If you love the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but crave something a little messier and more casual, then you are absolutely going to adore this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. It takes the iconic combination of tender, seasoned beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey provolone cheese and stuffs it into soft hoagie rolls for a fun, satisfying twist on sloppy joes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, this dish delivers that crave-worthy Philly experience with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is simple but essential, working together to create the perfect balance of savory, melty, and hearty goodness. From juicy ground beef to vibrant green peppers and creamy provolone, every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20): Provides rich, juicy flavor and the meaty base that makes sloppy joes so satisfying.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to tender perfection.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, slightly tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Melts into the mixture, delivering that luscious, signature Philly cheesesteak creaminess.
- 4 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns: Soft, sturdy buns that hold all the delicious filling without falling apart.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami boost and depth of flavor to the savory mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it is fully browned. This step is crucial because it releases the beef’s natural juices and flavor. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy while retaining that juicy texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper directly into the skillet with the beef. Sauté them until they are softened, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This softening process brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful tender crunch to the sloppy joe filling.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Stir in the tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce along with salt and pepper to taste. The Worcestershire sauce is the secret ingredient here, enhancing the beefy umami notes and giving the whole filling a rich, savory depth that mimics the complex flavor of a Philly cheesesteak.
Step 4: Melt in the Provolone Cheese
Lower the heat and mix in the shredded provolone cheese. Allow it to melt completely into the beef and vegetables, creating a creamy, cheesy mixture that binds everything together. This cheese step is what makes this sloppy joe uniquely Philly-style and utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the hot, cheesy beef mixture onto your hoagie rolls or hamburger buns. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect melty texture and fresh flavors. These sloppy joes are best eaten warm for the full, comforting Philly cheesesteak experience.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
While the sloppy joe mixture is delicious as-is, adding a few simple garnishes can take your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe to the next level. Try topping with sliced jalapeños for a kick, a few pickled peppers for tang, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or simple potato chips pair perfectly with these sloppy joes. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or crunchy coleslaw to balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up at your next party, serve this filling over toasted baguette slices as mini open-faced sandwiches or stuff it inside bell peppers for a low-carb twist. You can also use slider buns for bite-sized portions, perfect for sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second helpings.
Freezing
This sloppy joe mixture freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but stirring halfway through helps it heat evenly and keeps the cheese nicely melted.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional and melts wonderfully, you can swap in mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese for a different twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain that gooey texture.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
Nope! You can try this recipe with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just keep an eye on cooking times as lean meats can dry out faster, so adding a splash of broth or a touch of oil helps maintain juiciness.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours before serving. Keep it refrigerated and reheat gently before assembling the sloppy joes. This makes meal prep a breeze on busy days.
What if I don’t have hoagie rolls? What else works?
Hamburger buns, sandwich rolls, or even sturdy kaiser rolls work great. The key is to choose a bun that’s soft enough to bite through but strong enough to hold all the filling without falling apart.
How spicy is this recipe?
The classic Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe isn’t spicy at all, but you can easily add heat by mixing in hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or topping with sliced jalapeños. It’s very versatile depending on your spice preference!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful meal that puts a fresh spin on a beloved classic, the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s easy to make, packed with bold, comforting flavors, and perfect for feeding family or friends any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines savory ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, melted provolone cheese, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, all served on soft hoagie rolls for a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 hoagie rolls or hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Be sure to break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté these ingredients together until the onions become translucent and the bell peppers soften, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly throughout the beef and vegetables.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese has melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture that coats the beef and vegetables.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot Philly cheesesteak mixture generously onto the split hoagie rolls or hamburger buns. Serve the Sloppy Joes immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese for provolone if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; a dash of garlic powder can enhance the flavor.
- To make it spicier, add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
