A Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe is a unique sandwich that blends together the classic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak and the tangy flavor of a Sloppy Joe. The sandwich is made with ground beef instead of sliced steak, onions and peppers, and melted cheese. It’s served on a toasted hamburger bun, giving it the appearance of a traditional Sloppy Joe.
What is a Philly Cheesesteak?
The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic sandwich that hails from Philadelphia, known for its crispy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions served on a freshly baked loaf of bread. The sandwich has become a staple in the region, and its popularity has spread across the country. Variations have been created, such as this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe, which features ground beef in place of traditional steak cuts like rib-eye or top-round.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Meat: I used ground beef in this recipe. However, you could also use ground turkey or chicken for a couple more delicious options.
Vegetables: Onions and green peppers are standard on a Philly cheesesteak, so I included both in the ground beef mixture.
Slurry: Beef broth and cornstarch are mixed together and added to the ground beef mixture. This slurry helps thicken the mixture and add more flavor.
Cheese: Although Cheez whiz is arguably the most common cheese to add to a Philly cheesesteak, I used shredded provolone cheese in this recipe. It is also a popular choice when it comes to the classic sandwich. American cheese would also be a good option.
Hamburger Buns: Toasted hamburger buns work well with this ‘sloppy’ sandwich. Toasting the buns keeps the juices from soaking into the bun and making it a soggy mess. After all, you want a sloppy joe, not a soggy one. If you are passing on the buns, swap out the bun for a tortilla and make a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Wrap.
Toasting Hamburger Buns
Learn the easy and quick way to toast your hamburger buns using the broiler in your oven. This method is perfect for achieving golden, toasted buns every time.
- Preheat the broiler to high heat.
- Cut the buns in half, horizontally, exposing the inside of each bun.
- Place the buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Spread a small pat of butter on the cut side of each half.
- Toast the buns until golden brown, about 20-30 seconds. Be sure to watch carefully so the buns don’t burn.
Can I Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?
Make your cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture ahead of time for convenience. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness. When ready to serve, heat up the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave. Don’t forget to toast the hamburger buns!
More Delicious Sandwiches
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup (240 g) beef broth
- 2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, onions, and bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened (about 8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- To the skillet, add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the beef broth and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer until the sauce is thickened and most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Add shredded cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted, stirring frequently.
- Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
Adapted from Dinner Then Dessert.
Delicious! Easy recipe with many ingredients on hand. Easy to prep to put together quickly. Messy of course but everyone loved it.
Change that provolone to picante provolone and you’re a winner baby!
I have really limited my carbs and I love sloppy joes and I love mushrooms. I am going to try this using a portabella mushroom rather than a hamburger bun. I think it will be yummy!
Pretty good! I used mozzarella because I had it and a hoagie.
2nd time I made this …. has a lot of flavor nice alternative to regular sloppy Joe’s. My family loved it a few weeks ago when I made it. They asked me to make it again for dinner tonight.
Try it with Phili cream cheese, or a mix of both provo & phili
Made this for dinner tonight. Really good and super gooey with cheese! Thanks.