Philly Cheese Sloppy Joe
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Philly Cheese Sloppy Joe is what happens when a classic cheesesteak and a sloppy joe join forces for the ultimate comfort food mashup. Juicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this one-pan wonder brings all the Philly vibes—no plane ticket required!
Love this recipe? You must try my other popular burgers! Be sure to check out my Cheese Stuffed Burgers, Jalapeno Popper Burgers, Homemade Helper, and Western BBQ Burgers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make Ahead: You can actually make the meat mixture and freeze it for later, making it an amazing option for meal prep!
- Picky Eater Approved: My very picky eater requests this dish regularly, even with the peppers and onions!
- Under 30 Minutes: Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights! Did I mention it’s also budget friendly?
Searching for an easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe is a winner!
We have made it over a dozen times and each time it is received with rave reviews! The list of ingredients are minimal making it the perfect weeknight dinner! Beef is browned with onions and peppers, seasoned to perfection, and smothered in cheese sauce. AMAZING.
As close to a philly as you can get with ground beef, and full of classic cheesesteak flavor! You can also FREEZE the meat mixture making it a go-to make ahead meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A majority of the flavor in this sandwich recipe comes from the beef being cooked with the peppers. You could also add in mushrooms, if your clan will go for it! Listed below are the super basic ingredients needed for this quick weeknight dinner.
- Ground Beef- I find that the best meat is ground chuck that ranges from 15 to 20% fat.
- Peppers and Onions– I stick with regular yellow onions and green peppers.
- Beef Stock– Or beef broth. Just use whatever you have on hand.
- Rolls– I used ciabatta rolls, but we have also made this using regular hamburger buns with equally delicious results.
- Cheese: Traditionally, provolone cheese is used in Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches. However, you can also use American cheese or even a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar. My kid swears this is better with sliced american cheese singles.
Shake things up and try my Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese!
Substitutions and Variations
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe is easy to customize! Here are some swaps and twists to make it your own:
- Meat Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone is classic, but cheddar, Swiss, or even Pepper Jack add a fun twist. You can also melt cheese directly into the meat mixture for extra creaminess.
- Bread Swap: Traditional hamburger buns work great, but try hoagie rolls, brioche buns, or even toasted Texas toast for something different.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat for extra depth.
- Mushroom Lovers: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
No matter how you make it, this recipe is easy, flexible, and always delicious!
Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
This Philly Cheese Sloppy Joe recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love!
- Prep: Dice the onion and peppers, then heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown: Cook the ground beef with the veggies until browned and softened, about 5-8 minutes.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, or your favorite beef seasoning.
- Simmer: Stir in beef broth and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid reduces.
- Serve: Butter and toast the buns, pile on the meat mixture, and top with a slice of melty cheese.
That’s it! A simple, hearty meal packed with all the cheesy, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak—minus the hassle.
Helpful Tools
- Skillet: I like a little deeper skillet (affiliate) for this recipe. It helps to make sure you have plenty of room when you add the broth.
- Meat Spatula: This spatula (affiliate) is magic. It breaks up the meat into perfect pieces and really does a great job!
- Chef Knife: Having a good sharp chef knife (affiliate) is key to success. Not only does it keep you from potential accidents, it also makes it super quick to chop the veggies!
Tips for Success:
Use Lean Ground Beef – An 85/15 or 90/10 blend works best. If using a fattier cut, drain the grease to avoid a greasy mixture.
Chop Veggies Finely – Small, evenly chopped onions and peppers help them blend seamlessly into the beef, creating that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Don’t Skip the Simmer – Letting the beef broth simmer for a few minutes deepens the flavor and ensures the mixture isn’t too runny.
Toast the Buns – A lightly buttered, toasted bun helps prevent sogginess and adds a delicious crunch.
Make It Your Own – Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Just note that turkey and chicken may need a little extra seasoning for flavor.
Toasting the buns with a little butter helps create a barrier against the meat mixture. You can also serve the sloppy joes open-faced and broil them for a minute to crisp up the bread.
Absolutely! You can make the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat in a skillet and assemble.
Yes! Let the beef mixture cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
This Philly Cheese Sloppy Joe recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make it ahead and store it for later.
Make-Ahead:
- Cook the meat mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to bring back moisture.
- Toast the buns and assemble as usual for a quick and easy meal.
Freezing Instructions:
- Let the cooked meat mixture cool completely.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating from Frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If reheating directly from frozen, place in a saucepan with a bit of beef broth and cook on low until warmed.
With these tips, you can always have a quick, hearty meal ready to go!
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 large green pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 buns or rolls
- 4 slices cheese (we like provolone or american)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and bell peppers into small, even-sized pieces for even cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped vegetables and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favorite beef seasoning to taste. Stir well to evenly coat the meat.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated. This helps keep the mixture juicy but not too runny.
- Spread a small amount of butter on the inside of each bun and toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden. Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted buns and top each with a slice of provolone or your favorite cheese.
- If you want extra melty cheese, place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until gooey. Serve hot and enjoy!
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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