Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Sizzling Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe for Dinner Magic

Juicy ground beef sizzles with bold Philly cheese steak flavors that create an irresistible twist on classic comfort food.

Melted cheese and tender meat blend into a mouthwatering sandwich experience.

Caramelized onions and peppers add depth to every delicious bite.

This recipe takes traditional sloppy joes and upgrades them with Philadelphia-inspired ingredients.

Packed with savory goodness, each sandwich delivers a hearty meal that satisfies serious hunger.

You’ll love how quickly these come together for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.

Grab a napkin and prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • Why brown the beef without stirring first?

Browning the beef without immediately breaking it apart creates a deep, caramelized crust that adds rich, complex flavor to the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

  • What's the purpose of using cornstarch in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, creating a perfect consistency that’s not too runny or too dry, ensuring the Sloppy Joes hold together when served on the bun.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Provolone?

While Provolone is traditional for Philly Cheese Steak flavor, you can substitute with American or Swiss cheese for a similar creamy texture and melting quality.

Why Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Rock

  • Achieve restaurant-quality taste by browning beef and vegetables separately, creating a rich, caramelized foundation that elevates the entire dish.
  • Transforms classic sloppy joes into a gourmet Philly cheese steak experience that kids and adults will absolutely love, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Uses common pantry staples and simple techniques to create a mouthwatering meal with maximum flavor and minimal complicated steps, making cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
  • Streamlines cooking process by preparing everything in a single cast iron skillet, reducing cleanup time and allowing flavors to meld beautifully throughout the cooking process.

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe Ingredients

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the foundation of this sloppy joe recipe.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms: These aromatic vegetables add depth, sweetness, and earthy notes to the dish.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Provolone Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that brings rich flavor and smooth texture to the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps to sauté the vegetables.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Beef Broth, Cornstarch: Create a thickened sauce that binds the ingredients together.
  • Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Add tangy and savory undertones to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the beef and vegetables.
Bread:
  • Brioche Buns: A soft, slightly sweet bread that serves as the perfect base for the sloppy joe mixture.

Tools for Quick Sloppy Joe Assembly

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Large, heavy-duty pan perfect for browning beef and sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
  • Small Cup: Used for mixing beef broth and cornstarch to create a smooth thickening agent.
  • Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and cheese with ease.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precisely dicing onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and break up beef without scratching the skillet.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent flavor.
  • Baking Sheet or Toaster: For toasting brioche buns to golden perfection.

How to Make Philly Sloppy Joes at Home

Step 1: Sear The Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large cast iron skillet.

Allow a deep golden crust to develop on about half the meat before breaking it apart.

The caramelization creates incredible flavor depth.

Step 2: Remove Browned Meat

Transfer the beautifully seared beef to a separate plate, keeping the delicious rendered fat in the skillet for the next stage of cooking.

Step 3: Saute Vegetable Medley

Ingredients:
  • Butter
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms

Add all vegetables to the hot skillet.

Let them develop rich caramelized edges by allowing 1-2 minutes of undisturbed cooking before stirring.

Repeat this process until vegetables are golden and tender.

Step 4: Reunite Meat And Vegetables

Return the browned beef back into the skillet with the sauteed vegetables, creating a harmonious flavor foundation.

Step 5: Create Flavor Enhancing Liquid

In a small cup, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Build Complex Flavor Profile

Ingredients:
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Beef broth/cornstarch mixture

Pour all ingredients into the skillet and stir thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.

Step 7: Simmer And Reduce

Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes.

The goal is a slightly liquidy consistency with approximately 75% of ingredients remaining above the sauce.

Step 8: Melt Cheese Goodness

Remove skillet from heat and fold in chopped Provolone cheese, allowing residual warmth to create a creamy, luxurious texture.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Generously spoon the decadent beef mixture onto toasted brioche buns, creating a mouthwatering meal that combines classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with sloppy joe excitement.

Tips for Gooey Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

  • Let the ground beef develop a deep, caramelized crust before stirring for maximum flavor and textural complexity.
  • Give vegetables enough undisturbed skillet time to create rich, golden-brown edges that enhance overall taste profile.
  • Turn off heat before adding Provolone to prevent overcooking and ensure creamy, smooth cheese integration.
  • Mix cornstarch with broth separately to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that perfectly thickens the sloppy joe mixture.
  • Lightly toast brioche buns to add crunch and prevent sogginess when serving the saucy beef mixture.

Ways to Vary Philly Sloppy Joes

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace brioche buns with large lettuce leaves for a carb-free version, perfect for keto diets.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Option: Swap ground beef with black beans and add extra mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Choice: Use gluten-free buns or serve over cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños and swap Provolone for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

How to Serve Sloppy Joes Hot

  • Cheesy Comfort Combo: Top each bun with extra melted provolone for an indulgent cheese pull experience.
  • Veggie Crunch Upgrade: Garnish with crisp lettuce or fresh arugula to add a refreshing texture contrast to the rich meat mixture.
  • Spice Lovers' Twist: Sprinkle jalapeño slices or drizzle hot sauce for those craving an extra kick of heat with their sloppy joe.
  • Pickle Perfect Pairing: Add tangy dill pickle slices on top or serve alongside to cut through the richness of the cheesy beef.

Storing Philly Cheese Sloppy Joes the Right Way

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pack the beef mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Juicy Philly cheese steak sloppy joes combine classic sandwich flavors in a hearty, one-pan meal. Rich beef, melted cheese, and peppers create a delicious comfort food experience you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) brown mushrooms, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) Provolone Cheese, sliced and chopped

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Bread:

  • 6 brioche hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. In a large cast iron skillet, place ground beef and allow a deep brown crust to develop on approximately 50% of the meat surface before gently breaking it apart.
  2. Once beef achieves a rich golden-brown color, transfer to a separate plate while preserving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Melt butter in the same skillet and introduce onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, allowing vegetables to caramelize for 1-2 minutes between stirrings until achieving a rich golden color.
  4. Reintroduce the browned beef into the vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious blend.
  5. Whisk beef broth and cornstarch together in a small container until smooth and lump-free.
  6. Incorporate ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and the prepared broth mixture into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  7. Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, maintaining a slightly liquid consistency with most ingredients remaining above the sauce.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and fold in chopped Provolone cheese until melted and integrated.
  9. Spoon the robust beef mixture onto toasted brioche buns, creating a decadent and messy sandwich experience.

Notes

  • Sear Beef Strategically: Let the beef develop a rich, caramelized crust before breaking it apart, creating deeper flavor complexity.
  • Vegetable Browning Technique: Cook onions, peppers, and mushrooms with patience, allowing each side to develop golden-brown edges for maximum taste depth.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Remove skillet from heat before adding Provolone to prevent overcooking and maintain a creamy, smooth texture.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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