If you’re craving a fun, hearty twist on a classic sandwich, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional cheesesteak with the tangy, saucy goodness of sloppy joes, creating a mouthwatering mashup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Each bite bursts with tender ground beef, vibrant peppers, earthy mushrooms, and melty provolone cheese, all hugged by a soft, sesame seed bun. Trust me, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds and asking for the secret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe uses simple, straightforward items that come together to build layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the juicy ground beef to the peppery kick of A1 sauce, creating a perfect balance you won’t want to miss.
- 1 lb minced meat (ground beef): The star protein that gives the dish its hearty, juicy base.
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into cubes: Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the filling.
- 1 small green pepper, cut into cubes: Brings a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast with a hint of bitterness.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, diced: Earthy flavors and a meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Offers a touch of sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- 2 to 4 tablespoons A1 sauce (adjust based on desired flavor strength): Adds a bold, smoky zest that sets this sloppy joe apart.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Provides a gentle heat and spice.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to keep the filling rich and saucy.
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced): Melts beautifully, giving the dish its signature cheesesteak creaminess.
- 6 hamburger buns (sesame seed bakery buns): Soft, lightly toasted buns that cradle all the deliciousness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add a splash of oil if you like. Toss in the diced onion, green pepper, and mushrooms, stirring occasionally until they soften and develop golden edges. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and earthiness, building a flavorful base for your sloppy joes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it loses its pink color and starts browning slightly. This caramelization contributes a deep, savory taste that’s essential in this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauces and Seasoning
Once the beef and veggies are cooked, stir in the ketchup and A1 sauce, adjusting the amount of A1 sauce to suit your taste preferences. Then add salt and pepper to bring everything to a harmonious balance. This combination makes the mixture irresistibly tangy, savory, and full of character.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until fully dissolved. Pour this into the skillet and stir well to combine. Keep cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat and veggies, giving you that classic sloppy joe texture that’s moist but not runny.
Step 5: Add the Provolone Cheese
Baby doll-sized pieces of provolone are laid over the meat mixture, allowing the warmth of the pan to gently melt the cheese. This step is what truly brings the Philly cheesesteak vibe to life, adding creamy, gooey richness you’ll absolutely adore.
Step 6: Toast and Assemble the Buns
While the cheese melts, lightly toast the sesame seed buns until golden brown. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto each bun and serve immediately for a mouthwatering, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and add fresh flavor, try topping your sloppy joes with thinly sliced pickles, chopped fresh parsley, or even a few rings of mild banana peppers. These garnishes introduce brightness and crunch, perfectly balancing the rich sandwich filling.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a tangy coleslaw, or crunchy dill pickles creates a meal that feels indulgent but well-rounded. These sides offer different textures and tastes that complement the sandwich beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the filling over toasted bread instead of buns for an open-faced version or stuff it inside fluffy baked potatoes for a filling dinner. You could even turn the mixture into sliders for parties—each bite sized but packing all the delicious punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the leftovers can be even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and to avoid overcooking the cheese. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through, for a quick meal fix.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone gives that authentic Philly flavor, you can swap it with mozzarella, American cheese, or even cheddar for a different, but equally delicious, cheesy experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version that still delivers great texture and flavor.
How spicy is this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add heat by mixing in some hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy mustard according to your preference.
What’s the best type of bun to use?
Soft bakery-style hamburger buns with sesame seeds are perfect as they hold all the filling well and add a subtle, toasty flavor. Brioche buns also work beautifully if you want something a bit richer.
Can this be made ahead for a party?
Definitely, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and warm it up right before serving. Keeping the buns separate until the last moment ensures they don’t get soggy.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this incredible Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe in your culinary arsenal, there’s no reason not to dive in and make it soon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for sharing with friends. Give this comforting, cheesy, saucy dish a try, and I guarantee it will become one of your favorites quickly!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining ground beef with sautéed onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and tangy sauces, all topped with melted provolone cheese and served on sesame seed buns. Ready in just 25 minutes, this hearty and flavorful recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner for six.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb minced meat (ground beef)
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into cubes
- 1 small green pepper, cut into cubes
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, diced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 to 4 tablespoons A1 sauce (adjust based on desired flavor strength)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
Cheese and Buns
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
- 6 hamburger buns (sesame seed bakery buns)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and meat: Start by dicing the yellow onion, green pepper, and cremini mushrooms. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onions, green pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add sauces and seasoning: Stir in the ketchup, A1 sauce (start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste), salt, and pepper to the beef and vegetable mixture. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Thicken the mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth until smooth. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and layer slices of provolone cheese evenly over the sloppy joe mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Toast the sesame seed buns lightly if desired. Spoon the cheesy sloppy joe filling generously onto the bottom halves of the buns, then top with the other half of the buns.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes hot with your favorite side dishes or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of A1 sauce depending on how tangy or rich you want the flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
- To keep buns from getting soggy, toast them before assembling the sandwiches.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef if preferred.
- Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
