Name: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped or sliced (green, red, or a mix of both); 1 cup beef broth; ¼ cup A1 sauce; 1 tsp steak seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp cornstarch; Sliced provolone cheese; 4-6 sandwich buns of your choice; Butter, for toasting buns

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the best of two beloved American comfort foods: the classic Philly cheesesteak and the iconic sloppy joe. This creative fusion captures the savory, beefy richness of a cheesesteak along with the saucy, messy appeal of a sloppy joe, resulting in a satisfying sandwich that’s full of flavor. Imagine the juicy beef, savory onions, tender bell peppers, and gooey melted provolone cheese, all packed into a toasted bun for the ultimate bite. This version of sloppy joe steps up the flavor profile, taking the best elements of the Philly cheesesteak and adapting them for a saucy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Simple and quick to make, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver big taste with minimal prep, providing a hearty meal that feels like a treat but is easy enough to whip up anytime.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The origins of this recipe lie in two sandwiches that each have their own place in American food culture. The Philly cheesesteak, a staple of Philadelphia, is known for its tender, thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and gooey melted cheese served in a long roll. It’s a sandwich celebrated for its bold, savory flavors. Meanwhile, the sloppy joe has roots in American diners and family kitchens, characterized by its saucy ground beef mixture, typically seasoned with tomatoes and spices, and served on a soft bun. Combining these two beloved sandwiches takes the essence of both — the cheesesteak’s richness and the sloppy joe’s saucy comfort — and transforms them into a new experience. This fusion recipe captures the heartiness and taste appeal of each, resulting in a dish that’s familiar yet inventive, inviting even the busiest home cooks to enjoy a fun, flavorful meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients Overview
Each ingredient in Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes plays a vital role in bringing this fusion recipe to life, delivering the comforting flavors we expect from both a cheesesteak and a sloppy joe.

Lean Ground Beef: This forms the heart of the dish, providing a savory, rich base that carries the flavors of the other ingredients. Lean ground beef is ideal as it reduces excess fat while maintaining juiciness, ensuring a flavorful filling without too much greasiness.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add both texture and flavor, mimicking the classic Philly cheesesteak experience. The onions contribute a mild sweetness, while the bell peppers add a subtle crunch and a touch of freshness. You can use green, red, or a mix of both, depending on your preference for sweetness or color variety.
Beef Broth, A1 Sauce, and Steak Seasoning: These elements work together to infuse the beef with depth, moisture, and tang. Beef broth keeps the filling juicy, while A1 sauce brings a slight tanginess and a hint of spice. Steak seasoning adds the extra boost of flavor, with a blend of herbs and spices that accentuates the beef’s natural richness.
Provolone Cheese: Known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, provolone is the classic cheese choice for a Philly cheesesteak. It melts beautifully, adding a rich and slightly smoky element that complements the savory beef mixture.
Sandwich Buns: Soft sandwich buns serve as the perfect vessel, offering a comforting base for the saucy filling. Toasting the buns adds a satisfying crunch that helps hold up to the juicy filling.
Suggested Alternatives: For a lighter option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based meat crumbles also work well for a vegetarian version, and vegan cheese can replace provolone if needed.

Specialty Ingredient Spotlight: A1 Sauce and Steak Seasoning
A1 sauce and steak seasoning elevate the flavor profile of this dish by bringing in complex, tangy, and savory notes. A1 sauce is a popular condiment with a distinct flavor that combines vinegar, spices, and tomatoes, giving the beef a tangy undertone and hint of sweetness. This unique taste is key to achieving the rich, slightly zesty flavor that complements the cheesesteak elements in the dish. If A1 sauce is unavailable, Worcestershire sauce or a blend of soy sauce with a touch of balsamic vinegar can be used as alternatives.

Steak seasoning typically includes a blend of spices like black pepper, garlic, and onion powders, enhancing the beef’s natural flavor and adding a hint of complexity. If you don’t have steak seasoning on hand, you can create a simple substitute with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to approximate its robust, savory notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Browning the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 lb of lean ground beef. Allow the beef to brown without stirring too frequently—this helps create a caramelized crust, adding depth of flavor to the meat. Stir occasionally to break it up into small crumbles for even cooking, but avoid over-stirring, as this can dry out the beef. When the meat is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the meat juicy. This step is essential for balanced flavors, as too much fat can make the dish greasy and overwhelm the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cooking the Veggies
Once the beef is browned and drained, add diced onion and chopped or sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir these into the meat and let them cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the bell peppers are tender. This softening process releases the vegetables’ natural sweetness, which enhances the savory notes of the beef. Cook just until the peppers are soft but still retain a slight bite, which provides textural contrast in the sandwich.

