Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

When you think of comfort food, two iconic American classics come to mind: the Philly cheesesteak and the Sloppy Joe. Now imagine combining the bold, beefy flavors of a cheesesteak with the saucy, handheld goodness of a Sloppy Joe. That’s exactly what this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe delivers a hearty, cheesy, saucy sandwich that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even game day gatherings, this recipe comes together quickly in one skillet. The ground beef simmers with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a savory broth before being topped with melty provolone cheese. All that goodness gets piled high on toasted brioche buns for a dinner everyone will devour.

This dish strikes the perfect balance: hearty yet quick, indulgent yet easy. If you’ve ever wanted the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the fuss of thinly slicing steak and using a griddle, this is the shortcut recipe you’ve been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two classics in one bite – the nostalgic comfort of a Sloppy Joe meets the cheesy richness of a Philly cheesesteak.
• Weeknight-friendly – ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Family-approved – kid-friendly flavors with veggies hidden in every bite.
• Melty cheese factor – gooey provolone ties everything together.
• Make-ahead magic – the filling can be prepped in advance and reheated when needed.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 generous servings. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Beefy Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground beef – provides a rich, hearty base. Lean beef reduces excess grease.
• 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – for sweetness and depth.
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced – classic cheesesteak flavor.
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced – add umami and texture.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup – subtle tang and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – for savory depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt – enhances all flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – for balance.

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – helps thicken the mixture.
• 1 cup beef broth – keeps it saucy and adds richness.

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 8 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped – melty and slightly sharp. Use 6 ounces if you prefer it less cheesy.

For Assembly:

• 6 brioche hamburger buns – soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
• Baking sheet (optional for toasting buns)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, dice the onion, pepper, and mushrooms. Chop the provolone cheese into small pieces so it melts evenly later.

2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Build the Flavor

1. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet.
3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the beef and veggies.

4. Melt the Cheese

1. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the chopped provolone cheese over the beef mixture.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Stir gently to combine.

5. Toast and Assemble

1. Toast the brioche buns lightly on a skillet or baking sheet for extra sturdiness.
2. Spoon the cheesy beef filling onto each bun.
3. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella for extra stretch or white American cheese for creaminess.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the filling over cauliflower rice or stuffed into bell peppers instead of buns.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
• Make it Deluxe: Top with sautéed onions or a drizzle of cheese sauce.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are:

• Savory & beefy with layers of umami from mushrooms and Worcestershire.
• Cheesy & melty thanks to provolone.
• Slightly sweet & tangy from ketchup and sautéed vegetables.

Drink Pairings:

• Beer: A crisp lager or pale ale.
• Wine: A fruity Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Non-alcoholic: Classic cola, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.

Side Dishes:

• Crispy baked fries or potato wedges.
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw for crunch and balance.

Nutritional Overview (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 3g

Note: Values will vary depending on portion size and bun type.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook the beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to loosen.
• Toast buns just before serving for best texture.
• Leftovers can be turned into a pasta topping or baked potato filling.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
A: Yes, freeze the filling (without buns) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, just reduce cooking time slightly.

Q: Do I need provolone cheese?
A: Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack are tasty alternatives.

Q: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
A: Toast the buns first and avoid overloading with filling.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Chop veggies & cheese	5 min
2	Cook veggies & beef	10 min
3	Add sauce & simmer	5 min
4	Melt cheese	3 min
5	Toast buns & assemble	5 min
Total	Dinner ready!	28 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve family-style with a skillet of filling and a platter of buns for DIY sandwiches.
• Make them mini sliders for parties or game day.
• Add a side of pickles or hot peppers for zing.

Recipe Variations

• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta – Toss the beefy mixture with penne pasta instead of buns.
• Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers – Fill halved bell peppers with the cheesy mixture and bake.
• Cheesesteak Quesadillas – Use tortillas instead of buns and pan-fry for crispy edges.

Ingredient Spotlight: Provolone Cheese

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting qualities.

Tips for using provolone:

• Buy pre-sliced for convenience or from the deli counter for fresher flavor.
• Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• For extra meltiness, shred or chop before adding to hot dishes.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t rush the veggies: letting the onions and peppers soften fully builds sweetness.
• Use a lid for melting: covering the skillet ensures cheese melts evenly.
• Toast the buns: prevents sogginess and adds flavor.
• Control the sauce: adjust cornstarch and broth for your ideal thickness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store filling in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled filling up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Avoid microwaving too long, as cheese may separate.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	31g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	27g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: Nut-free. Can be made gluten-free with GF buns. Lower-carb if served without bread.

Conclusion

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate mash-up of comfort food favorites. With just 30 minutes and a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a cheesy, beefy, saucy sandwich that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab some brioche buns, melt that provolone, and get ready to enjoy one of the most irresistible sloppy sandwiches you’ll ever taste!

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