Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes take the beloved flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak and reimagine them in a deliciously messy sandwich form. This recipe combines tender ground beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers with a savory blend of seasonings and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between toasted brioche buns.

Each bite is a perfect marriage of hearty meatiness, vibrant veggies, gooey cheese, and a hint of tangy sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day snack, these sloppy joes are sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings with their irresistible flavors and satisfyingly sloppy goodness.

How to make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 small onion, finely diced

1 green pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup reduced sodium beef broth

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 ½ teaspoons beef bouillon

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tsp EACH dried oregano, dried parsley

½ tsp EACH salt, pepper, dried basil, paprika

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less to taste

3/4 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese

Buns:

6 brioche hamburger buns

softened butter or mayo for brushing (optional)

6 slices provolone cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Split buns and lay them cut side up on a large baking tray (15×21).

Lightly brush the cut sides with softened butter or mayonnaise (optional for crispier/more flavorful buns). Bake for 5 minutes to toast the buns. Meanwhile you can continue with the recipe:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onions and bell peppers and cook until beef is browned and onions are softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds.

In a liquid measuring cup (or small bowl), whisk the beef broth, cornstarch and beef bouillon together until smooth. Add to the meat mixture followed by the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon and all seasonings.

Gently simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, but the mixture is still a little saucy, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste (I like more salt). Keep in mind the flavors will be diluted with the cheese and buns.

Divide mixture between the bottom toasted buns and top each with a slice of provolone cheese.

Bake (leaving both top and bottoms cut side up) at 400 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. Top the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Notes:

Preparation Tip: Preheat the oven and prepare the buns first to ensure they are toasted and ready by the time the filling is prepared.

Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less heat, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Sauce Consistency: Simmer the filling until most of the liquid has been absorbed, but it should still remain slightly saucy. This ensures that the filling is moist and flavorful without being too watery.

Cheese Melting: Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted into the filling. This creates a creamy, cheesy texture that binds the ingredients together.

Bun Enhancement: Brushing the cut sides of the buns with softened butter or mayo before toasting adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture.

Even Melting: When assembling the sandwiches, ensure that both the bottom and top buns are cut side up to allow the provolone cheese to melt evenly over the filling.

Serving: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately after baking to enjoy them hot and gooey. They make a satisfying meal on their own or pair well with a side salad or fries for a complete dinner.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make a leaner version of this dish. Just be aware that the flavor may be slightly different.

What can I use if I don’t have brioche buns?

If you don’t have brioche buns, you can use regular hamburger buns or any type of bread or roll you prefer.

The choice of bun won’t significantly affect the overall flavor of the dish.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat or tofu crumbles.

Additionally, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian option.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the filling can be made in advance and refrigerated, it’s best to assemble and bake the sandwiches just before serving to ensure the buns stay fresh and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What side dishes pair well with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

This dish goes well with classic side dishes like french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

You can also serve it with pickles, sliced tomatoes, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.