Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are hot, meaty, cheesy comfort food inspired by the ultimate cheesesteak sandwich – but easier and less expensive!

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will quickly become a family favorite!  They combine the best of two worlds: the flavorings and cheesy goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak with the ease, economy and sauciness of Sloppy Joes.  Does it get any better?! It is meaty, cheesy, flavor-packed, insanely delicious comfort food at its finest. This recipe makes a fabulous low-cost alternative to cheesesteaks and is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, get togethers or game day.  This make-ahead friendly recipe is made with juicy ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, and onions topped with melty cheese sandwiched in a toasted brioche bun.   Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will Loaded Potato Salad and Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta Salad for a dinner the whole family will LOVE!

Philly Cheesesteaks are a beloved favorite at our house! Their classic flavor has inspired Philly Cheesesteak Dip, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Philly Cheesesteak Soup, Philly Cheesesteak Pizza (one of my first posts, terrible pics but SO GOOD) and now these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!  What’s next?!

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About this Sloppy Joe Recipe

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are easy, messy, comforting, sandwiches you won’t be able to get enough of!  Not only do they consist of juicy, melt-in-your-mouth filling on a buttery brioche bun, but they’re mixed with everything that makes cheesesteaks wonderful – melty cheese, onions, and peppers, all cooked to perfection in brown beef drippings.

These Sloppy Joes aren’t just to be enjoyed during this football season but your family will be begging for them all year round.  And that’s great news for you because they are one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can make!

SLOPPY JOES VS. CHEESESTEAKS

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at each of the contributing players and how they make up the epic invention of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes :

What are SLOPPY JOES?

We can thank a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa in 1930 for creating the first Sloppy Joe.  Joe added tomato sauce to a loose meat sandwich and the Sloppy Joe was born.  Today, Sloppy Joes can be described as a loose meat sandwich made of ground beef, onions, tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings served on a hamburger bun.

Since the original Sloppy Joe, there have been countless variations such as Hawaiian Sloppy Joes, Greek Sloppy Joes, Korean Sloppy Joes, Breakfast Sloppy Joes, Cuban Sloppy Joes, Big Mac Sloppy Joes of course these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.  You just can beat, juicy, saucy filling in any flavor profile stuffed in between two soft buns. 

WHAT IS A PHILLY CHEESESTEAK?

There must have been something in the water in 1930 because that’s also when the Philly Cheesesteak was invented.  Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, got a crazy idea to throw beef on his grill to make a sandwich and the rest is history.

A traditional Philly Cheesesteak is made of thinly sliced ribeye steak browned on a griddle or skillet then chopped into finer pieces, then topped with American, Provolone or Cheese Whiz.  Once the cheese melts, it is scooped up with a spatula and loaded into a hoagie roll.  Sometimes sautéed onions are included in the mix, or added on top.  Contrary to popular belief, bell peppers are not part of a traditional Philly Cheesesteak.

The Mashup

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the best of Philly Cheesesteaks (the flavorings and cheese) with the best of Sloppy Joes (the texture and sauciness) to create an inexpensive hot, beefy, and melt-in-your-mouth weeknight option.

For those purists out there – let me clarify that this recipe is inspired by Philly Cheesesteaks – because bell peppers are not traditional, and obviously there are no real Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – or Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls, pizza, or dip for that matter! 

sloppy joe INGREDIENTS

You will love that this recipe is made with pantry friendly ingredients.  You can keep everything on hand (and even freeze the buns) so you can make these homemade Sloppy Joes at a moment’s notice!  For this easy recipe, you will need:

