Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

A Comfort Food Mashup You’ll Love

Imagine the rich, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak combined with the saucy, meaty deliciousness of a Sloppy Joe. That’s exactly what you get with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This dish takes two classic American favorites and mashes them together into one irresistible meal.

What’s even better? It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for game night, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes—so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

With cold weather in full swing, this warm and cheesy sandwich is pure comfort food. But honestly, you don’t need an excuse to make it—Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are perfect any time of year!

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Why You’ll Love It

• Fast and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• One-pan meal – Fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
• Customizable – You can switch up the cheese, add more veggies, or even make it spicy!
• Family-approved – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, meaty goodness.

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Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to thicken)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or American cheese)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Serving:

• 4 hamburger buns or hoagie rolls
• Butter for toasting the buns (optional)
• Extra cheese slices (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Large skillet or pan – For cooking the meat mixture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To break up the ground beef and stir everything together.
• Cutting board and knife – For chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
• Small saucepan – To make the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk – Helps mix the cheese sauce smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure you use the right amount of ingredients.

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, ketchup, and Dijon mustard.
6. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
7. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
8. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

9. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
10. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
11. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
12. Stir in the shredded cheese and salt, whisking until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

13. Toast the hamburger buns or hoagie rolls in a dry pan or oven (optional but recommended).
14. Spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns.
15. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top.
16. Place the top buns on and serve immediately!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use lean ground beef – If you use a fattier beef, drain excess grease so the mixture isn’t too oily.
• Toast the buns – This helps them stay firm and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Try different cheeses – Provolone is classic, but American cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar work well.
• Make it spicy – Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Prep ahead – Chop the onions, peppers, and garlic in advance to save time.
• Double the batch – This recipe is easy to scale up, and leftovers taste amazing the next day!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ways to customize your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground beef → Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Provolone cheese → Use American, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese sauce made from Velveeta.
• Green bell pepper → Try red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce → Substitute with soy sauce or steak sauce for a different depth of flavor.
• Dijon mustard → Use yellow mustard or omit if you prefer a milder taste.
• Cornstarch → Use flour instead to thicken the sauce.

Fun Variations

• Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Mushroom Lovers – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb/Keto – Serve the meat mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Garlic Butter Buns – Brush the buns with melted butter and garlic powder before toasting for extra flavor.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders – Use small slider buns for a fun party-friendly version.

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Serving Suggestions

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a meal on their own, but here are some tasty sides to complete your dinner:

• French fries – Classic and crispy! Try seasoned fries for extra flavor.
• Potato wedges – A hearty side that pairs well with the cheesy meat.
• Onion rings – Crunchy and delicious.
• Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich sandwich.
• Side salad – A simple green salad with a tangy dressing balances the meal.
• Pickles – The acidity helps cut through the richness of the sandwich.

For a fun twist, serve these with a side of cheese sauce for dipping!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Let the meat cool completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Heat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Cheese Sauce: If it thickens too much, reheat on low and add a little milk to thin it out.

Tip: Assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to eat—don’t store them already made, or the buns will get soggy.

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FAQ

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The meat mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

2. What’s the best bread to use?

Hoagie rolls, brioche buns, or even regular hamburger buns work well. Toasting them helps prevent sogginess.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add everything (except the cheese sauce) to a slow cooker on low for 4 hours. Make the cheese sauce separately before serving.

4. What can I use instead of beef?

Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as a substitute.

5. How do I make this less messy for kids?

Try using slider buns for smaller portions, or serve the meat mixture over rice instead of in a sandwich.

6. Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or even shredded carrots blend in well without changing the flavor too much.

Now you’re all set to enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! Let me know if you give them a try.

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!