Are you in the mood for something hearty, cheesy, and a little bit messy (in the best possible way)? Then you absolutely have to try this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe! It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Think of it as a fun twist on a classic Philly cheesesteak, but instead of the usual sandwich roll, we’re bringing it to you in the form of a sloppy joe—complete with all the melty cheese and savory goodness you could ever want.
I first made this dish when I was looking for a way to jazz up the regular ol’ sloppy joes we have at home. You know the kind—ground beef, tomato sauce, and maybe a little something extra if you’re feeling adventurous. But on this day, I wanted more. I was craving something with a little more flavor, something that made me think of those delicious Philly cheesesteaks that always smell amazing at the local deli. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes were the hit of the week and quickly became a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I can already tell you’re going to love this recipe, and here’s why:
- Easy & Quick – The best part? It’s ready in less than 30 minutes! We’re talking about a super simple, one-pan recipe that doesn’t require any complicated steps.
- Messy in the Best Way – If you love that delicious, cheesy, gooey vibe that comes with a sloppy joe, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s all about the cheese here!
- Perfect for Busy Nights – This is an ideal dish for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but you don’t have all day to cook.
- Family-Friendly – The entire family is going to love these sloppy joes. Whether you have kids or adults, there’s something about the combination of ground beef, melted cheese, and toasted buns that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- One-Pan Wonder – You won’t have to deal with a pile of dishes. Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Let’s get to it! This easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is going to blow you away with how simple and delicious it is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients I use to make the most delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. I like to keep it simple and make sure everything’s easy to find at your local grocery store:
- 1 lb lean ground beef – You’ll want lean ground beef for this recipe to keep things a bit healthier, but don’t worry—there’s still plenty of flavor packed in!
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – You’ll need about a cup of chopped onion to give the filling that savory base flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped – I like to use green bell pepper for its mild flavor, but red or yellow bell peppers work perfectly too if you want a bit of sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – A little garlic goes a long way in this dish. It adds that deep, savory flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 cup beef broth – Beef broth is the magic behind this recipe. It helps bring everything together and gives that deep, rich flavor you expect from a Philly cheesesteak.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a little bit of umami flavor, making the beef filling extra savory.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Just a touch of soy sauce brings the perfect balance to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded – You can’t have a Philly cheesesteak without melted cheese! I use provolone here because it melts beautifully and has the perfect mild flavor.
- 4 hamburger buns – Soft hamburger buns work best for this recipe, as they soak up all the amazing filling.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste. I always recommend adding salt and pepper a little at a time, tasting along the way to make sure everything is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so easy, and the steps are quick to follow. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This is the first step to building the rich, savory flavor you want.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, and let them cook with the beef for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. The veggies should soften and become fragrant, which means the flavors are blending together beautifully. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until it smells absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Stir in the Broth and Sauces
Now, the real fun begins! Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth will reduce, and the mixture will thicken slightly. This is when the flavors really start to come together, and you’ll notice how much richer it becomes.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the beef mixture has thickened, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the beef and veggie mixture, and stir it in until it’s fully melted. The cheese will give the mixture a creamy, dreamy texture that takes this dish from good to amazing. You’ll love how gooey and cheesy it gets!
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the beef and cheese mixture is simmering away, pop your hamburger buns in the toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes. Toast them until they’re golden brown. Toasted buns add a nice bit of crunch and prevent the sandwiches from getting too soggy. Trust me, this extra step makes all the difference.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place a generous scoop of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately. You can garnish with some fresh parsley or even a little more cheese if you’re feeling extra cheesy!
I love serving these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy French fries or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. But honestly, they’re so good on their own, they might not even need a side!
Pro Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Use Lean Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef because it’s a little lighter, but you can also swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Both will work just as well, and the flavor will still be amazing.
- Customize Your Veggies: If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, try swapping them out for mushrooms, spinach, or even some shredded carrots. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is!
- Double the Cheese: You can never have enough cheese, right? Feel free to add extra cheese for an extra cheesy experience. Mozzarella works well here too if you want a stringier melt.
- Spice It Up: If you like things a little spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even a little jalapeño to the beef mixture. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s just as good the next day!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is pretty rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop the mixture in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to keep it nice and juicy.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe a try! It’s one of those meals that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, and I’m willing to bet it’ll become a family favorite in your house too. It’s so easy to make, and it’s full of all the savory flavors you love in a Philly cheesesteak—but with a fun, sloppy twist.
So next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, grab these ingredients, and make your own Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Trust me, you won’t regret it! If you try it out, let me know how it goes in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe – A New Twist on a Classic Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef – You’ll want lean ground beef for this recipe to keep things a bit healthier but don’t worry—there’s still plenty of flavor packed in!
- 1 medium onion finely chopped – You’ll need about a cup of chopped onion to give the filling that savory base flavor.
- 1 bell pepper finely chopped – I like to use green bell pepper for its mild flavor, but red or yellow bell peppers work perfectly too if you want a bit of sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic minced – A little garlic goes a long way in this dish. It adds that deep, savory flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 cup beef broth – Beef broth is the magic behind this recipe. It helps bring everything together and gives that deep rich flavor you expect from a Philly cheesesteak.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a little bit of umami flavor making the beef filling extra savory.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Just a touch of soy sauce brings the perfect balance to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1 cup provolone cheese shredded – You can’t have a Philly cheesesteak without melted cheese! I use provolone here because it melts beautifully and has the perfect mild flavor.
- 4 hamburger buns – Soft hamburger buns work best for this recipe as they soak up all the amazing filling.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste. I always recommend adding salt and pepper a little at a time tasting along the way to make sure everything is perfectly seasoned.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This is the first step to building the rich, savory flavor you want.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
- Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, and let them cook with the beef for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. The veggies should soften and become fragrant, which means the flavors are blending together beautifully. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until it smells absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Stir in the Broth and Sauces
- Now, the real fun begins! Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth will reduce, and the mixture will thicken slightly. This is when the flavors really start to come together, and you’ll notice how much richer it becomes.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
- Once the beef mixture has thickened, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the beef and veggie mixture, and stir it in until it’s fully melted. The cheese will give the mixture a creamy, dreamy texture that takes this dish from good to amazing. You’ll love how gooey and cheesy it gets!
Step 5: Toast the Buns
- While the beef and cheese mixture is simmering away, pop your hamburger buns in the toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes. Toast them until they’re golden brown. Toasted buns add a nice bit of crunch and prevent the sandwiches from getting too soggy. Trust me, this extra step makes all the difference.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Now it’s time to put everything together! Place a generous scoop of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately. You can garnish with some fresh parsley or even a little more cheese if you’re feeling extra cheesy!