If you’re craving a comforting sandwich that hits all the right notes of melty cheese, savory beef, and those classic Philly Cheesesteak flavors, you have to try this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. It takes the beloved sloppy joe concept and elevates it with tender cremini mushrooms, vibrant green peppers, onions, and that irresistible provolone cheese, all wrapped in a soft sesame seed bun. This dish is a spectacular crowd-pleaser and perfect for when you want all the flavor of a cheesesteak but with a fun, messy twist that feels totally new and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this list; each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. From the juiciness of the ground beef to the earthiness of the cremini mushrooms, every component works in harmony.
- 1 lb minced meat (ground beef): The star protein that brings juicy, rich flavor to the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into cubes: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth as it softens.
- 1 small green pepper, cut into cubes: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp bite and vibrant color.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, diced: Brings earthiness and a meaty texture to complement the beef.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and moisture to bind the filling.
- 2 to 4 tablespoons A1 sauce: Provides that signature savory tang typical of Philly cheesesteaks; adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat and kick.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a saucy, sloppy consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds a savory base for the sauce, keeping the filling juicy.
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced): Melts beautifully for that iconic gooey cheesesteak finish.
- 6 hamburger buns (sesame seed bakery buns): Soft and sturdy, perfect for holding all that tasty filling without falling apart.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion, green pepper, and cremini mushrooms. Cook these until they’re softened and their natural flavors have melded together, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation of your sloppy joes and adds that necessary vegetable sweetness and earthiness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the minced meat directly into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink, ensuring it’s nicely browned for that rich, meaty flavor. Browning the meat properly is key for developing depth and creating a juicy texture that will soak up the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the ketchup, A1 sauce, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will infuse the mixture with the iconic tangy and savory notes that give this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe its unmistakable character. Allow everything to combine and simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors get cozy and meld into the meat and veggies.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the beef broth until smooth. Pour this into your skillet and stir continuously as the mixture simmers gently. You’ll notice the sauce thickening, turning your filling into that perfect gooey, sloppy consistency you want nestled inside your buns. Keep it on low heat to avoid lumps and ensure it coats every morsel.
Step 5: Melt the Provolone Cheese
Lower the heat and lay slices of provolone cheese evenly over the meat mixture. Cover the skillet briefly to let the cheese melt into luscious, stringy goodness that adds both creaminess and that signature Philly cheesesteak touch. This is the moment your sloppy joes transform from tasty to totally irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Split your sesame seed buns and toast them lightly if desired, then pile on the cheesy, saucy meat mixture. Each bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures from the tender beef and veggies to the melty provolone and soft bun.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra dash of freshness, you can add thinly sliced pickles or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. These little extras offer a cool, crisp contrast that brightens every bite and balances the savory richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or onion rings are an obvious winner here, but a crunchy pickle spear or a simple coleslaw works equally well. The goal is to complement the richness of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch it up? Serve the filling over baked potatoes for a sloppy joe-inspired loaded potato, or turn it into a dip for toasted baguette slices at a party. The hearty, cheesy, saucy mixture makes for endless creative options that wow guests and satisfy any craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
This filling freezes beautifully! Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so you enjoy the same great texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture has thickened too much. Once warmed through, top with extra provolone and cover briefly to melt the cheese afresh for a delicious second round.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, you can experiment with mozzarella, American, or even pepper jack for a little spicy kick. Just choose something that melts well to keep that gooey goodness.
What can I substitute for A1 sauce?
If you don’t have A1 sauce on hand, Worcestershire sauce or a combination of soy sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar can work as flavorful alternatives to maintain that savory umami taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the hamburger buns for gluten-free buns. Make sure your A1 sauce or substitute is also gluten-free. That way, everyone can enjoy this tasty sandwich!
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and accessible to most palates, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to amp up the heat if you like things spicy.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version. Just be mindful that these meats cook faster and are leaner, so you might want to add a little olive oil when cooking for moisture and richness.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to an indulgent meal, these sandwiches hit every craving perfectly. Give it a try and watch how fast these sloppy joes disappear!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines savory ground beef with sautéed onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, all coated in a flavorful sauce and topped with melted provolone cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
- 6 hamburger buns (sesame seed bakery buns)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the yellow onion, green pepper, and cremini mushrooms into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution in the sloppy joe mixture.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green pepper, and mushrooms to the browned meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in ketchup and A1 sauce, adjusting the amount of A1 sauce according to your preferred flavor intensity. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry. Pour the beef broth into the skillet, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens to a sloppy joe consistency.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns.
- Add Provolone Cheese and Melt: Place slices of provolone cheese over the sloppy joe mixture and cover the skillet or use a broiler to melt the cheese slightly.
- Serve: Top with the upper halves of the buns and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of A1 sauce based on your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute buns with gluten-free bread options.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
