Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Fusion

I remember the first time I ever had a proper Philly cheesesteak. I was a young culinary student on a field trip to Philadelphia, and the sheer experience of biting into that messy, cheesy, beefy masterpiece… it was transformative. The sizzle of the thinly sliced steak on the griddle, the pungent aroma of caramelized onions, the glorious river of melted cheese – it was a symphony of flavors and textures that I’ve been chasing ever since. This recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is my playful homage to that iconic sandwich, bringing all that craveable flavor into an easy, weeknight-friendly format.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 3 tablespoons steak sauce, I like A-1
• ½ cup beef broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 4 large hamburger buns
• 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
• Provolone cheese (sliced) or Cheez Whiz

For the Cheese Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup provolone cheese (shredded)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 1-quart saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes, or until no longer pink.
3. Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Aim for a little bit of give, but not completely soft.
4. Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This is important to prevent the sloppy joes from becoming greasy.
5. Stir in the steak sauce and beef broth (and Worcestershire sauce, if using).
6. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season assertively – it will help to bring out all the flavors.
7. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is gone and the sauce has thickened slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should be saucy, but not watery.
8. While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the buns. Butter the cut sides of each hamburger bun with butter.
9. Toast the buttered sides of the buns in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and lightly crispy. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly. Set aside.
10. If making the cheese sauce, begin by melting the butter in a 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
11. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help to thicken the sauce.
12. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to incorporate the roux completely to avoid lumps.
13. Bring the mixture up to a gentle bubble and cook until it has thickened, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
14. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
15. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Remember that the provolone cheese is already somewhat salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
16. To assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, place a generous scoop of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
17. Top the meat mixture with either the homemade cheese sauce, sliced provolone cheese, or Cheez Whiz, according to your preference.
18. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, use shaved steak instead of ground beef. Sear the shaved steak quickly in a hot skillet before adding the onions and peppers.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and good color.
• To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy, use freshly shredded provolone cheese instead of pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can affect the texture of the sauce.
• If you want to add a little kick to your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or the cheese sauce.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try caramelizing the onions before adding them to the meat mixture. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a depth of flavor to the dish.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot and the buns are still toasted. They are best enjoyed with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Leftover meat mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce is best used immediately, as it can thicken and become less smooth upon reheating. To reheat the meat mixture, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out. Reheat the cheese sauce separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	550 kcal	28%
Total Fat	30g	46%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	100mg	33%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	7g
Protein	30g	60%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Pizza Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Stir a spoonful of pizza sauce into the meat mixture and top with mozzarella cheese instead of provolone.
• Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground chicken for ground beef.
• Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and a vegetarian cheese alternative. You can also add sliced mushrooms to the onion and pepper mixture.
• Different Cheese: While provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, American, or even pepper jack for some extra heat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The meat mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it thoroughly before assembling the sloppy joes.

Q: Can I freeze the meat mixture?

A: Yes, the meat mixture freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have steak sauce?

A: If you don’t have steak sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and a pinch of brown sugar.

Q: Can I use different types of peppers?

A: Sure! Feel free to use any type of bell pepper you like, such as red, yellow, or orange. You can also add other types of peppers, such as poblano or Anaheim, for a different flavor profile.

Q: The cheese sauce is too thick. What can I do?

A: If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little extra milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for that iconic sandwich without all the fuss. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Maybe pair them with a crisp, cold IPA for the perfect game-day treat! Enjoy!