeps the sauce thick and flavorful. For an extra twist, you could use ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
Vegetables: Green bell pepper, yellow onion, and mushrooms add flavor, texture, and color. Feel free to add red bell pepper or swap mushrooms with another vegetable if desired.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, providing a creamy melt and mild flavor. Mozzarella or even sharp cheddar can work as substitutes.
Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, brioche buns hold the filling well without falling apart. Toasting the buns prevents sogginess and adds extra flavor.
Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: These add tangy depth and umami to the filling. You could use steak sauce as an alternative to Worcestershire for a different flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the Beef: Place the lean ground beef in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. The cast iron skillet helps develop a flavorful crust on the meat.
Cook Without Stirring: Allow the beef to brown without breaking it apart too soon. Let it cook undisturbed until a deep brown crust forms on about half of the meat, then break it apart and continue cooking until fully browned.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the Beef: Remove the browned beef from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
Add the Vegetables: Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Then add diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Let them brown for 1-2 minutes before stirring.
Caramelize: Allow the vegetables to cook for another 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a caramelized, slightly sweet flavor. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine.
Make a Slurry: In a small cup, mix the beef broth and cornstarch to create a slurry, which will thicken the mixture.
Add Seasonings: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Thicken the Mixture: Pour in the beef broth and cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously. Let it cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, with about 75% of the mixture being above liquid and the rest saucy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Melt in Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Provolone cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, gooey texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Brioche Buns
Toast the Buns: While the filling is cooking, toast the brioche buns under the broiler or in a toaster oven. For extra flavor, butter the insides of the buns before toasting.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Build the Sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted brioche buns.
Serve Immediately: Serve warm and enjoy these Philly Cheesesteak-inspired sloppy joes!
Serving Suggestions:
Side of Fries: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries make a great pairing.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory sloppy joes.
Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad provides a fresh balance to the rich flavors.
Pickles: Add pickles or pickled peppers on the side for a burst of acidity.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze any leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth.
Variations:
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.
Cheddar Cheese Substitute: Swap out Provolone with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a sharper, more robust flavor.
Italian Philly Sloppy Joes: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and use mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground beef substitute or diced mushrooms for a veggie-friendly version.
Gluten-Free Option: Serve on gluten-free buns or over a baked potato for a gluten-free meal.
Conclusion:
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on two comfort food classics, blending the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the casual ease of sloppy joes. Perfectly cheesy, savory, and filling, these sandwiches are sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy every gooey, flavor-packed bite!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef for filling
- 2 tbsp butter for sautéing
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup for sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
- 1 cup beef broth for sauce
- 8 oz Provolone cheese sliced, chopped
- 6 brioche hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef undisturbed until a deep brown crust forms. Break apart and continue cooking until fully browned.
- Remove the beef from the skillet, leaving the fat. Add butter, then onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté without stirring for 1-2 minutes, then stir and cook until caramelized.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. In a small cup, mix beef broth and cornstarch; add to skillet and stir until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped Provolone cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Toast the brioche buns under a broiler or in a toaster oven. For added flavor, butter the insides of the buns before toasting.
- Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve warm and enjoy!