Messy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Irresistible Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe For Dinner

Sizzling meat and melted cheese combine in this mouthwatering Philly cheese steak sloppy joes recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Bold flavors burst through every single bite, creating a sandwich experience that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

The classic Philly cheese steak gets a playful twist, turning a traditional favorite into an irresistible, messy delight.

Tender beef mingles with sautéed peppers and onions, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce that begs to be devoured.

This hearty meal comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Each spoonful delivers a punch of savory goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch it become an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 466 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers rich, hearty flavor with deep brown caramelization for maximum taste complexity.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture while helping create silky, clingy sauce texture.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Create a flavor foundation with sweet caramelized notes and earthy undertones that complement the beef's richness.
For Flavor Enhancers and Binding:
  • Ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness and helps create glossy sauce consistency.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces umami depth and complex savory notes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and intensifying overall flavor profile.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as natural thickening agent to create perfect sauce texture.
  • Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and sharp, slightly nutty flavor.
For Bread Base:
  • Brioche Buns: Offer soft, buttery canvas with slight sweetness that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
  • Butter: Helps create golden, crispy toasted bun surface with enhanced flavor.

Tools to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes at Home

  • Cast iron skillet: Perfect for achieving a deep brown crust on the beef and sautéing vegetables.
  • Small cup or bowl: Ideal for mixing beef broth and cornstarch.
  • Broiler or toaster oven: Great for toasting brioche buns to golden perfection.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and breaking up ground beef.
  • Cutting board: Helpful for chopping vegetables and cheese.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable and cheese chopping.

Step-by-Step for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Step-by-Step for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
  • Beefy Base Preparation

Brown ground beef in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating a deep caramelized crust. Break and continue cooking until fully browned.

  • Veggie Magic

Remove beef, leaving behind flavorful fat. Add butter and sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until beautifully caramelized and golden.

  • Flavor Fusion

Return beef to skillet. Introduce ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix beef broth with cornstarch and pour into skillet, stirring until sauce transforms into a rich, velvety texture.

  • Cheese Transformation

Remove from heat and gently fold in Provolone cheese, creating a creamy, luxurious coating that hugs every morsel of beef.

  • Bun Perfection

Toast brioche buns until edges turn golden and crispy. Optional: Brush with butter for extra decadence.

  • Final Assembly

Generously pile the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted buns. Serve immediately while warm and irresistibly delicious.

Ideas for Mixing Up Your Sloppy Joes

Ideas for Mixing Up Your Sloppy Joes
  • Pro Beef Browning Trick: Let the ground beef sit undisturbed in the hot skillet to develop a deep, flavorful crust before breaking it apart, which locks in rich caramelized notes.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly chopped Provolone instead of pre-shredded cheese for smoother, more luxurious melting and enhanced flavor depth.
  • Veggie Swap Adventure: Replace mushrooms with zucchini or swap bell peppers for jalapeños to create a personalized spice level and texture variation in your sloppy joes.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to intensify and creating a quick weeknight dinner solution.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Substitute brioche buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining the delicious Philly cheese steak essence.

Serving Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Serving Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
  • Game Night Slam Dunk: Slice these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes into smaller portions for an epic party appetizer that'll have friends crowding around the plate.
  • Picnic Perfect Meal: Pack these hearty sandwiches in a sealed container for outdoor adventures, keeping them warm in an insulated lunch bag for a delicious field meal.
  • Loaded Side Companions: Pair the sloppy joes with crispy waffle fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience that balances the rich meat mixture.
  • Leftover Magic Hack: Repurpose any remaining beef mixture over nachos, baked potatoes, or as a decadent pasta sauce topping for a quick and exciting next-day meal transformation.

Save Leftovers from Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate the meat mixture from the buns to maintain their crispness and prevent soggy bread.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze the beef mixture in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and quickly reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, quickly toast fresh buns and reheat the meat for a speedy weeknight dinner that tastes just as delicious as the first serving.
  • Smart Serving Strategy: Keep buns separately wrapped to prevent moisture buildup. Reheat the meat mixture gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture and prevent burning.
Print
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Messy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Messy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Philly cheese steak sloppy joes combine classic comfort with bold Philadelphian flavors. Ground beef, peppers, and melted cheese create a hearty sandwich satisfying for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean ground beef
  • 8 oz (226 g) provolone cheese (sliced, chopped)
  • 8 oz (226 g) brown mushrooms (minced)
  • 6 brioche hamburger buns (toasted)
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsps ketchup
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sear Beef: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, allowing ground beef to caramelize without stirring. Crumble and cook until completely browned with no pink remaining.
  2. Vegetable Infusion: Use reserved beef fat to sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, developing deep golden caramelization through strategic resting and occasional stirring. Reintegrate browned beef into vegetable medley.
  3. Flavor Development: Introduce ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Create cornstarch slurry with beef broth, pouring into skillet to generate a glossy, rich sauce that coats the meat and vegetables thoroughly.
  4. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and gently fold Provolone into meat mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious coating.
  5. Bun Preparation: Lightly butter brioche bun interiors, toasting under broiler until edges transform into crisp, golden perfection.
  6. Final Assembly: Generously ladle cheesy beef mixture onto toasted buns, allowing filling to cascade slightly over bread edges, creating an indulgent presentation ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

  • Meat Browning Technique: Allow ground beef to develop a deep, rich crust by avoiding excessive stirring during initial cooking, which enhances flavor complexity.
  • Vegetable Caramelization Tip: Let vegetables sit undisturbed initially to achieve golden-brown edges, creating a more intense, sweet flavor profile.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Reduce heat when adding Provolone to prevent scorching, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture that coats the beef mixture perfectly.
  • Bun Toasting Secret: Lightly butter bun interiors before toasting to create a crisp, golden exterior that adds textural contrast to the saucy filling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 466
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 704 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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