Oh, you’re in for such a treat with this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe! It’s the perfect twist on two beloved classics: the messy, saucy goodness of sloppy joes combined with the rich, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Imagine juicy, seasoned ground beef partnered with melted cheddar or mozzarella, sweet peas and onions, all piled onto toasted brioche buns. Each bite bursts with flavor, and trust me, this is comfort food at its finest. Whether it’s a family weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe brings warmth, heartiness, and just the right amount of indulgence to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in balancing flavor, adding texture, or enhancing that classic Philly cheesesteak vibe.
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% or 85% lean): The foundation of the dish, bringing juicy, meaty richness that’s perfect for soaking up all those tasty seasonings.
- 1 Tablespoon Butter: Adds a silky smoothness and helps to caramelize the onions and peppers beautifully.
- 1 Onion (Small, 1/2 diced, 1/2 minced): Sweet and aromatic, the onion provides both texture and depth of flavor.
- 1 Bell Pepper (Green, diced): Gives a nice crunch and vibrant green color, keeping the cheesesteak essence alive.
- 1 Cup Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps to create the rich, juicy sauce that coats the beef.
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup: Brings a gentle tangy sweetness, balancing out the savory notes.
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a touch of complexity, making every bite interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (fresh ground): A little peppery kick to brighten the dish.
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it wonderfully cling to the meat.
- 8 oz. Cheddar Cheese (or Mozzarella): Melts luxuriously into the beef mixture, creating that irresistible cheesesteak feel.
- 6 Buns (brioche hamburger): Soft, buttery, and lightly toasted buns provide the perfect vehicle for all that savory goodness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Let it develop a deep brown crust before breaking it apart — this step maximizes the flavor with that wonderful caramelization you want in your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. Browning the meat properly creates a foundation that’s truly tasty and not just bland ground beef.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers
After removing the beef from the pan (but feel free to keep the flavorful fat), toss in the butter, diced onions, minced onions, and bell peppers. Let them brown gently without too much stirring at first to develop a sweet roasted flavor. This builds layers of flavor and keeps the texture lively, which makes all the difference in the finished dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Make the Sauce
Drain any excess grease, then return the beef to the pan. In a small cup, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch—this mixture will thicken your sauce beautifully. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, then add the broth mixture. Let it simmer until thickened and the liquid mostly absorbs, around 3 to 5 minutes, creating that luscious sloppy joe consistency.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toast Buns
Turn off the heat and fold in the cheese, letting it melt into the warm beef mixture until gooey and irresistible. Meanwhile, toast your brioche buns in a little butter over medium-high heat until golden and slightly crispy. This simple touch brings extra flavor and the perfect crunch to complement the juicy filling.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best parts is topping your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe however you like. Try adding some sliced banana peppers for a tangy zip, or fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness. A little shredded lettuce could also add a delightful crunch if you want some contrast to the tender beef.
Side Dishes
For sides, consider classic crispy fries or sweet potato wedges to keep the meal fun and casual. A crisp pickle spear pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness with bite and brightness. You could also serve a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the hearty meat and cheese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or baked potatoes for a creative twist. If you want to impress guests, try plating individual portions in stylish ramekins alongside the buns for some interactive assembly fun. This meal is versatile enough to adapt and shine on any table setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will last well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture without the buns in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it will be ready to reheat and relish.
Reheating
Reheat the beef mixture gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water as it heats will help maintain the luscious sauce texture. Toast fresh buns just before serving for that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to try provolone or American cheese for a different take on the cheesesteak flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its own unique melt and taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The beef and filling itself is naturally gluten-free, but the buns usually contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the buns for gluten-free options or serve the sloppy joe mixture over lettuce wraps or rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the sauce seasonings the same for that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor.
How spicy is this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
The recipe is mild and hearty by default, but you can easily add sriracha, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat if you like things a bit spicier.
What buns work best for sloppy joes?
Brioche buns are ideal because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all the juicy filling without falling apart. Potato buns or classic hamburger buns also work well as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe enough if you’re looking for a mouthwatering twist on comfort food favorites. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor that will put a smile on everyone’s face at your table. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights or casual weekend meals!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious twist on a classic sloppy joe, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines savory ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, flavorful seasonings, and melted cheddar cheese, all served on toasted brioche buns. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% or 85% lean)
- 1 Onion (Small, half diced, half minced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 Cup Beef Broth
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (fresh ground)
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch
Dairy
- 1 Tablespoon Butter (plus more for toasting buns)
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese or Mozzarella
Bread
- 6 Brioche Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm up thoroughly.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and let it brown without breaking it apart initially, so a deep brown crust forms. Then break the beef apart and continue cooking until fully browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Remove the cooked beef from the skillet, leaving the fat. Add butter along with diced and minced onions, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Let them brown for 1-2 minutes, stir, then let brown for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove Excess Grease and Return Beef: Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then add the browned beef back into the pan with the vegetables.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and cornstarch mixture and whisk everything to combine.
- Simmer: Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and the mixture thickens to a sloppy joe consistency.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and fold in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until melted and combined.
- Toast Buns: In a separate pan, melt a little butter over medium-high heat and toast the brioche hamburger buns until golden.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with provolone or American cheese for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer less fat, drain excess grease more thoroughly after browning the beef.
- The recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
- Brioche buns add a rich, buttery flavor but any soft sandwich bun works well.
