If you’re craving a dinner idea that’s quick, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This dish combines the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the messy, satisfying fun of a sloppy joe. With tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a gooey cheese sauce piled onto a toasted bun, this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two comfort food classics into one irresistible sandwich.
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with bold, cheesy flavors and tender beef.
- Kid-approved and easily customizable to suit your tastes.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
For the Sandwiches:
- 4-6 sandwich buns (toasted)
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, banana peppers, or hot sauce
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Season and Simmer
- Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Butter the sandwich buns and toast them lightly in a skillet or under the broiler.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle generously with the cheese sauce, then top with the other half of the bun.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot and watch these messy, cheesy sandwiches disappear!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Customize the cheese: Use your favorite cheese, like American, cheddar, or even Swiss, for a different flavor twist.
- Make it extra messy: Add more cheese sauce or double the filling for a truly indulgent sandwich.
- Toast the buns: This keeps them from getting too soggy and adds a delicious crunch.
- Add mushrooms: For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor, toss in sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of on a bun.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based meat.
- Make it a Meal: Pair these sandwiches with French fries, a green salad, or roasted veggies for a complete dinner.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store the beef mixture and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat the beef and cheese sauce in separate bowls in short intervals, stirring in between.
10 FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar all work well in this recipe.
2. What buns should I use?
Soft sandwich buns, brioche buns, or even hoagie rolls are perfect.
3. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat it gently over low heat and stir until smooth before serving.
4. What other veggies can I add?
Sliced mushrooms, red bell peppers, or jalapeños make great additions.
5. Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes! Cool it completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and substitute cornstarch for flour in the cheese sauce.
7. How do I make it spicier?
Add a splash of hot sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes.
8. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
9. What sides pair well with this dish?
French fries, potato wedges, a green salad, or coleslaw complement these sandwiches perfectly.
10. How do I prevent soggy buns?
Toast the buns and serve the sandwiches immediately after assembling.
Conclusion
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are everything you love about classic comfort food—messy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. With tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich cheese sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Save this recipe and treat yourself to the ultimate sandwich mashup tonight! 🍔🧀