• Brioche hamburger buns: You’ll need 6 of these buns. These buttery, golden, soft pillowy buns pair amazingly with the savory filling.  They toast up beautifully and don’t become soggy quickly.  Brioche buns can usually be found in the bakery section of the grocery store or in the pre-sliced bread section.
• Lean ground beef:  One pound of ground beef will do the trick – make sure it’s lean so the filling will be tender but not greasy. I use 85/15 percent lean.
• Seasonings:  Many recipes skimp on the seasonings, but this is an easy way to enhance the dimension of flavor and create the best Sloppy Joes yet!  You will need paprika, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt and pepper.
• Onion: I used a yellow onion, but any kind will work, just be sure to finely dice it.
• Bell pepper: Is not traditionally found in Philly Cheesesteaks, but I love the subtle texture and earthiness it brings, so take it or leave it. 
• Garlic: Now for the good stuff! Mince 4 cloves of garlic or you may also use 1 teaspoon garlic powder – but the real stuff is so much better.
• Beef broth: Get that saucy, beefy flavor from 1 cup of beef broth. Please use reduced sodium beef broth so you have the luxury of adding concentrated beef bouillon. Please do not use chicken broth or vegetable broth because they do not have the same richness of beef broth.
• Beef bouillon:  Is a secret ingredient that adds a complex depth of flavor. Use 1 ½ teaspoons of beef bouillon, better than bouillon, or granulated beef bouillon. If using cubes, crush and add directly to the sauce – don’t dissolve in water first.
• Ketchup and Dijon: These add a subtle complex tanginess, reminiscent of Sloppy Joes but you won’t be able to put your finger on these everyday ingredients.
• Cornstarch: Is needed to thicken the sauce so its luxuriously rich instead of watery. 
• Worcestershire sauce: This is a flavor bomb all packed into one bottle. Use 2 tablespoons to deepen the Sloppy Joe filling with its intense umami flavor from the soy mingled with sour from tamarind and vinegar, sweetness from molasses and sugar, and dimension from the cloves, celery seed, and chili pepper extract.
• Provolone:  A must for this melty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe. Provolone is a favorite for its mild flavor and consistency. You’ll need 6 slices – or go crazy and add more!
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is what makes the magic happen.  Instead of just melting provolone over the filling, I’ve chosen to add cheddar directly to the filling as well.  The cheddar mimics the flavorings of Cheez Whiz while avoiding processed cheeses. Ideally, you’ll want to shred your own cheese because pre-shredded cheeses are coating in anti-clumping chemicals which prevent them from clumping in the package which also inhibits their melting ability. 

Sloppy joe recipe VARIATIONS

Make this recipe your own!  Use ground turkey, add veggies, make it spicy, etc.  Here are a few ideas:

• Use a different protein: Replace the lean ground beef with lean ground turkey or ground chicken.  To help it taste nice and beefy, omit the salt and add 2-3 teaspoons additional beef bouillon then add salt to taste. This is my secret in all my turkey recipes like my Turkey Chili and Turkey Tacos.
• Use ribeye:  This goes back to Philly Cheesesteak roots.  Slice the ribeye into thin slices across the grain (it’s easiest to slice if it has been frozen for 30-60 minutes), then slice the other direction so it’s finely chopped.  Cook the steak in the skillet separately from the onions and peppers then add it back to the skillet with the sauce ingredients.
• Switch up the cheeses:  There are many wonderful and melty cheeses that can be used in the filling or topping, even if they aren’t traditional – because Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes aren’t traditional to start with!  To the filling you can add more provolone, American, Colby, Cheez Whiz, Gouda, Havarti, pepper Jack, etc. and mozzarella or Swiss to top the filling.
• Switch out the Buns for Your Favs: If you’re wanting something besides a brioche hamburger bun, try switching them for pretzel buns (for a little more crunch) or Hawaiian sandwich buns (for a little more sweetness).  You can also use any of your favorite hamburger buns or even add them to hoagie rolls.
• Don’t use buns!  Alternatively, try adding the filling to pitas, wraps, or go low carb with lettuce wraps.
• Change the flavor profile:  Make them tangier by adding additional Worcestershire sauce or spicier by adding additional red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
• Add veggies:  You can add any veggies you wish! Mushrooms are commonly added to cheesesteaks (although not Philly cheesesteaks).  Zucchini, corn and even sweet potatoes would be tasty.  
• Make them vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat – both are great options for producing a juicy texture. You could also try substituting the ground beef with an equal amount of plant-based protein such as crumbled firm tofu, lentils, mushrooms, etc.
• Make them gluten-free: Switch out the brioche hamburger buns with a gluten-free option. Canyon Bakehouse’s gluten-free buns are a great substitute.   You’ll also want to double check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten free.

HOW TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES

If you are in a dinner rut, this recipe is the perfect way out. Are you ready to see just how easy these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are to make?  Let’s do it!  (Full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Step 1: Prep your buns. You can’t beat soft and crispy buns! Lay the buns cut side up on a large baking tray. Lightly brush the cut sides with softened butter or mayonnaise.  The mayo/butter is optional but, as you can see by the pics, it is very affective at creating crispier/more flavorful buns – win-win! The buttery barrier also helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy once the filling is added. Bake the buns for 5 minutes to get nice and toasty.  While the buns are toasting, you can continue with the rest of the recipe.

• Step 2: Brown your beef and onions. Add beef, onions and bell peppers cook until beef is browned and onions are softened, about 7 minutes.  Add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds. 

