These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring together everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak and the messy, comforting goodness of sloppy joes. Juicy ground beef, tender sautéed peppers and onions, melted sharp cheddar, all piled onto soft buns. I first made these on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but still wanted that wow factor, and they've been on repeat ever since. The whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes, which means you can have a restaurant-style dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout.
If you're in the mood for more easy weeknight wins, you'll love these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs or this cozy Easy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup that my family requests constantly.
Why You'll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Let me tell you what makes these cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes a total winner. First, they're incredibly fast. From start to finish, you're looking at around 20 minutes, which is perfect for those nights when you're short on time but still want something that feels special. The ingredient list is simple and straightforward, nothing fancy or hard to find. You probably have most of it in your pantry already.
The flavor is bold and satisfying. The combination of sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms with seasoned ground beef creates that classic Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes taste, while the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce add a tangy sweetness that balances everything out. And then there's the cheese, melted and gooey, bringing it all together. These are also kid-friendly and a huge hit on game day or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing meal that doesn't require a lot of fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Ingredients
- How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Substitutions and Swaps
- Equipment For Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef mixture so it's not too runny and stays nicely on the bun.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and a rich, savory depth to the meat. The low-sodium version keeps the overall saltiness in check.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and keep them from sticking to the pan.
- Sweet onion: Brings a mild sweetness and tender texture that complements the beef beautifully.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Mushrooms: Give the filling an earthy, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the ground beef.
- Lean ground beef: The star of the show. It browns quickly and soaks up all the seasonings for maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add a fragrant, savory note that makes everything taste better.
- Ketchup: Provides a touch of sweetness and tanginess, giving the mixture that classic sloppy joe vibe.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, umami-rich flavor that makes the beef taste even more savory and complex.
- Taco seasoning: A surprising addition that amps up the flavor with warm spices. You can use store-bought or make your own blend.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together and enhance all the other flavors.
- Shredded sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, tangy richness. Sharp cheddar gives more bite, while Monterey Jack is milder and smoother.
- Hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling without falling apart.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Follow these simple steps to make the best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes you've ever tasted.
Preheat the broiler: Turn your broiler on so it's ready to melt that cheese later. This step ensures the cheese gets bubbly and golden in just a minute or two.
Mix the thickener: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth until smooth, then set it aside. This mixture will thicken the sauce and keep everything from sliding off the bun.
Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms, and cook for about 3 minutes until they're tender and starting to soften. You'll smell the sweetness of the onions and peppers as they cook.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Season the mixture: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Everything will start to smell rich and savory.
Thicken the sauce: Give the cornstarch mixture a quick stir, then pour it into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the beef nicely.
Assemble the sandwiches: Scoop the beef mixture onto the hamburger buns, dividing it evenly among all six. Top each sandwich with about ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
Melt the cheese: Place the sandwiches under the broiler and watch them closely. The cheese should melt and get bubbly in about 1 to 2 minutes. Alternatively, you can stir the cheese directly into the beef mixture until it melts if you prefer.
Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm with your favorite chips or sides. Dig in and enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
Substitutions and Swaps
Here's how to customize these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes based on what you have on hand.
Ground beef: You can swap in ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The flavor will be a bit milder, so you might want to add an extra pinch of seasoning.
Cheese: If you don't have sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack, provolone is a classic Philly cheesesteak choice. American cheese also melts beautifully and gives a creamier texture.
Taco seasoning: Use Italian seasoning or a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika if you don't have taco seasoning. It'll still be delicious.
Mushrooms: Leave them out if you're not a fan. You can replace them with extra bell peppers or even some diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Buns: Slider buns, hoagie rolls, or even toasted bread work great if you don't have hamburger buns.
Equipment For Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
You don't need much to make this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, just a few kitchen basics.
- Large nonstick skillet: This is where all the magic happens. A nonstick surface makes cleanup easy and keeps the veggies and beef from sticking.
- Small bowl: For mixing the cornstarch and beef broth slurry.
- Whisk: Helps blend the cornstarch and broth smoothly so there are no lumps.
- Broiler: Melts the cheese quickly and gives it that bubbly, golden finish.
How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes store really well, which makes them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigerator: Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate so they don't get soggy.
Freezer: The beef mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it in 30-second intervals. Add the cheese fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair beautifully with a variety of simple sides. Here are a few of my favorites.
Serve them with crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges for a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a restaurant dinner at home. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef. Tortilla chips with salsa or a creamy dip are perfect for game day. And if you want something a little different, try pairing them with roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
Expert Tips
Drain the beef well. This is key to avoiding a greasy, runny filling. After browning, tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess fat.
Don't skip the cornstarch slurry. It's what keeps the mixture from being too watery and helps it stick to the bun instead of sliding off.
Watch the broiler closely. Cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in seconds. I usually stand right there and pull the sandwiches out as soon as the cheese is bubbly.
Toast the buns lightly. If you have an extra minute, toast the inside of the buns under the broiler before adding the beef. It adds a little crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
Customize the seasoning. Taste the mixture before assembling the sandwiches and adjust the salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
FAQ
What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?
The secret is usually Worcestershire sauce, which adds a deep, savory umami flavor that makes the meat taste richer. Some people also swear by a touch of garlic or a specific type of cheese like provolone. In this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with cheese, the Worcestershire sauce and taco seasoning work together to give you that bold, craveable flavor.
What is the secret to a good Philly cheesesteak?
A good Philly cheesesteak is all about balance. You want tender, well-seasoned meat, perfectly sautéed onions and peppers, and cheese that melts into every bite. Don't overload the sandwich, and make sure your bun is sturdy enough to hold everything without falling apart. My tip? Always taste your meat mixture before assembling and adjust the seasonings if needed.
What is the difference between sloppy joes and sloppy janes?
Honestly, there's no official difference. Some people use "sloppy janes" to refer to a version made with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, while others use it as a fun, playful name for the same recipe. It's really just a matter of personal preference and what you call it in your kitchen.
Should I marinate the meat for Philly cheesesteaks?
You don't need to marinate the meat for this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. The ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors from the Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and sautéed vegetables as it simmers. If you were making a traditional Philly cheesesteak with thinly sliced steak, you might consider a quick marinade, but for these easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you can skip that step entirely and still get incredible flavor.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch Used for thickening the broth mixture
- ½ cup low sodium beef broth Enhances flavor without excess salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil For sautéing the vegetables and beef
- 1 small sweet onion diced Adds sweetness and depth of flavor
- 1 small green bell pepper diced Gives freshness and crunch
- 4 ounces mushrooms chopped Adds earthy flavor and texture
- 1 pound lean ground beef Primary protein source for the mixture
- 2 cloves garlic minced Infuses the dish with aroma and flavor
- 2 tablespoons ketchup Adds sweetness and tanginess
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Deepens the savory flavors
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning Spice mix that elevates the flavor profile
- ¼ teaspoon salt Enhances the overall taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper Provides a mild heat and seasoning
- 1 & ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar or monterey jack cheese Melts beautifully to top the sloppy joes
- 6 hamburger buns For serving the mixture in sandwich form
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and beef broth, whisking well to dissolve. set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 3 more minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture again and add it to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Scoop the beef mixture onto the hamburger buns. Top each with ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Place under the broiler for a couple of minutes, keeping a close watch to ensure the cheese melts without burning.
- Serve the Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes warm, paired with chips or your favorite side.
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