If you love a good Philly cheese steak but also crave the nostalgic comfort of sloppy joes, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes bring together the best of both worlds—juicy ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms, all smothered in gooey Provolone cheese and piled onto toasted brioche buns.
Forget about the canned sauce versions of sloppy joes you may have had growing up—this homemade recipe takes the dish to an entirely new level. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or just an indulgent sandwich to satisfy your cravings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into the details of making this flavor-packed Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Mouthwatering Flavor – A combination of rich beef, buttery veggies, savory seasonings, and melty cheese.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for family meals, game-day gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable – Adjust the cheese, veggies, and seasoning to your liking.
- A Fun Twist on a Classic – Combines the best of Philly cheesesteak and sloppy joes into one irresistible sandwich.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef – Use 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Enhances the rich, buttery flavor of the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced – Provides a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast.
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced – A key ingredient that brings umami richness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – Adds a subtle sweetness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Elevates the meaty flavor with a touch of umami.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper – Provides just the right amount of spice.
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds depth and a savory base to the mixture.
For the Cheese & Buns:
- 8 ounces Provolone Cheese Slices, chopped – Melts beautifully into the mixture (use 6 ounces if you prefer it less cheesy).
- 6 brioche hamburger buns – Soft yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, allowing a deep brown crust to form. This crust adds flavor and texture.
- Once browned, break the beef apart and continue cooking until about 50% of it has a rich, crispy crust.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving behind any rendered fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add butter to the same skillet.
- Toss in the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced mushrooms.
- Let them brown without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to develop a deep caramelized flavor.
- Stir the veggies and let them brown for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Everything & Make the Sauce
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the veggies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the broth mixture into the skillet along with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Provolone cheese.
- Mix until the cheese is completely melted and coats the beef and veggies in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Toast the brioche hamburger buns lightly to prevent them from getting too soggy.
- Pile the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bun.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with:
- French Fries – Classic and crispy, perfect for dipping.
- Potato Wedges – A heartier side with a crunchy exterior.
- Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Pickles – The acidity cuts through the richness.
- Side Salad – Lightens up the meal with fresh greens.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Make it Spicier:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Try Different Cheeses:
- Swap Provolone for Mozzarella, White American, or Cheddar.
Use a Different Protein:
- Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make it Low Carb:
- Serve the beef mixture over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice.
Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed bag.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a beloved sandwich in a whole new way. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend meals.
So next time you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal, skip the takeout and whip up these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes instead. Your taste buds will thank you!
Did You Make This Recipe?
We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes creation!
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🥪 Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes – A Comfort Food Classic with a Twist! 🧀
- Total Time: 35 Minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
Description
Say goodbye to boring sloppy joes! These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes combine the juicy, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the messy deliciousness of a sloppy joe. With tender beef, caramelized onions, peppers, mushrooms, and gooey Provolone cheese, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
✅ 1 lb lean ground beef
✅ 2 tbsp butter
✅ 1 small yellow onion, diced
✅ 1 small green bell pepper, diced
✅ 8 oz brown mushrooms, minced
✅ 2 tbsp ketchup
✅ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✅ ½ tsp kosher salt
✅ ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
✅ 1 tbsp cornstarch
✅ 1 cup beef broth
✅ 8 oz Provolone cheese, chopped (use 6 oz for a less cheesy version)
✅ 6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and let it brown on one side before breaking it apart. Cook until about 50% has a rich crust, then remove from skillet.
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add butter, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Let them brown for 1-2 minutes without stirring, then stir and repeat for caramelization.
3️⃣ Combine Everything: Return beef to the skillet. In a cup, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch, then add to the pan with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4️⃣ Thicken the Mixture: Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is no longer soupy.
5️⃣ Melt the Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped Provolone cheese until melted and gooey.
6️⃣ Assemble & Serve: Pile the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted brioche buns and enjoy!
Notes
🌡️ Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal per sandwiche
- Sodium: 720mg per sandwiche
- Fat: 26g per sandwiche
- Carbohydrates: 38g per sandwiche
- Protein: 35g per sandwiche