LUNCH

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Cheesy, Meaty & Irresistibly Saucy! 🥩🧅🧀🥖

Get ready to transform two beloved comfort foods into one mind-blowing meal! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver all the iconic flavors you crave from a classic Philly cheesesteak – tender, savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese – but in a wonderfully saucy, easy-to-eat sloppy joe format. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet packed with enough flavor to impress on game night. Forget the fuss of slicing steak; ground beef makes this a satisfying and simple, one-pan wonder!

What Makes This “The Best”: Flavor, Texture & Melty Cheese Magic

This recipe stands out by focusing on:

  • Proper Browning: Achieving good browning on the ground beef and vegetables creates a rich flavor base (the fond).
  • Caramelized Onions & Peppers: Cooking these until sweet and tender is crucial for authentic Philly flavor.
  • Savory Sauce: A balanced blend of beef broth and Worcestershire for deep umami, with a touch of ketchup for classic sloppy joe tang.
  • Melty Cheese Integration: We use a combination of cheese in the mixture and sliced cheese on the buns for ultimate cheesiness and to prevent soggy buns.1 Provolone or White American are traditional.
  • Toasted Buns: Essential for structure and adding a delightful crunch that holds up to the sloppy filling.

Ingredients: Your Philly Sloppy Joe Arsenal 🛒

This recipe yields 4-6 generous servings.

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter
  • 1 lb (450g) Lean Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10 recommended for less grease)2
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
  • 1 cup (240ml) Beef Broth (low sodium recommended)3
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (or 2 tsp all-purpose flour) – for thickening
  • ½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
  • Optional: ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes for a hint of heat
  • 6-8 slices Provolone Cheese or White American Cheese (or a mix!)
  • 6-8 Hamburger Buns or Hoagie Rolls (brioche or sesame seed buns work great)
  • Butter for toasting buns (about 2 tbsp)
  • Optional Garnish: Freshly chopped Parsley

Equipment Needed:

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven (cast iron is excellent for browning)
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
  • Baking sheet (if broiling buns)

Step-by-Step Preparation: Get Ready to Get Sloppy! 📝

  1. Prep Veggies & Brown Beef (10-12 minutes):
    • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until deeply browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Drain off any excess grease from the pan. (This is important for a less greasy sloppy joe.)
    • Add the sliced/diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize slightly.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Build the Sauce (5-7 minutes):
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch (or flour) until smooth – this is your slurry.
    • Pour the slurry into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
    • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
    • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a “sloppy” consistency. It should be saucy but not watery.
  3. Melt the Cheese into the Mixture (2 minutes):
    • Remove the skillet from the heat.
    • Tear 2-3 slices of Provolone or White American cheese into smaller pieces and add them directly into the hot sloppy joe mixture.
    • Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, making the mixture extra creamy and cheesy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Prepare the Buns (5 minutes):
    • While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat, or preheat your broiler.
    • Lightly butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns or hoagie rolls.
    • Place the buttered buns, cut-side down, in the hot skillet and toast until golden brown and lightly crispy (about 1-2 minutes).
    • Alternatively, place the buttered buns on a baking sheet, butter-side up, and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly!
  5. Assemble and Serve (2 minutes):
    • On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a slice of Provolone or White American cheese. This creates an extra layer of melty goodness and helps prevent the bun from getting soggy.
    • Spoon a generous amount of the hot, cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese.
    • Top with the other half of the bun.
    • Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for the BEST Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ✨

  • Don’t Skimp on Veggies: The caramelized onions and bell peppers are key to the “Philly” flavor. Let them get nice and tender.
  • Drain the Grease: Ground beef can release a lot of fat. Draining it off prevents a greasy, heavy sloppy joe.
  • Cheese Choice: While Provolone and White American are traditional, you can experiment with mild cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheesy experience. For that classic gooeyness, avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents in the mixture. Slices on the bun work well.
  • Toast Your Buns: This is critical! A nicely toasted bun provides structural integrity and a delightful textural contrast to the soft, saucy filling.
  • Adjust Consistency: If your sloppy joe mixture is too thick, add a splash more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
  • Optional Mushrooms: For an even more authentic Philly experience, sauté 4-8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers.

Creative Variations & Customizations 🌈

  • Spicy Kick: Add a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions and bell peppers, or increase the red pepper flakes.
  • Mushroom Lover: Double the mushrooms for an earthier flavor.
  • Different Cheese: While I recommend Provolone or White American for authenticity, experiment with Pepper Jack for spice or a mild Cheddar for extra tang.
  • Cheez Whiz Style: For a really authentic “wiz wit” (cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz), you could drizzle warmed Cheez Whiz over the top of the assembled sloppy joe instead of (or in addition to!) the provolone slice.
  • Hoagie Rolls: If you prefer a longer sandwich, classic hoagie rolls work perfectly instead of hamburger buns.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

These sloppy joes are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with:

  • Potato chips or French fries
  • Coleslaw
  • A simple side salad
  • Pickle spears

Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊🗓️

  • Storage: Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.4
  • Reheating:
    • Stovetop: Reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to loosen it.
    • Microwave: Reheat in individual portions, stirring halfway through.
  • Freezing: The cooked sloppy joe mixture freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Prepare fresh buns and cheese when ready to serve.

Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and satisfying Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!