Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Elevate your comfort food game with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes! This dish is a creative twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheese steak with the irresistible messiness of sloppy joes. This deliciously hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving a satisfying, flavorful bite. Easy to make and sure to impress, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are So Irresistible

What makes Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef is browned to perfection, and then combined with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, creating a savory, caramelized base. The beef broth, cornstarch, and tangy ketchup thicken the sauce, and finally, the melty Provolone cheese adds an indulgent creaminess. Served on soft, toasted brioche buns, these sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food experience.

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 ounces Provolone cheese, chopped (use 6 oz for less cheese)
• 6 brioche hamburger buns

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Here’s how you can make these indulgent, cheesy sandwiches:

1. Cook the Ground Beef
   Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it develops a deep brown crust on the bottom. Once it’s browned, break the beef apart and continue cooking until about 50% of the beef has a rich crust. This helps develop maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
   Remove the beef from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind. Add the butter to the skillet, followed by the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Let the vegetables brown for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Then, stir and let them brown for another 1-2 minutes until they develop a nice caramelization.
3. Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture
   Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, then add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes less liquidy. You want the mixture to be hearty and thick, not soupy.
4. Add the Cheese
   Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Provolone cheese until it melts completely, enveloping the beef and vegetables in gooey, cheesy goodness.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
   Toast the brioche buns lightly and pile the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture high on the buns. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

To make this dish absolutely irresistible, these ingredients are key:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the perfect texture and flavor. Browning it well ensures maximum depth of flavor.
• Provolone Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds a creamy, tangy flavor that’s essential to the cheese steak twist on this dish.
• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms create a savory base for the beef, adding both sweetness and umami.
• Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: These add richness and depth to the sauce, making the dish more flavorful.
• Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery brioche buns perfectly complement the richness of the filling and add a touch of sweetness.

Exploring Variations for Your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative! For a spicier version, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Cheddar or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Every Time

• Brown the beef properly: Make sure the beef develops a rich, deep brown crust. This will add a lot of flavor to the dish.
• Caramelize the vegetables: Allow the vegetables to cook without stirring at first to ensure they caramelize and develop a deeper, richer flavor.
• Stir in the cheese at the end: Stir the cheese in after turning off the heat to prevent it from becoming stringy and to ensure it melts perfectly into the sauce.
• Toast the buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch that holds up well to the juicy filling.

The Magic of Cheesiness

What makes Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes so amazing is the rich, melty cheese that envelops the savory beef and vegetable mixture. The Provolone cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making every bite a comforting, indulgent experience.

Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 35g
• Sugar: 5g

To make this dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a leaner ground meat like turkey or chicken.

Storing and Freezing Your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

To Store: Let the dish cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a light green salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle some extra Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce on top of the sloppy joe mixture before serving.

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large cast iron skillet or heavy pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Small cup for mixing the cornstarch and beef broth
• Knife and cutting board for chopping the vegetables and cheese
• Toasting rack or skillet for toasting the buns

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop and add the cheese just before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Provolone cheese with other meltable cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, or even Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.