![]() |
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes |
How To Make Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
If you’re a fan of comfort food, imagine combining two iconic dishes: the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak and the messy, flavorful fun of sloppy joes. The result? Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes — a perfect fusion of tender beef, melted cheese, and a tangy, hearty sauce that will satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make these mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, from gathering the ingredients to assembling the perfect sandwich. You’ll discover simple steps, helpful tips, and tricks to ensure your sloppy joes turn out rich, cheesy, and perfectly balanced every time. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun twist on a classic, this recipe is your new go-to.
What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
1. A Unique Twist on Two Classics:
Philly cheesesteaks and sloppy joes are both beloved comfort foods in their own right, each offering bold flavors and satisfying textures. A Philly cheesesteak features thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all tucked into a soft roll. On the other hand, sloppy joes are typically made with ground beef, a tangy tomato-based sauce, and served on a bun, resulting in a messy, comforting meal.When you combine the two, you get Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes — a mashup of the best elements of both. The tender, seasoned beef from a Philly cheesesteak meets the saucy, satisfying goodness of a sloppy joe, making it an exciting new twist on these classic dishes.
2. Key Features of the Dish:
What sets Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes apart is the blend of savory beef, melted cheese, and a sloppy joe-style sauce that’s both hearty and flavorful. The beef is often seasoned with a variety of spices, and combined with a medley of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and sometimes mushrooms. The sauce — typically made from a combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings — gives it that delicious, tangy flavor that’s essential to a good sloppy joe. Top it all off with a layer of gooey melted cheese, and you have a comforting, indulgent dish that’s sure to satisfy.3. Comfort Food Appeal:
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of rich, melty cheese and savory beef paired with a tangy sauce is guaranteed to hit all the right notes. It’s a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even game day. The dish strikes a balance between being hearty and indulgent while still being simple enough to prepare without much fuss. For anyone who loves a good comfort meal that’s filling, easy to make, and full of flavor, this recipe delivers on every front.Ingredients You’ll Need for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
The main protein for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes can be either ground beef or thinly sliced steak. Ground beef is the most common choice for sloppy joes because it cooks quickly and easily absorbs the flavor of the sauce, giving you that signature sloppy joe texture. It’s also more budget-friendly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.However, if you want a more authentic Philly cheesesteak feel, using steak (such as ribeye or sirloin) can elevate the dish. Thinly slice the steak against the grain for tenderness, and it’ll bring that classic Philly flavor with a more luxurious bite. Both options work well — it all depends on the texture and flavor you prefer.
2. Cheese: Provolone, American, or Cheddar
No Philly cheesesteak is complete without melted cheese, and Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are no exception. The cheese is what brings this dish its rich, creamy texture.- Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak. It’s mild, slightly smoky, and melts beautifully over the beef, creating a smooth, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
- American cheese is another favorite for its ability to melt easily and its creamy consistency, which complements the beef and sauce in a comforting way.
- Cheddar can be used for a sharper, more tangy flavor. It adds a bit more boldness to the dish, perfect for those who like a stronger cheese presence.
3. Other Essentials: Peppers, Onions, and Mushrooms
The key to making these sloppy joes really sing is the vegetable mix. Just like a traditional Philly cheesesteak, onions and peppers are a must-have. Sautéing these vegetables helps to develop their natural sweetness, adding depth of flavor that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.- Bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) are common in Philly cheesesteaks and give the dish a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Onions bring a savory, aromatic quality to the sloppy joes. Use yellow or white onions for the best results.
- Mushrooms are optional but can be a great addition if you like extra umami flavor. They absorb the sauce well and add a meaty texture, making the dish even more satisfying.
4. Bread Choices: Hoagie Rolls, Burger Buns, or Toasted Bread
Choosing the right bread is key to creating the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy filling without falling apart, but soft enough to offer a satisfying bite.- Hoagie rolls are the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks, offering that classic sandwich structure and a soft interior with a slightly crispy crust.
- Burger buns are a great alternative, providing a fluffy, slightly sweet base that complements the savory filling.
- Toasted bread (whether it’s a baguette or thick-cut slices) can also work if you prefer a bit of crunch to contrast with the soft, gooey filling.
Choose the bread that best suits your texture preference — just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle the generous helping of meat, cheese, and sauce!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
![]() |
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes |
Start by heating a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef or sliced steak to the pan, breaking up the beef as it cooks (or browning the steak). Sear the meat until it’s cooked through and browned, which will enhance the flavor.
Next, add your onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they’re soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor — the onions will become sweet, and the peppers and mushrooms will soften, adding texture and richness to the mixture. Once the beef is browned and the veggies are tender, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Preparing the Sloppy Joe Sauce
To create the signature sloppy joe sauce, add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and your seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper). Stir everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the beef and veggies evenly. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like a bit of spice.Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 3: Adding the Cheese
Once your sloppy joe mixture is perfectly seasoned, it’s time to make it cheesy! Lower the heat to medium and stir in your choice of cheese (Provolone, American, or Cheddar). Allow the cheese to melt into the beef and sauce, creating a creamy, gooey mixture that brings all the flavors together. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.This cheesy beef mixture is the heart of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, so take your time and let the cheese melt slowly for the best texture.
Step 4: Assembling the Sloppy Joes
Now that your Philly cheesesteak mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Toast your bread of choice — whether it’s hoagie rolls, burger buns, or thick-cut bread — to give it a nice crunch. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy, beefy mixture onto the bottom half of the bread.Top with the other half of the roll or bun, and press gently to make sure everything stays together. Serve immediately while the filling is warm and gooey. For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional sautéed peppers or onions, or even a drizzle of extra Worcestershire sauce for more flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1. Cheese Selection
Provolone is the classic choice for that authentic Philly flavor—mild, melty, and smooth. If you prefer a bolder taste, try sharp Cheddar or creamy American cheese for a richer, more indulgent twist.
2. How to Keep the Sandwich from Getting Too Runny
To avoid a soggy bun, simmer your beef mixture until the sauce thickens. You can also stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry or reduce the broth quantity slightly for a heartier filling.
3. Customize to Your Taste
Want a little kick? Add a splash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper. For extra flavor and crunch, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even jalapeños.
4. Serving Suggestions
These sloppy joes pair perfectly with crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or classic potato chips. For a lighter side, try a fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly with the hearty comfort of a sloppy joe—making it the ultimate feel-good meal. It's quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.Ready to switch up your dinner routine? Give this easy twist on a classic a try and enjoy all the bold, melty flavors in just one skillet.
If you make it, don’t forget to share your creation! Tag your photos and let us know what you think on social media—we’d love to see your cheesy masterpieces!