If you love the rich, melty goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want something a bit quicker and packed with saucy, savory flavor, then you are in for a treat with this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe. This dish brings together the best of both worlds—ground beef cooked to perfection, tender sautéed veggies, and creamy provolone cheese all piled high on buttery brioche buns. It’s comfort food elevated with bold, satisfying tastes that everyone at your table will adore. Trust me, once you try this, sloppy joes will never be quite the same again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one does an important job, whether it’s the juicy ground beef creating that hearty base, the crunchy bell pepper adding a fresh pop, or the provolone lending that irresistible cheesy melt. Together, they build a harmony of textures and flavors that’s both familiar and exciting.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein providing rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to balance the beef.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced: Adds color, crunch, and a mild peppery note.
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced: Offers earthiness and umami to elevate the meaty base.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives a tangy sweetness that brightens the savory mix.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the flavor with a subtle smoky, savory punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and helps dissolve flavors for a luscious sauce.
- 6 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped: Melts beautifully, giving creamy, mild cheese flavor throughout.
- 6 brioche hamburger buns: Soft, buttery buns that hold all the deliciousness in place.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to create a nice deep crust—that golden-brown goodness is key for flavor. Then break it apart slightly and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned but still juicy. Remove it from the pan and set aside; this step builds the base of your sloppy joe’s hearty taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add butter and toss in the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced mushrooms. Cooking these until they’re tender and slightly caramelized brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful texture contrast. This veggie medley is what makes these sloppy joes taste so fresh and vibrant while still staying true to that Philly cheesesteak vibe.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Sauce Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the skillet with your softened veggies. Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for that perfect tangy, savory combo. Season with salt and pepper, then pour in the beef broth mixed with cornstarch. Stir it all together and let it simmer—this is when the sauce thickens, coating every bit of beef and veggies with flavor that clings deliciously.
Step 4: Melt in the Provolone Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped provolone cheese. The residual heat melts the cheese gently, creating creamy pockets of melty goodness throughout the mixture. This step truly transforms the sloppy joe filling into something special and reminiscent of a classic Philly cheese steak.
Step 5: Assemble on Toasted Brioche Buns
Lightly toast your brioche buns to enhance their buttery flavor and add a bit of crunch. Then pile on the cheesy beef-and-veggie mixture generously. The soft, slightly sweet buns perfectly hold the sloppy joe filling without falling apart, making every bite a perfect harmony of texture and taste.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe, consider topping them with crunchy pickles, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick. These small touches add freshness and a delightful contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Serve your sloppy joes with classic sides like crispy oven fries, a crisp green salad, or even some tangy coleslaw. Each side enhances the meal by adding crunch or a refreshing bite, rounding out this satisfying dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try serving your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes open-faced with extra melted cheese on top or pile the mixture on slider buns for a party platter. You can also turn the filling into stuffed bell peppers for a low-carb twist that’s colorful and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better overnight, making reheated sloppy joes just as delicious as the first night.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef and veggie mixture before adding the melted cheese for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh provolone when reheating to keep that signature melty texture.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to restore sauciness. Add provolone cheese as it warms for that perfect gooey finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic for its mild, melty nature, you could swap in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or even sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Just pick a cheese that melts well to maintain that creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing once fully assembled?
It’s best to freeze the beef and veggie mixture before adding the cheese and buns, as freezing fully assembled sloppy joes can cause the bread to get soggy. Assemble fresh when thawed for the best experience.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version. Keep in mind they have milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or seasoning to bump up the taste.
What type of buns work best for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
Soft, slightly sweet buns like brioche are ideal because they hold the saucy filling without falling apart and add a lovely buttery taste. If you can’t find brioche, potato rolls or classic hamburger buns work well too.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced red bell peppers, sliced jalapeños, or even shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to keep the flavors balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a sandwich. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, game day snacks, or whenever you crave something comforting but excitingly different. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a regular favorite in your home just like it is in mine!
Print
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the hearty, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of sloppy joes. Featuring lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted Provolone cheese, all served on soft toasted brioche buns, this quick and delicious dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal serving 6 people in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it until a deep crust forms on the bottom, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced brown mushrooms until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and the beef broth combined with cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
- Thicken and Melt Cheese: Continue cooking the mixture until the sauce thickens up nicely, stirring occasionally. Then fold in the chopped Provolone cheese slices until they melt evenly throughout the sloppy joe mixture.
- Serve: Toast the brioche hamburger buns lightly and spoon the cheesy sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Provolone cheese with mozzarella or American cheese if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Toasting the buns adds a nice texture contrast and prevents sogginess.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease for a healthier option.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