• Step 3: Add the sauce ingredients.  In a (liquid) measuring cup, whisk the beef broth, cornstarch, and beef bouillon together until smooth. Add this to the beef, followed by the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon and all seasonings. 

• Step 4: Make them saucy.  Simmer the mixture until most of the liquid has been absorbed, but the mixture is still a little saucy – about 5 minutes.

• Step 5:  Make them cheesy!  Finish the filling off by stirring in the sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted. 

• Step 6: Assemble.  Divide the mixture between the bottom toasted buns, and add a slice of provolone cheese on top of each one.

• Step 7:  Bake.  For the finale, bake the sandwiches until the cheese is completely melted. Slap the tops on and serve them while they’re hot, and enjoy the best Sloppy Joes ever!

HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES

This Sloppy Joe recipe is quick and easy, but here are some helpful tips for success:

• Don’t skipping toasting the buns!   A soggy bun can ruin your sandwich. Toasting the buns is especially important in this recipe because the filling is extra juicy.  Toasting the buns provides a nice buttery barrier which helps prevent the juices from soaking into the bun and making it a soggy mess. 
• Use a large skillet:  There is a lot going on in the skillet with the beef, onions and bell peppers.  If you don’t have large cast iron skillet, cook the beef first, remove it from the pan, then sauté the bell peppers and onions. You want plenty of room to move that filling around.
• Make sure that your pan is nice and hot: Get the oil hot and sizzling before adding the ground beef, onions and peppers so the juices evaporate as they are released.  This ensures the filling is extra flavorful and not diluted and watery.  The best pan for this is cast iron.  It heats up quickly and retains the heat, continuously evaporating any moisture.
• Test the onions for doneness:  Make sure the onions are soft before you add the garlic because they won’t soften much after sautéing – you don’t want crunchy onions!
• Fully dissolve the cornstarch: Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the beef broth because once the mixture is added to the hot skillet any lumps are here to stay.
• Watch the sauce consistency: The Sloppy Joe filling can take more or less time to reduce depending on your stove/pot, etc.  The key is to watch it closely so it doesn’t reduce too much – we want slightly saucy Sloppy Joes and not dry Sloppy Joes.  If your mixture is too “wet” after 5 minutes, then continue to simmer until it reaches desired consistency.

What toppings can I add to Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

The sky is the limit!  Keep the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes more “traditional” or add anything your heart – or belly – dream up such as: 

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Caramelized onions
• Pepperoncini
• Roasted red peppers
• Pimentos
• Jalapenos or pickled jalapenos
• Crispy bacon
• Pickles 
• Fritos
• Potato Chips
• Thinly sliced red onions or pickled red onions
• Crispy onion rings (like in this recipe)
• hot sauce

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT SLOPPY JOES

• Storage: Store the Sloppy Joe filling separate from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat in the microwave: Transfer small portions of the filling to a microwave safe dish, heat for one minute, stir then continue to heat at 30 second intervals. Toast the buns.
• To reheat on the stove: Rewarm the filling gently in a large skillet, stirring often. Add a splash of water if the filling seems dry.  
• Slow cooker: Heat on low for 1-2 hours. 

CAN YOU FREEZE THIS RECIPE?

Yes, the buns and Sloppy Joe filling freeze wonderfully if kept separate.  To freeze the filling:

• Let the filling cool to room temperature then either add to a large freezer size bag or smaller sandwich bags for individual portion sizes.
• Squeeze out excess air, seal and label.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, let meat thaw overnight before reheating.

HOW TO PREP AHEAD

The Philly Cheesesteak filling can be prepped completely ahead of time and refrigerated then gently reheat on the stove. The filling can also be added to the slow cooker to stay warm for game time/party time/crowd time or simply ready for dinner/family time with just the lift of the lid. Now just toast those buns and you’re all set! 

WHAT TO SERVE WITH PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES? 

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are heavenly with simple sides, such as pickles, potato chips, Baked Fingerling Fries, a big green salad or Caesar Salad. However, if you want to fancy up your sides a notch, they perfectly pair with any of these sides:

• Comforting sides:  A big scoop of Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese, Best Bake Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar or Slow Cooker Ricotta Creamed Corn always hit the spot.
• Pasta Salad:  Bacon Pea Pasta Salad, Greek Pasta Salad or Italian Pasta Salad are always favorites.
• Potluck Salads:  You can only do right with Bacon Ranch Potato Salad, Kicked Up Classy Creamy Potato Salad, Bacon Broccoli Salad Corn Salad or Perfect Fruit Salad.
• Veggies:  Are easy to throw together but incredibly delish! Roasted Asparagus, Glazed Carrots, Sautéed Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Broccoli.

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