Step 3: Making the Sauce
To give the meat mixture its signature sloppy joe sauciness, add 1 cup of beef broth, ¼ cup of A1 sauce, 1 tsp of steak seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. For a thicker sauce that clings to the meat, dissolve 1 tbsp of cornstarch in a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet, stirring it into the meat and sauce mixture. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, balancing the tanginess, saltiness, and savoriness. Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Toasting the Buns
Preheat your broiler, then prepare the sandwich buns by spreading a thin layer of butter on the insides. Arrange the buns on a baking sheet, cut sides up, and place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch them closely—broilers can toast bread quickly, and the goal is to achieve a golden-brown toast that will hold up to the juicy filling. Toasting adds a layer of flavor and prevents the buns from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Step 5: Assembling and Melting the Cheese
With the buns toasted, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Start by spooning a generous amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each portion of the meat. Place the sandwiches back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. The cheese will create a creamy, gooey layer that adds richness to each bite.

Step 6: Serving and Finishing Touches
Once the cheese has melted, top each sandwich with the upper bun and press down gently. Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re hot and gooey. For a complete meal, consider adding classic sides like crispy fries, a small side salad, or even a few pickle slices to cut through the richness of the sandwich. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Enjoy this delicious, comforting twist on two classic sandwiches!

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success
To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, use a cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce. Start by adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the meat mixture and let it simmer. This will create a sauce that clings to the beef without becoming runny. If you prefer a thicker texture, let the sauce simmer a bit longer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

To keep the buns from getting soggy, don’t skip the broiling step. Toasted buns create a sturdy base for the filling and add a layer of flavor. You can also place a thin layer of cheese on the bottom bun to act as a barrier against the saucy meat mixture.

For perfectly tender veggies, cook the onions and bell peppers just until the onions are translucent, and the peppers have softened but retain a slight crunch. This balance adds texture and sweetness without making the veggies mushy.

Customize the recipe by adding sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. Adjust these to suit your taste for a more personalized and flavorful sandwich experience.

Serving and Presentation Suggestions
For a polished presentation, stack the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes on a large serving platter, placing them slightly staggered so the melted cheese and beef mixture are visible. This layered look invites guests to dig in and highlights the sandwich’s hearty appeal.

When serving, consider classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or fresh pickles for balance. Fries add a satisfying crunch, while coleslaw brings a refreshing, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the sandwich. A few pickle slices or even a side of spicy pickled jalapeños add brightness and a hint of acidity to complement the sandwich’s flavors.

For extra flair, garnish the platter with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives over the sandwiches. These small touches add color and make the dish feel more special, perfect for serving family and friends.

Nutritional Information and Modifications

Nutritional Breakdown
A typical Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe made with lean ground beef, provolone cheese, and a regular sandwich bun contains around 400-500 calories per serving, with a good balance of protein and moderate fat. The beef provides a high-quality protein source, while the onions and bell peppers add a small amount of fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin C. Provolone cheese contributes calcium and additional protein, enhancing the sandwich’s nutritional value.

To make the dish lighter, consider using whole-grain buns for extra fiber, or reducing the cheese quantity to limit saturated fat. Swapping lean ground beef for ground turkey can reduce the fat content, while still offering protein and flavor. For a lower-calorie version, try an open-faced sandwich style with a single bun half, which keeps the dish filling but cuts back on calories and carbs.

Dietary Modifications
To make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes gluten-free, use gluten-free sandwich buns and ensure that any sauces, like A1 or steak seasoning, are also gluten-free. Many gluten-free steak sauces are available, or you can make a homemade version using tamari sauce as a base.

For a dairy-free option, substitute provolone with a vegan cheese that melts well, or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter, lactose-free version. Vegan cheese slices made from cashew or coconut bases can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.

For a low-carb adaptation, swap the buns for large lettuce leaves or use portobello mushroom caps as a bun replacement. These alternatives offer the same satisfying experience without the carbs, making the sandwich both keto-friendly and fresh. These modifications maintain the core flavors and textures of the dish while fitting specific dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What type of cheese works best if I don’t have provolone?
If you don’t have provolone, try using mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well and offer a mild, creamy flavor similar to provolone. For a slightly sharper taste, cheddar or American cheese can also be delicious alternatives.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meat mixture ahead of time. Prepare and cook the beef filling, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, and assemble the sandwiches with fresh toasted buns and cheese.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the meat. You can also add sliced jalapeños as a topping or use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for extra spice.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner version of the recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works well with the other ingredients and seasonings.
How can I prevent the buns from getting too soggy?
Toasting the buns under the broiler adds a crispy layer that helps prevent sogginess. You can also add a slice of cheese directly on the bottom bun before spooning on the meat mixture, creating a barrier to keep the bun from absorbing too much moisture.