Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a creative and indulgent twist on two classic American favorites—the Philly cheesesteak and the sloppy joe. This recipe combines tender, thinly sliced beef with sautéed onions and bell peppers, all smothered in a rich, savory cheese sauce and served on soft hamburger buns. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, perfect for a family dinner, casual gatherings, or a weekend treat.

I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of the iconic Philly cheesesteak while adding the messy, fun, and flavorful appeal of a sloppy joe. Every bite is packed with tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese, with the slight tanginess of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce rounding out the flavors.

This is a Must Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s not only delicious but also versatile—you can adjust the spiciness, cheese type, and even add extra veggies. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgia with creativity, making it perfect for anyone who loves hearty, flavor-packed sandwiches.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cheesesteak Mixture:

• 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works best)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
• ¼ cup beef broth or water

Cheese:

• 4 slices provolone or American cheese (or shredded cheese of choice)

To Serve:

• 4 soft hamburger buns, toasted if desired
• Optional toppings: pickles, sautéed mushrooms, or extra onions

Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Increase heat slightly, add the sliced beef, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned, about 4–5 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and beef broth.
6. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Reduce heat and layer cheese over the beef mixture. Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep ingredients: Slice beef, onion, and bell pepper; mince garlic.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil, cook onions and peppers until soft.
3. Cook beef: Add sliced beef, season, and cook until just browned.
4. Make sauce: Mix ketchup, Worcestershire, Dijon, hot sauce, and beef broth.
5. Combine and simmer: Pour sauce over beef and vegetables, simmer to thicken.
6. Add cheese: Cover beef mixture with cheese, melt over low heat.
7. Prepare buns: Toast buns lightly if desired.
8. Assemble sandwiches: Spoon cheesy beef mixture onto buns, add optional toppings.

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How to Serve

Serve immediately while hot, with a side of fries, potato chips, or a fresh salad. These sandwiches are messy and hearty, so provide napkins! Pairing with a crisp soda or iced tea complements the richness perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Use thinly sliced beef for authentic Philly cheesesteak texture.
• Caramelizing onions slowly enhances sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t skip melting the cheese—covering the skillet for a minute helps it melt perfectly.
• Adjust spiciness with hot sauce or pepper flakes according to preference.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with sautéed mushrooms, seitan, or soy-based beef alternatives.
2. Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
3. Cheese Variations: Use Cheddar, Swiss, or Pepper Jack instead of provolone for a flavor twist.
4. Extra Veggies: Include sliced tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for more texture.
5. Open-Faced Sloppy Joes: Serve on a toasted bun with the top bun removed for a less messy option.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked cheesesteak mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the beef mixture (without buns) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve moisture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Optional: Toasting pan for buns

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious fusion of two classic American dishes, combining the savory, cheesy, and meaty elements of a Philly cheesesteak with the fun, messy appeal of a sloppy joe. They are easy to prepare, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit for lunch or dinner. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish brings comfort, flavor, and excitement to the table, making it a must-try for sandwich lovers everywhere.