Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Introduction

If you’re a fan of bold, hearty flavors and the irresistible charm of classic comfort food, you are going to love this recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This delicious twist on the traditional sloppy joe blends the savory goodness of Philly cheesesteak with the messily delightful nature of sloppy joes. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef mixed with sautéed onions and green peppers, all coated in a rich, steak sauce-enhanced gravy. The aroma will grab your attention immediately, while the melty provolone cheese adds a creamy texture that perfectly balances each bite. Served on toasted buttery buns, these sandwiches are bursting with flavor and texture, making them an unbeatable crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game days, or any casual gathering.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

Preparing these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes takes around 10 minutes of active prep time, followed by approximately 20 minutes of cooking. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. This recipe yields 6 hearty servings, perfect for feeding a family or a small group of friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup A-1 Steak Sauce
• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
• Sliced provolone cheese (6 slices)
• 6 hamburger buns or slider buns
• Butter, for toasting buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, chopped green bell pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook until the ground beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
2. Thicken the filling: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the ingredients with the cornstarch. This step is crucial for the perfect consistency of the sloppy joe filling.
3. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth along with 1/4 cup of A-1 Steak Sauce and 1 teaspoon of steak seasoning. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken as it cooks and will continue to thicken slightly once removed from heat.
5. Toast the buns: Preheat your oven broiler. Lightly butter the top and bottom of each hamburger bun and arrange them on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and lightly toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Melt the cheese: Using a slotted spoon, spoon the thickened meat mixture onto the bottom buns. Place a slice of provolone cheese on each top bun. Return the top buns to the broiler and broil briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1 minute.
7. Assemble and serve: Carefully place the cheesy top buns over the loaded bottom buns to create your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich flavors!

Pro Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Use lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) to prevent excessive grease and keep the filling hearty but not greasy.
• Don’t rush the simmering; letting the mixture thicken properly allows the flavors to meld and gives the filling the perfect sloppy joe texture.
• Use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid when serving on buns, preventing sogginess.
• Pat the buns dry before buttering to help the butter stick better and ensure crispy, golden toast.
• For extra flavor, toast the buns in the skillet after buttering to catch any drippings from the meat mixture.

Variations and Substitutions

Looking to mix things up or keep this recipe a bit lighter? Here are some great options:

• Healthier swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for lower fat content while retaining great flavor.
• Vegetarian variation: Replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils and mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami taste.
• Cheese options: Substitute provolone with mozzarella, American, or pepper jack for a different cheesy experience.
• Bun alternatives: Serve sliders on whole wheat buns, gluten-free buns, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Sauce swap: If you don’t have A-1 Steak Sauce, substitute with Worcestershire sauce mixed with a bit of ketchup and soy sauce for similar tang and depth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the meat mixture and buns separate until ready to serve. When reheating, heat the meat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Toast the buns again in a skillet or toaster oven for freshness before assembling. Avoid microwaving assembled sandwiches as this can make the buns soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Toast the buns and melt cheese right before serving for best results.

Is it possible to freeze the meat mixture?

Absolutely. Cool the meat mixture completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, provolone is traditional but mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack also work well depending on your taste preference.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly. To add spice, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

What should I do if the mixture is too thick or thin?

If too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer or sprinkle a little additional cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while cooking.

Nutrition Estimate

Each serving of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes contains approximately 400 calories, with around 30 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of fat. Using lean ground beef keeps the fat moderate, while the protein content is excellent to keep you full and satisfied. The carbs primarily come from the buns, so choosing whole grain buns can increase fiber content for a more nutritious meal.

Print Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

A bold blend of Philly cheesesteak and messy sloppy joes. Juicy ground beef, onions, green peppers, steak sauce, and melty provolone on buttery toasted buns. Family-friendly comfort food.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 560kcal

Author: Samantha Jones

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup A-1 Steak Sauce
• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 6 hamburger buns
• Butter, for toasting

Instructions

• Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef with onions, peppers, and salt until no pink remains.
• Thicken the filling: Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir thoroughly.
• Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in broth, steak sauce, and steak seasoning. Mix well.
• Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
• Toast the buns: Butter both sides of buns. Toast under a preheated broiler 1-2 minutes. Place beef mixture in buns and top with cheese slices.

Notes

Substitute provolone with vegan cheese if needed. Use low-sodium broth for reduced salt. Freeze leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 months.