Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the ease and fun of a sloppy joe. The filling is made with tender ground beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, all saturated with rich, melty Provolone cheese, making for gooey, deeply flavored goodness that’s perfect for piling high on buttery brioche buns.
You brown the ground beef first, to develop deep, caramelized flavor, then add sautéed vegetables for a touch of sweetness and texture. The beef mixture is flavored with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, contributing a tangy, savory depth and thickened with a splash of cornstarch and beef broth. Then, there’s chopped Provolone that gets stirred in, melting into the mixture, to form a creamy, cheesy texture that makes each bite deliciously satisfying.
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are best hot, on toasted brioche buns, for the perfect contrast between soft, gooey filling and crisp, golden bread. They’re great for game days and family dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comfort food take on a classic sandwich!
Why You’ll Love It:
Quick and Easy: This recipe can be on the table in about 30 minutes, making it great for weeknight dinners.
Flavor Bombs: They are packed to the gills with savory beef, sweet caramelized vegetables and gooey cheese.
Great for a Crowd: Ideal for casual get-togethers, game days or family dinners — this recipe doubles well if you’re feeding a crowd.
Comfort Food at Its Best: So juicy, cheesy and hearty, these sandwiches are instant comfort food classics.
Key Ingredients:
Lean Ground Beef: Ground beef that is lean cuts down on excess grease, which lets the sauce stay thick and flavorful. You could even go with ground turkey or chicken instead for a little twist.
Vegetables: Green bell pepper, yellow onion, and mushrooms add flavor, texture and color. Add some red bell pepper, if you like, or trade out the mushrooms for another vegetable.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is old-school for Philly cheesesteaks, like provolone cream melt and mild flavor. Mozzarella or even sharp cheddar can substitute.
Brioche Buns: These buns are soft and slightly sweet, adding another layer of flavor, and they hold up well to the filling without falling apart. Toasting the buns prevents sogginess while adding extra flavor.
Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: These provide tangy depth and umami to the filling. You can substitute steak sauce for Worcestershire for flavor.
To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card.
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How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the Beef: Add the ground beef to a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan and place it over medium-high heat. The cast iron skillet, meanwhile, helps develop the meat’s flavorful crust.
Cook Without Stirring: Let the beef brown, without breaking it apart early. It should cook undisturbed until there’s a deep brown crust on about half the meat, then break that up and keep cooking until it’s all browned.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the Beef: Transfer the browned beef to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan to provide flavor.
Add the Vegetables: Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Then stir in diced yellow onion, green bell pepper and minced mushrooms. Let sit and brown for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
Caramelize: Cook the vegetables, undisturbed, for another 1-2 minutes in order to develop a caramelized, semi-sweet flavor. Occasionally stir for individual cooking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine.
Create a Slurry: Combine the beef broth and cornstarch in a small cup to form a slurry that thickens the mixture.
Season the meat: Mix in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Thicken the Mixture: Add the beef broth and cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Let it simmer over medium heat until the sauce tightens up a little, with at least 75 percent of the mixture above the liquid line and the remainder saucy. This takes approximately 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Melt in the Cheese: Remove from the heat and add the cubed Provolone cheese in pieces. The residual heat will work to melt the cheese into a creamy, gooey mess.
Step 5: Assemble the Brioche Buns
Toast Buns: As the filling cooks, toast the brioche buns under the broiler or in a toaster oven. For a little more flavor, butter the insides of the buns before toasting.
Step 6: Build the Sloppy Joes
Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the cheesed beef mixture generously onto the toasted brioche buns.
Serve Immediately: Serve these Philly Cheesesteak-inspired sloppy joes warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
Side of Fries: Nothing goes better than classic French fries or sweet potato fries.
Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw offers a bright contrast to the savory sloppy joes.
Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad with creamy dressing complements the rich flavors.
Pickles: Serve pickles or pickled peppers on the side for a jolt of acidity.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration: Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Freeze any excess filling in an airtight container, up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.
Reheating: Heat the filling in a skillet on medium heat until hot throughout, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring here and there. If the mixture Angela describes as a gloop seems too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth.
Variations:
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: For more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Cheddar cheese substitute: Substitute Provolone with shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper, more robust taste.
Italian Philly Sloppy Joes: Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and use mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
Vegetarian: Use a plant based ground beef or diced mushrooms instead of ground beef for a meatless option.
Gluten Free: Serve over gluten free buns or baked potato.
Conclusion:
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy JoeRecipe or a print of Sloppy Joe Recipe with information on making Philly cheesesteaks. More cheese, more savory, more filling, these are the sandwiches that won’t let your table down. So go ahead and savor every delicious, gooey 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!