If you crave the nostalgia of a classic Philly cheesesteak and the messy joy of a hearty Sloppy Joe, Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes are about to make your dinnertime dreams come true. Tender ground beef, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions are piled high onto a soft roll—it’s a comfort food mash-up you’ll put on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Weeknight Winner: Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes come together in under 30 minutes using simple, everyday ingredients!
- Crowd-Pleasing Combination: This recipe delivers the meat-and-cheese magic of a Philly cheesesteak with the saucy fun of a Sloppy Joe—no knife and fork required.
- Satisfying Savory Flavors: The tangy Worcestershire, buttery sautéed veggies, and creamy cheese make every bite deeply comforting.
- Family Friendly & Adaptable: Both kids and adults gobble these up—plus, you can easily swap ingredients to fit your household’s cravings or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something craveworthy! Each component—from the juicy seasoned beef to the cheesy finish—brings flavor, color, and a little Philly flair to every bite.
- Ground beef: Juicy, flavorful and quick to brown, it forms the hearty base for that classic Sloppy Joe texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning highlights and enhances all the tasty elements in the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, velvety background—perfect for sautéing the veggies.
- Onion (diced): Sweet and aromatic, it forms the flavor backbone of any real cheesesteak experience.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Brings bright color, freshness, and a gentle bite to balance the richness.
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic: Use either for a subtle garlicky depth; fresh garlic adds sharpness, powder keeps it super simple.
- Worcestershire sauce: That secret tangy-salty punch turns the savory notes up to eleven!
- Beef broth: Infuses even more juicy, meaty flavor; creates the signature sauciness of every Sloppy Joe.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it hugs every morsel and won’t run out of your bun (well, not *too* much).
- White American or provolone cheese: Melts like a dream, giving that unmistakable Philly cheesesteak ooze.
- Rolls: Soft sandwich or hoagie rolls are perfect—choose something sturdy enough to hold all the delicious messiness.
Variations
Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes are the ultimate canvas for your cravings! Don’t be afraid to riff, remix, or reinvent with whatever’s already in your fridge or meets your dietary needs—this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for a boosted umami bite (delicious for vegetarians if you swap in plant-based meat, too!).
- Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and your favorite plant-based melting cheese for a totally dairy-free option.
- Turkey or Chicken: Lighten things up with ground turkey or chicken—the flavors still shine and the sauce keeps everything juicy.
- Low-Carb: Skip the roll and serve over roasted veggies or tucked inside lettuce cups for a lighter, bread-free meal.
How to Make Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large sauté pan over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s deeply browned and no longer pink—about five minutes. If your beef lets off a lot of grease, go ahead and drain the excess so your filling isn’t oily later. Scoop the beef out and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the butter to that same pan (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold!). Once melted, toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender, caramelizing at the edges, and smelling absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Add Beef & Make It Saucy
Reduce the heat to low. Return the browned beef to the pan and add your garlic (either powder or freshly minced—your call), the Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Scrape up all those savory bits from the bottom of the pan! Stir it all together and let the flavors meld for about a minute.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Stir in the cornstarch and give it a minute to fully dissolve and thicken the sauce—in true Sloppy Joe fashion, you want everything perfectly glossy and spoonable. If at any point things look a bit dry, just add a tablespoon or two of water to keep it luscious and moist.
Step 5: Cheese Time!
Take the pan off the heat. Lay your slices of American cheese or provolone right on top of the hot beef, then cover the pan (or tent loosely with foil) for a minute or two. The cheese melts into dreamy ribbons—all that’s left is to spoon the filling onto your favorite rolls and dive in.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes
- Browning is Everything: Let your ground beef get nice and browned before removing from the pan. Those flavorful bits are what make Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes sing!
- Customize the Cheese: American cheese gives you the gooey melt from your favorite sandwich shops, but try provolone if you love a little extra sharpness.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This step guarantees that “just right” Sloppy Joe consistency, so your filling stays put inside your roll instead of running onto your plate.
- Toast the Rolls: Give your sandwich or hoagie rolls a light toast under the broiler for structure—they’ll hold up to all that delicious filling with zero sogginess.
How to Serve Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
Add an extra spark by topping your Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes with thinly sliced scallions, a dash of chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a Philly-inspired touch, offer extra cheese on top and a few tangy sliced pickles or pepperoncini on the side!
Side Dishes
Classic potato chips, crispy fries, or a simple coleslaw are always perfect with these sandwiches. For a lighter touch, pair them with crunchy pickles, a tangy arugula salad, or sliced veggies and hummus for extra color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes aren’t just for sandwiches! Spoon the filling onto slider rolls for party bites, pile it over waffle fries and smother in cheese for “cheesesteak fries,” or tuck leftovers into tortillas for comfort-food quesadillas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes keep beautifully! Store the meat mixture (without buns) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wait to add cheese and assemble until right before reheating and serving for the very best texture.
Freezing
Want to meal prep? The cooked meat-vegetable mixture (without cheese) freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and thaw overnight. Add the cheese when reheating, right before serving for peak creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat the mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, then layer on cheese and let it melt. If the sauce thickened up too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up—it’ll be just as delicious as the first time!
FAQs
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Can I use a different cheese besides American or provolone?
Absolutely! While white American and provolone are traditional for Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes, you can swap in mozzarella for extra melt, Swiss for nutty flavor, or a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just choose something that melts well for that signature gooey topping.
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What rolls should I use for the best texture?
A sturdy sandwich or hoagie roll is ideal—they soak up the saucy beef without falling apart. You can also use brioche buns for a slightly sweet contrast or even hollow out a baguette for an extra-crispy crust.
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Can I make Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
You can make the meat and veggie base in advance—just store it in the fridge without cheese. Reheat when you’re ready, add cheese so it melts freshly, and assemble sandwiches for the best experience.
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How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free roll, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is already naturally gluten-free—so everyone can enjoy a big, cheesy bite!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table, Cheesesteak-Style Sloppy Joes are it. I can’t wait for you to try this irresistible mash-up for your next dinner—grab some napkins (things might get a little messy) and dig in with your favorite people!
Print
Cheesesteak-Inspired Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, combining the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of a sloppy joe.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 16 ounces ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable Saute:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 slices white American or provolone cheese
- 4 rolls
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Saute Vegetables: Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add onion and bell pepper. Saute until vegetables begin to brown and onions turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Return ground beef to the pan. Add garlic powder, worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Cook for about a minute.
- Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch and stir until dissolved, about a minute. If needed, add water to adjust consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Top the mixture with cheese slices and let them melt. Spoon onto rolls and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
