Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Sizzling Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe For Busy Nights

Loaded with savory beef and melted cheese, these Philly cheese steak sloppy joes deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

Tender strips of meat blend perfectly with caramelized onions and peppers.

The sandwich packs bold flavors that dance across your taste buds with every bite.

We’ve taken the beloved cheesesteak and transformed it into a messy, delicious sandwich that screams pure indulgence.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe works magic for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Each bite combines the best elements of a traditional sloppy joe with the iconic Philadelphia sandwich style.

Prepare to dive into a meal that promises to become an instant family favorite.

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes That Everyone Will Devour

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Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base that develops a delicious deep crust for intense flavor.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables that provide aromatic depth and savory undertones.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Beef Broth, Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth, slightly thickened sauce.
  • Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy and complex flavor profile to the meat mixture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.
Cheese and Bread:
  • Provolone Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts perfectly into the meat mixture.
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery bread that serves as the foundation for the sloppy joe.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sear The Ground Beef

Brown ground beef in a large cast iron skillet, allowing a deep golden crust to form. Break the beef apart gradually, ensuring maximum caramelization across the meat’s surface.

Step 2: Create Intense Beef Flavor

Continue browning until approximately half the beef develops a rich, deep crust, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetable Base

Remove beef, leaving residual fat in the skillet.

Add:
  • Butter
  • Diced onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Minced mushrooms

Sauté vegetables, allowing them to brown for 1-2 minutes between stirrings to develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Reunite Beef And Vegetables

Return browned beef to the skillet, combining with the caramelized vegetable mixture.

Step 5: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a small container, whisk beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into skillet along with:
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 6: Reduce And Thicken

Simmer sauce until reduced, with roughly 75% of the mixture above the liquid, creating a rich, clingy consistency.

Step 7: Melt In Cheesy Goodness

Remove from heat. Stir in chopped provolone cheese until fully melted and mixture becomes creamy.

Step 8: Serve And Devour

Pile the saucy beef mixture onto toasted brioche buns. Enjoy your indulgent Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes immediately.

Tips for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Success

  • Brown ground beef deeply to develop a rich, caramelized crust that adds incredible depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Allow onions, peppers, and mushrooms to brown without constant stirring, creating delicious caramelization and intensifying their natural sweetness.
  • Mix cornstarch with beef broth to create a thickening agent that helps the sloppy joe mixture reach an ideal, not-too-runny texture.
  • Add provolone off the heat to ensure smooth, creamy melting without causing the cheese to separate or become grainy.
  • Choose sturdy brioche buns that can hold up to the saucy, meaty filling without falling apart during eating.

Variations on Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Cheese Steak: Replace brioche buns with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps, maintaining the same flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate intake.
  • Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that preserves the original recipe's robust taste.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or portobello mushroom caps as a base, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish without compromising flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños, add a dash of chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zestier, more intense flavor experience.

Best Pairings with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Perfect Food and Drink Pairings:
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or light lager to cut through the rich, meaty flavors of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, creating a refreshing balance.
  • Zesty Side Salad Boost: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a crisp, acidic contrast against the heavy, cheesy sandwich.
  • Pickle Power Partner: Add a side of dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to introduce a sharp, crunchy element that complements the saucy, tender meat mixture.
  • Potato Chip Crunch: Serve with ridged potato chips or kettle-cooked varieties to add a satisfying textural crunch alongside the soft, messy sandwich.

Storing Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Without Losing Flavor

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Pour mixture into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until warmed completely and sauce reaches desired consistency.

FAQs

  • What makes the crust on the ground beef so flavorful?

Browning the ground beef without stirring allows a deep, caramelized crust to develop, which creates rich, concentrated flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.

  • Why use cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and creates a glossy, smooth texture that binds the ingredients together, preventing the mixture from becoming too watery.

  • Can I substitute the provolone cheese?

While provolone provides a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, you can use other melting cheeses like white cheddar or American cheese for similar creamy results.

  • What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat evenly, helps develop a perfect crust on the beef, and provides excellent flavor development during cooking.

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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

Description

Philly cheese steak sloppy joes deliver classic comfort with a gourmet twist, blending hearty ground beef and melted provolone on toasted rolls. Meaty, cheesy, and irresistibly messy, you’ll savor each delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing sandwich that brings Philadelphia flavors right to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 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

Cheese and Other Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) provolone cheese slices, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 6 brioche hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat and add ground beef, allowing a deep crust to form before breaking apart the meat.
  2. Continue browning the beef until approximately half develops a rich, dark exterior.
  3. Remove the beef from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind.
  4. Melt butter in the same skillet and add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced mushrooms.
  5. Sauté the vegetables, allowing them to caramelize for 2-3 minutes without stirring, then gently turn and brown for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
  8. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet along with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  9. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, reducing liquid until the consistency is thick and clingy.
  10. Remove from heat and fold in chopped provolone cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture.
  11. Lightly toast brioche buns and generously spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto each bun.
  12. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the indulgent Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.

Notes

  • Develop a deep crust by letting ground beef sit undisturbed in the hot skillet, which creates rich caramelized flavor and enhances the meat’s texture.
  • Brown vegetables separately to concentrate their natural sugars and prevent steaming, ensuring a more intense and complex taste profile.
  • Use cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce quickly without creating lumps, giving the mixture a glossy and cohesive consistency.
  • Choose high-quality provolone for maximum meltability and richer cheese flavor, which elevates the overall richness of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 428 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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