Easy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: Better Than Restaurant Recipe
Ever craved a philly cheese steak sloppy joe that rivals your favorite restaurant version but takes just 30 minutes to make at home? This mouthwatering hybrid combines seared beef, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and melty cheese into one satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
These cheese steak sloppy joes aren’t just quick to prepare—they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer the traditional provolone cheese or want to try other options, this philly cheesesteak sloppy joes recipe accommodates all taste preferences. In fact, you can even substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.
What makes these easy philly cheesesteak sloppy joes truly special is their impressive nutritional profile. Each serving packs around 34-44g of protein while still delivering that indulgent, cheesy taste we all crave. Additionally, this recipe is extremely budget-friendly, allowing you to double the batch and freeze portions for future meals—something no restaurant can offer!
We’ve perfected this philly cheesesteak sloppy joe recipe through countless test batches, and I’m excited to share all our tips and tricks for creating the ultimate comfort food mashup that your whole family will request again and again.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create these delicious philly cheese steak sloppy joes. Having the right ingredients and tools on hand makes this recipe even easier to prepare.
Ground beef, onions, and peppers
The foundation of any philly cheesesteak sloppy joe starts with quality ground beef. Opt for 80% to 85% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Although leaner 90/10 beef works too, the slight extra fat in 80/85% creates more flavorful results. Not a beef eater? Ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent substitute.
For vegetables, you’ll need:
- Yellow or white onion (finely diced)
- Green bell pepper (traditional for authentic philly flavor)
- Red bell pepper (adds color and sweetness)
These aromatic vegetables create the classic philly cheesesteak flavor profile when sautéed until slightly soft. Some recipes suggest cooking them for about 1-2 minutes on each side before stirring to develop a light caramelization.
Choosing the right cheese: provolone vs alternatives
Provolone cheese reigns supreme in traditional philly cheesesteak sloppy joes. Its mild flavor and excellent melting properties make it the preferred choice. For best results, add some directly into the meat mixture before serving and place additional slices on the buns.
Nevertheless, several alternatives work beautifully:
- Mozzarella: Offers a similar mild, melty texture
- Cheddar: Provides a stronger flavor profile
- American white cheese: Another authentic option
- Cheez Whiz: A guilty pleasure topping that many purists secretly love
Start with one cup of cheese in your mixture, then adjust according to your preference for cheesiness.
Best buns for sloppy joes
Brioche hamburger buns are ideal for philly cheesesteak sloppy joes due to their buttery texture and sturdiness. These golden, soft pillowy buns hold up to the saucy filling without becoming soggy, especially when toasted beforehand.
Whole wheat hamburger buns offer a healthier alternative, while regular hamburger buns work perfectly fine. Whatever your choice, toasting the buns significantly improves both texture and flavor while helping contain the filling.
Kitchen tools that make it easier
A cast iron skillet is perhaps the most valuable tool for this recipe. Its excellent heat retention creates the perfect sear on meat and vegetables, developing deeper flavors. Furthermore, its size accommodates all ingredients comfortably.
Other helpful equipment includes:
- Sharp knife and cutting board for prep work
- Wooden spoon for breaking up meat while cooking
- Large pan if you don’t have a cast iron skillet
- Toaster oven or regular oven for toasting buns
With these essential ingredients and tools at hand, you’re fully prepared to create restaurant-quality philly cheese steak sloppy joes right in your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Creating perfect philly cheese steak sloppy joes requires attention to technique rather than complicated skills. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.
Brown the beef for maximum flavor
The secret to incredible philly cheesesteak sloppy joes starts with properly browning the ground beef. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef (80-85% lean works best). Instead of immediately breaking it apart, let it develop a deep brown crust for several minutes undisturbed. This crucial step creates rich, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish. Once you see good browning, break the meat into smaller pieces and continue cooking until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes total.
Cook the vegetables until soft
After browning the beef, you have two options: either remove the meat and set aside, or push it to the edges of your pan. Add butter to the center of your skillet, then toss in diced onions and bell peppers. For authentic philly flavor, allow the vegetables to brown slightly before stirring—about 1-2 minutes per side. Add mushrooms and minced garlic if desired, and continue cooking until all vegetables are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes total.
Make the sauce and combine
Meanwhile, prepare your sauce mixture by whisking together beef broth and cornstarch in a measuring cup until smooth. Return the beef to the pan (if removed) and add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth mixture and stir everything together. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The ideal consistency is slightly saucy but not watery.
Melt the cheese into the mixture
Once your sauce has thickened properly, it’s time for the cheese. For traditional philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with provolone cheese, you can either stir provolone pieces directly into the hot mixture or layer cheese slices on top. Remove the skillet from heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let sit 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
Toast and assemble the buns
While the mixture simmers, prepare your brioche buns. Brush the cut sides with butter or mayonnaise and toast them under the broiler until golden brown. This creates a delicious flavor while helping prevent soggy buns. Scoop generous portions of the cheesy meat mixture onto the bottom buns, add additional cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Tasty Variations to Try
The beauty of philly cheesesteak sloppy joes lies in their incredible versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these creative variations to keep your meals exciting and fresh.
