If you love that classic combination of savory meat, melty cheese, and a handful of veggies packed into a cozy bun, then you are absolutely going to adore this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. It’s a fun, juicy twist on the traditional sloppy joe that incorporates all the best flavors from a Philly cheesesteak, making for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The rich blend of ground beef, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and that irresistible cheesy sauce all sandwiched between toasted ciabatta rolls will have you coming back for seconds without any guilt or hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet incredibly effective in creating that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor in sloppy joe form. Each one contributes to a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy notes that you’ll find utterly addictive.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio): Provides juicy, flavorful meat with just the right amount of fat for searing.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and aroma, elevating the overall flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds a fresh crunch and a subtle sharpness to contrast the meat.
- ½ pound brown mushrooms (minced): Adds umami depth making the mixture extra hearty.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the meat.
- 1 cup beef broth: Infuses moisture and savory notes while combining the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and tomato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the flavor with its complex, savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right kick of spice.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle heat boost.
- 2-4 tablespoons Velveeta: Melts perfectly into the beef mix for creamy cheesiness.
- 4-8 slices Provolone cheese: Classic Philly cheesesteak cheese that melts beautifully on top.
- 6 ciabatta rolls: Their crusty exterior and soft interior are ideal for holding all that goodness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and place the ground beef in it. Let the beef sear and develop a dark brown crust, which boosts flavor significantly. Stir occasionally until about half of the beef is seared, then strain the beef with a strainer over a heatproof bowl to remove excess fat. Set the strained beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the same skillet, add two tablespoons of beef fat along with the butter. Toss in the diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are just tender — this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step brings out the sweet and earthy flavors that perfectly complement the beef.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Vegetables
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir everything together so the flavors can start to blend while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Mix the Thickening Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sloppy joe filling to that ideal sloppy but not watery consistency.
Step 5: Add Flavorful Liquids and Seasonings
Pour the beef broth mixture into the skillet along with cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and start to build that signature Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe flavor.
Step 6: Simmer Until Thickened
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken nicely, coating all the meat and veggies in rich, cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Prepare the Buns
While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Butter the insides of the ciabatta rolls generously and place them butter-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to your sandwich.
Step 8: Add the Cheese to the Beef Mixture
Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary—this cheesy sauce is what takes the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe over the top!
Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the prepared bottom buns on a baking sheet. Scoop a generous amount of the meat mixture onto each bottom bun, and top with 1 or 2 slices of Provolone cheese, depending on how cheesy you want your sloppy joes.
Step 10: Broil for the Perfect Melt
Pop the baking sheet under the broiler again just until the Provolone melts and bubbles beautifully. Keep an eye on them so the cheese melts without burning. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 11: Finish and Serve
Cap each sandwich with the toasted top buns, press down slightly, and your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is ready to enjoy. Serve immediately for the best melty cheesy experience!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little fresh flair with simple garnishes like chopped parsley or a few slices of pickled jalapeños to add brightness and a bit of heat. A light sprinkle of green onions works wonders too and complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sloppy joes aren’t shy on their own, but pairing them with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even classic coleslaw brings a lovely contrast in texture and freshness. For a hearty meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or baked beans to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe open-faced, layered on toasted baguette slices as mini sliders, or even spooned over baked potatoes for a fun twist. The melty cheese and robust filling make it perfect for many creative presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making for a flavorful next-day lunch or dinner option. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
The beef and vegetable mixture freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick. Toast or re-broil your buns fresh for that perfect texture before assembling again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Provolone and Velveeta give that classic Philly cheesesteak taste and melt, you can substitute American cheese, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique twist.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
Yes! Try replacing the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped cooked mushrooms. Keep the seasonings and sauce the same for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add hot sauce, or top your sandwich with spicy pickled peppers to ramp up the heat to your liking.
What type of roll works best for these sloppy joes?
Ciabatta rolls are ideal because they’re crusty on the outside and soft inside, but hoagie rolls, kaiser buns, or even sturdy burger buns work great as well.
How can I make the sloppy joe mixture thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker filling, let it simmer a little longer or add an extra pinch of cornstarch dissolved in broth. For a looser mixture, add a splash more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. Its hearty, cheesy, and savory combination is bound to become your new go-to comfort food favorite. Trust me—once you’ve had these, you’ll wonder how you ever made sloppy joes any other way. So grab your skillet and those ciabatta rolls and dive into this mouthwatering adventure!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the casual comfort of sloppy joes. Ground beef is seared to develop rich flavor, combined with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then simmered in a tangy, savory sauce with Velveeta cheese for creamy richness. Served on toasted ciabatta rolls with melted provolone cheese, this hearty sandwich is a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, stems & seeds removed, diced
- ½ pound brown mushrooms, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2–4 tablespoons Velveeta cheese
- 4–8 slices Provolone cheese (depending on how cheesy you want)
- 6 ciabatta rolls
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, place the ground beef and allow it to sear until a dark brown crust forms. Stir and continue cooking until about 50% of the beef is browned. Then, strain the beef using a strainer placed over a large heat-resistant bowl and set the beef aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add two tablespoons of the reserved beef fat and butter to the skillet. Add diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stir, then continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine.
- Prepare thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth until smooth.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour the cornstarch-beef broth mixture, along with cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well.
- Simmer to thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Toast buns: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil. Butter the insides of the ciabatta rolls and place them buttered side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil until golden brown, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Incorporate Velveeta cheese: Once the beef mixture has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare sandwiches: Remove the top halves of the buns from the baking sheet. Place a generous scoop of the meat mixture onto each bottom bun and top with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Melt provolone cheese: Return the open-faced sandwiches to the broiler and broil just until the provolone cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer sandwiches to a cooling rack to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble and serve: Place the top buns on the sandwiches and serve immediately while hot.
- Enjoy: Dive into these cheesy, savory Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef provides flavorful fat content that helps develop the crust and rich taste.
- Broiling the buns and cheese ensures a crisp texture and melty cheese topping that mimics Philly cheesesteaks.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder sandwich.
- Velveeta cheese adds creamy texture and gooeyness essential for sloppy joe style but can be substituted with processed cheese of choice.
- Ciabatta rolls hold up well to the saucy filling and provide a sturdy bite.
- Straining the beef after browning removes excess fat, preventing the sandwich from becoming greasy.
