If there’s one recipe that combines the indulgent flavors of a classic Philly cheese steak with the comforting simplicity of a sloppy joe, it’s this one. Imagine the savory beef, gooey melted Provolone cheese, and perfectly toasted brioche buns, all coming together in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends on game day.
A Recipe with a Twist on Tradition
Growing up, sloppy joes were always a staple in my household—a no-fuss meal that brought everyone to the table. But over the years, I’ve realized that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. By marrying the bold flavors of a Philly cheese steak with the simplicity of a sloppy joe, this recipe is a surefire hit. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, but still comes together in under 30 minutes. Now, let’s dive into the first steps to create this masterpiece.
Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef for Maximum Flavor
The secret to elevating this dish is all in the sear. Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, spreading it out in the pan to develop a rich, brown crust. This caramelization not only locks in the beef’s juices but also gives the final dish a depth of flavor you’ll love. Let the beef cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes before breaking it apart. Continue cooking until approximately half of the beef has that golden crust. Remove the beef from the skillet, but don’t clean the pan—those browned bits left behind are culinary gold!
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Veggies
Next, it’s time to create a veggie medley that adds layers of texture and taste. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and mingle with the residual beef juices. Toss in one small diced yellow onion, a small diced green bell pepper, and 8 ounces of minced brown mushrooms. The key here is patience—let the veggies brown undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to caramelize before giving them a stir. After another couple of minutes, the onions should be soft and golden, the peppers tender, and the mushrooms savory and aromatic.
Why This Step Matters
Cooking the vegetables in the same skillet as the beef allows them to soak up every bit of flavor from the rendered fat and browned bits left behind. The mushrooms, in particular, add an earthy richness that complements the beef beautifully, while the onions and bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: Thickening the Sauce and Adding Gooey Cheese
Welcome back! By now, your kitchen is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of seared beef and caramelized vegetables. It’s time to turn these humble ingredients into a masterpiece by thickening the sauce and adding everyone’s favorite ingredient—cheese! Let’s continue this journey to create the ultimate Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes.
Step 3: Combine the Beef and Vegetables
Once your veggies are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to reunite them with the star of the show—the ground beef. Return the cooked beef to the skillet, mixing it with the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The beef will soak up the flavors of the vegetables, creating a rich and savory base for the sloppy joe mixture.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
No sloppy joe is complete without a thick, flavorful sauce to bind it all together. In a small cup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, then add 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and most of the liquid will be absorbed, giving you a rich, hearty filling that’s just saucy enough to stay on the bun (but not so much that it drips everywhere—unless that’s your style!).
Step 5: Bring on the Cheese
Now for the best part—adding the cheese. Turn off the heat and stir in 8 ounces of chopped Provolone cheese (or 6 ounces if you prefer a less cheesy option). As the residual heat melts the cheese, it will transform the beef and vegetable mixture into a gooey, cheesy delight. Stir until every bite is coated in creamy, melty Provolone goodness. Trust me, this step takes the dish from great to unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Customize Your Cheese
While Provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheese steak flavor, feel free to experiment! Try a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a more robust flavor, or swap in smoked Gouda for a smoky twist.
Step 6: Toast and Assemble
While the cheese melts, take a moment to toast your brioche hamburger buns. Toasting the buns isn’t just about texture—it creates a sturdy base that holds up to the saucy filling without getting soggy. Simply place the buns cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.
Once toasted, pile the cheesy Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture high onto each bun. Don’t skimp on the filling—this is comfort food at its finest, and the more filling, the better.
Helpful Variations and Tips
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the brioche buns for gluten-free hamburger buns to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- Make It a Meal: Serve these sloppy joes with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: FAQs and Final Thoughts
You’ve made it to the last part of this cheesy, savory journey, and your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are ready to shine. But before you serve them up, let’s tackle some common questions to ensure you’ve mastered this recipe. Plus, I’ll wrap things up with some encouragement to make this dish a regular feature in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the mixture.
2. Can I freeze the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
3. What other types of cheese can I use?
While Provolone is the classic choice, other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Swiss, or smoked Gouda work well. Each adds its own unique twist to the dish.
4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner alternative. Just be aware that these meats may produce less fat, so you might need to add a bit more butter or oil for sautéing the vegetables.
5. How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toasted buns are key! Toasting creates a barrier that helps the buns hold up to the saucy filling. You can also add a thin layer of mayonnaise or butter to the buns before toasting for extra protection and flavor.
6. What side dishes pair well with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?
Classic sides like French fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw are fantastic options. For a lighter pairing, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, and replace the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. The result will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Conclusion: Time to Dig In
There you have it—Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes that bring the best of two comfort food classics together in one irresistible dish. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the sizzling of the beef to the gooey, melted cheese and the perfectly toasted brioche buns, every step adds to the anticipation of that first bite.
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This recipe combines the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of sloppy joes. Featuring savory beef, caramelized vegetables, and gooey Provolone cheese, all served on soft brioche buns, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a crowd or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz Provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6 oz for a less cheesy option)
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the beef:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom (about 3-4 minutes). Break it apart and continue cooking until about 50% of the beef develops a rich crust for maximum flavor. Remove the beef from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind.
2️⃣ Cook the vegetables:
Add the butter to the skillet, followed by the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced mushrooms. Let them brown undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes to caramelize.
3️⃣ Combine beef and vegetables:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
4️⃣ Thicken the sauce:
In a small cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5️⃣ Add the cheese:
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Provolone cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely, coating the beef and vegetables in a gooey, cheesy sauce.
6️⃣ Assemble and serve:
Pile the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe mixture high onto toasted brioche hamburger buns. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
Notes
- Customize it: Add red bell peppers, jalapeños, or extra cheese for more variety.
- Make-ahead option: The filling can be made in advance and reheated on the stovetop for an easy meal.
- Side suggestions: Pair with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a green salad to round out the meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
