Bite into the ultimate comfort food mashup with these Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes! This easy weeknight dinner combines the beefy, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak with all the saucy nostalgia of a sloppy joe—served hot on a fluffy roll, melty cheese and all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Classics, One Sandwich: All the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, wrapped up in the nostalgic, saucy format of a sloppy joe.
- Weeknight-Friendly: No fuss, no fancy cuts—just familiar ingredients and one skillet, ready in about 25 minutes.
- Melty Cheese in Every Bite: The gooey, golden cheese melts directly over the savory beef mixture for maximum comfort-food satisfaction.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or game night, everyone lights up when you announce Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a huge ingredient list to capture the essence of Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes—just the right ones! Each item on this list plays a starring role, from deep, savory flavor and heartiness to that signature cheesy finish.
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef—you get great flavor and enough fat for juiciness, but not a greasy mess.
- Salt & black pepper: Don’t underestimate these basics! They draw out and enhance the savory depth in the beef.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps gently sauté the onions and peppers.
- Small onion (diced): Classic cheesesteak sweetness and a little crunch in every bite.
- Green bell pepper (diced): That signature Philly touch—a bit grassy, a little bitter, always delicious.
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic: Either option works, but fresh garlic brings a zingier aroma.
- Worcestershire sauce: Lots of umami, tang, and a little mysterious depth—the secret to unforgettable sloppy joe filling!
- Beef broth: Deepens flavor and creates sauciness, making every bite wonderfully juicy.
- Cornstarch: Just a touch thickens the broth into a glossy, clingy sauce.
- White American or provolone cheese: Melts like a dream and brings that creamy, iconic cheesesteak flavor.
- Soft sandwich rolls: The canvas for all this magic! Go for sturdy-but-soft rolls so they soak up just enough sauce without collapsing.
Variations
One of the best things about Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes is how effortlessly you can make them your own. Don’t be shy—raid your pantry or swap an ingredient for your favorite twist to suit any craving or dietary need!
- Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Sauté diced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions to amp up the umami punch and add a hearty, earthy vibe.
- Lighter Touch: Swap in ground turkey or lean ground chicken for a lighter, but still super-flavorful, filling.
- No-Gluten Option: Use gluten-free rolls and be sure your Worcestershire and broth are certified gluten free for a celiac-friendly meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a finely diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, or sprinkle in a little crushed red pepper before serving.
- All About That Cheese: Try mozzarella, sharp provolone, or pepper jack if you want to mix up the meltiness or add a little zing.
How to Make Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by heating a sauté pan over medium heat. Crumble the ground beef straight into the pan and season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until all the beef is browned with no pink left—about 5 minutes. Once done, scoop the beef out and set aside, draining any excess fat if necessary. This keeps your filling flavorful, not greasy!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add that knob of butter to the same pan, letting it melt and bubble. Toss in your diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until the veggies soften, start to brown, and the onions turn wonderfully translucent—about 4-5 minutes. This brings out natural sweetness and makes the filling irresistibly aromatic.
Step 3: Combine and Build the Sauce
Lower the heat so nothing scorches, then add your cooked beef back into the pan with the veggies. Sprinkle in garlic powder (or minced garlic), pour over the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, and scrape up all those savory browned bits from the bottom—they’re packed with flavor! Let everything mingle for about a minute.
Step 4: Thicken & Cheese It
Sprinkle the cornstarch right into the pan, stirring until it dissolves completely and the broth starts to thicken—about a minute. If it looks a little dry, just splash in a tablespoon or two of water. Take the pan off the heat, lay cheese slices across the top, cover, and let it sit for 1–2 minutes until gooey and perfectly melted.
Step 5: Build, Serve, and Enjoy
Give that cheesy beef mixture one last stir, then generously spoon it onto soft sandwich rolls. Serve them up while piping hot for classic Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes that no one can resist!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes
- Roll Choice Matters: A slightly crusty, sturdy roll holds up beautifully to all that saucy, cheesy filling—avoid overly soft rolls if you want to avoid soggy bottoms.
- Cheese Layering Trick: Lay cheese slices on top of the hot beef, then cover the pan for a minute or so—the steam melts the cheese into velvety ribbons without making the mixture greasy.
- Veggie Prep Shortcut: If you’re tight on time, pick up pre-diced onions and bell peppers—weeknight dinners just got faster!
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the filling in advance and store in the fridge; reheat and add cheese fresh for perfect melt and flavor every time.
How to Serve Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
Scatter a few thinly sliced scallions or snipped fresh parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re a true cheesesteak devotee, add a drizzle of warm Cheez Whiz or a little extra shredded provolone for a decadent finish!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a big pile of hot oven fries or kettle-cooked potato chips to soak up any extra sauce. A tangy pickle spear or a crisp side salad keeps things bright and balanced. For hearty appetites, pair with sweet corn on the cob or roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making mini Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes sliders for parties or game night—just use soft dinner rolls. Turn leftovers into a delicious filling for baked potatoes, or serve the cheesy beef mixture over waffle fries for a next-level fork-and-knife option!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover filling completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Wait to assemble your rolls until just before serving for best texture!
Freezing
The beef mixture (without cheese) freezes well for up to 2 months! Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding freshly melted cheese right before serving for that signature Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes gooeyness.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the filling in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and splashing in a teaspoon or two of water if needed. Add the cheese at the very end, just like when you first made it, until silky and melted.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! The recipe is just as delicious with ground turkey or chicken. Just keep an eye on moisture—leaner meats may need an extra tablespoon or two of broth to stay juicy, and season generously for depth of flavor.
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What kind of cheese works best for Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes?
White American and provolone cheeses both melt beautifully and echo the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor. Mozzarella or even Cheez Whiz are fun alternatives, depending on how gooey or sharp you like your cheese!
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How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Use sturdy sandwich rolls and assemble the sandwiches just before eating. Toasting the rolls lightly can also help create a barrier against the sauce, keeping everything deliciously intact.
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Can I make Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes ahead for a party?
Yes! Prep the beef and veggie mixture in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet, add the cheese until melty, and spoon onto rolls for fresh, hot sandwiches every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like that first bite of a warm, cheesy, beef-packed Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joe! I truly hope you give this recipe a spin—it’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to make even an ordinary weeknight feel a little more special. Let me know how you make yours and enjoy every saucy, melty bite!
Print
Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, incorporating the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 16 ounces ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving:
- 4 slices white American or provolone cheese
- 4 rolls
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Crumble ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Pepper: Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables begin to brown and onions turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low, then return ground beef to the pan. Add garlic powder, worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Cook for about a minute.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add cornstarch and stir until dissolved, about a minute. If the beef looks dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. This thickens the beef broth to create a sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Top the meat mixture with cheese slices and allow it to melt for 1-2 minutes. Spoon onto rolls and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
