Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe is the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort food classics — the juicy, cheesy Philly cheesesteak and the messy, flavorful sloppy joe. It’s a family-friendly, one-pan dinner that’s quick, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and creamy melted provolone cheese all stuffed inside a toasted bun — it’s comfort food at its finest!

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple, yet packed with rich and comforting flavors. It’s a weeknight dinner hero — made in just about 30 minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand. The cheesy goodness mixed with savory beef and sweet peppers hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A quick 30-minute meal!
• One-skillet recipe = minimal cleanup.
• Great for family dinners, game nights, or parties.
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses or toppings.
• It’s the best way to enjoy cheesesteak flavors without the fuss.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories (Per Serving)

• Approximately 420–480 calories (depends on the size of bun and amount of cheese)

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (optional for color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional thickener)
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or more to taste)
• 4–6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls (choice of bread)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting buns)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Push veggies to the side and add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until fully browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Season & Simmer

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir it into the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and lay the provolone slices over the meat mixture. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir to combine everything into a cheesy mix.

Step 6: Toast the Buns (Optional)

Butter your buns and toast them on a skillet or griddle until golden.

Step 7: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto each toasted bun and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes warm with:

• Crispy fries or sweet potato fries
• Pickles or coleslaw on the side
• A light green salad for balance
• Or serve open-faced for fewer carbs!

Recipe Tips & Variations

Tips

• Use provolone for classic flavor, but mozzarella, white American, or cheddar work great too.
• Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess.
• Drain beef fat to avoid greasy results.
• Want more spice? Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper.

Variations

• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms while sautéing the veggies.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the meat mixture in lettuce wraps or over roasted veggies.
• Chicken Version: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or serve over mashed potatoes.

Freezing & Storage

To Store:

• Store the meat mixture (without the buns) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Freeze the cooked meat mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat on stovetop or microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Optional: griddle or skillet for toasting buns

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days ahead. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use sliced steak instead of ground beef?

Yes, thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin can work, but it will need to be quickly seared and chopped into small pieces.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?

Sure. Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q4: What if I don’t have provolone?

Use any mild, melty cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar.

Q5: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Toast them before filling and serve immediately after assembly.

Conclusion

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup. They’re quick to make, irresistibly cheesy, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a weeknight dinner win, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your home!