Add mushrooms or jalapeños
For a more authentic experience, incorporate sliced mushrooms into your philly cheese steak sloppy joes. They add a wonderful earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly. Sauté them alongside your onions and peppers until softened.
Heat-seekers, rejoice! Adding jalapeños creates a spicy twist that many Texans particularly enjoy. You can use either fresh or pickled jalapeños depending on your preference. For consistent heat throughout, dice them finely and mix directly into the meat mixture.
Use different cheeses like mozzarella or Cheez Whiz
Though provolone is traditional, your cheese options are virtually limitless:
- Mozzarella or Swiss provide excellent meltability
- White American cheese offers that classic creamy texture
- Cheez Whiz might be considered a guilty pleasure topping, yet many purists secretly love this addition
For enhanced flavor, try sharp provolone found in deli cases or experiment with Fontina, Muenster, or Gruyère for more sophisticated notes.
Make it spicy or sweet
Beyond jalapeños, spice up your philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with:
- Hot sauce drizzled directly into the mixture
- Red pepper flakes for subtle heat
- Diced hot peppers as a topping
Surprisingly, sweet variations work wonderfully too. Consider Hawaiian sloppy joes by adding pineapple chunks and tangy BBQ sauce. This sweet-savory combination creates an entirely new flavor profile.
Turn it into a pasta or rice bowl
Transform leftover filling into entirely different meals:
- Double the broth (keeping cornstarch the same) and add unrinsed macaroni for a Hamburger Helper-style dish
- Serve over white rice for a hearty bowl
- Use cauliflower rice instead for a lower-carb alternative
- Create a pizza variation by using the mixture as a unique topping
These adaptable variations ensure your philly cheese steak sloppy joe recipe stays fresh and exciting meal after meal.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Making extra philly cheese steak sloppy joes creates convenient future meals—provided you know proper storage techniques. Following these simple guidelines ensures your leftovers remain as delicious as freshly made.
How to store leftovers properly
Storing leftover philly cheesesteak sloppy joes begins with separating components. Always store the meat mixture separately from buns to prevent sogginess. Place the cooled meat mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For optimal results, portion the mixture into meal-sized containers for easy reheating.
Importantly, if you’ve already added cheese to the entire batch, refrigeration works fine. However, for make-ahead meals, consider waiting to add cheese until reheating.
Reheating without drying out
To reheat your philly cheese steak sloppy joe mixture without drying it out, you have several options:
- Stovetop (preferred method): Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until thoroughly warmed.
- Slow cooker: For gatherings, reheat on low for 1-2 hours.
Subsequently, toast fresh buns just before serving for that perfect texture contrast.
Freezer-friendly instructions
These philly cheesesteak sloppy joes freeze beautifully for future meals. First, cool the mixture completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. For best results, freeze without cheese. Properly stored, the mixture keeps for up to 2-3 months.
To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using any method mentioned above.
Slow cooker and meal prep options
For meal prep, brown the ground beef, peppers, and onions in advance, then freeze in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Later, simply thaw and add to your slow cooker with remaining ingredients.
Alternatively, place all ingredients (except cheese and buns) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. As a bonus, this method works perfectly for feeding larger crowds—simply double the recipe for stress-free entertaining.
Conclusion
Philly cheese steak sloppy joes undoubtedly represent the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods. Throughout this recipe, we’ve shown how this 30-minute wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant wait or price tag. Therefore, busy weeknights no longer mean sacrificing delicious, satisfying meals that please the entire family.
The versatility of this dish certainly stands out as one of its greatest strengths. Whether you prefer traditional provolone or adventurous cheese combinations, lean beef or lighter poultry options, these sloppy joes adapt to your preferences while maintaining their essential character. Additionally, the make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature of this recipe transforms it from a simple dinner into a practical meal planning solution.
Meal prep enthusiasts will appreciate how this recipe scales beautifully for batch cooking. Your future self will thank you when pulling a ready-to-heat portion from the freezer after a long day. Above all, this recipe proves that homemade meals can be both convenient and delicious without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
These philly cheese steak sloppy joes have become a staple in my kitchen for good reason – they deliver protein-packed satisfaction, endless customization options, and leftovers that taste just as good the next day. We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create your own perfect version of this crowd-pleasing hybrid that brings together the best of both culinary worlds.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the key to making the best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes? The key is to brown the ground beef properly for maximum flavor, cook the vegetables until soft, and use the right cheese. Provolone is traditional, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or American. Don’t forget to toast the buns for the perfect texture!
Q2. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to store the mixture separately from the buns and reheat it gently to avoid drying out.
Q3. What are some tasty variations I can try with this recipe? You can add mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor, experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Cheez Whiz, make it spicy with hot sauce or red pepper flakes, or even turn it into a pasta or rice bowl for a different twist.
Q4. What’s the best type of bun to use for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes? Brioche hamburger buns are ideal due to their buttery texture and sturdiness. They hold up well to the saucy filling, especially when toasted beforehand. Whole wheat or regular hamburger buns can also work well.
Q5. How do I reheat leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture without drying it out? The best method is to reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each, or a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours for larger portions.