Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe for Dinner
Growing up in a busy kitchen, comfort food was more than just foodāit was a celebration. The day I found these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes changed our dinners. This recipe brings the taste of Philadelphia to your table, making everyone happy.
Think of mixing Philly cheesesteak sandwiches with sloppy joe goodness. It’s a mix that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table. The ground beef and provolone cheese blend together, creating a dish that’s both familiar and new.
Key Takeaways
- Fast and delicious weeknight dinner option
- Combines two classic American comfort foods
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Easily customizable with different meats and cheeses
- Can be prepared ahead and frozen for future meals
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that turns easy sandwich recipes into a mouthwatering experience. These cheese steak sloppy joes are your family’s new favorite messy sandwiches. They combine convenience and flavor in one spectacular dish.
This incredible recipe offers something for everyone, making it a versatile choice for busy households. Let’s explore why these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a game-changer for your meal planning.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When time is short and hunger is high, these sloppy joes save the day. They can be ready in just 30 minutes, making them a satisfying meal. The recipe serves 6 people and requires minimal preparation, perfect for hectic weeknight dinners.
- Total preparation time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Calories per serving: 385
Budget-Friendly Meal Option
Creating delicious meals doesn’t mean breaking the bank. This recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and simple pantry staples. With 1 pound of ground beef and basic seasonings, you can make an impressive meal that’s both economical and satisfying.
Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
---|---|---|
Ground Beef | 1 pound | $5-$7 |
Provolone Cheese | 8 slices | $3-$4 |
Additional Ingredients | Pantry staples | $2-$3 |
Family-Friendly Recipe
These cheese steak sloppy joes are designed to please every palate. Kids will love the cheesy, savory flavors, while adults appreciate the gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. The recipe’s versatility allows for easy customization with different cheeses or protein options.
“A meal that combines ease, affordability, and deliciousness – what more could a family want?” – Home Cooking Enthuasiast
Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing meal, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheesesteak Sandwiches
To make delicious ground beef sloppy joes, you need the right ingredients. The secret to a great comfort food recipe is using top-notch ingredients. They add bold flavors and a true taste.
For the best Philly-style sloppy joes, focus on these key ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Choose 80-85% lean ground beef for the best taste and juiciness
- Fresh bell peppers (green and red)
- Sweet onions, finely chopped
- Garlic salt and black pepper
- A1 steak sauce for depth of flavor
- Beef broth for moisture
- Provolone or American cheese
“The secret to an amazing sloppy joe is in the quality of ingredients and how they’re combined.” – Philadelphia Culinary Experts
Being flexible with protein is important in this recipe. While ground beef is classic, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. When these ingredients mix, they create a rich, savory dish. It brings the taste of Philadelphia street food to your home.
If you’re watching your diet, try these protein swaps for tasty ground beef sloppy joes:
- Ground turkey (93% lean)
- Ground chicken breast
- Plant-based ground meat alternatives
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
To make tasty easy sandwich recipes for weeknight dinners, you need the right tools. The right equipment makes making Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes fun and easy.

Choosing the right cookware is key for great weeknight dinners. It helps you get the best results.
Recommended Cookware
- Large Skillet: A 12-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet for perfect meat browning
- Wooden spoon for breaking up ground beef
- Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Optional Equipment
- Slow cooker (crock pot) for alternative cooking method
- Digital meat thermometer
- Kitchen tongs
- Food processor for quick vegetable chopping
Storage Containers
For meal prep and leftover management, invest in quality storage solutions:
- Airtight glass containers
- Freezer-safe plastic containers
- Zip-top freezer bags
“The right tools can transform a good recipe into an exceptional meal.”
With these kitchen essentials, you’ll be ready to create delicious easy sandwich recipes. They make weeknight dinners a breeze.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making philly cheesesteak sloppy joes is simple! This recipe turns a weeknight dinner into a tasty treat. Here’s how to cook it step by step.
- Prepare the Ground Beef
First, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook until it’s browned. Then, drain any extra fat to keep it lean and tasty.
- SautƩ Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced yellow onions and green bell peppers. Cook until they’re soft and slightly clear, bringing out their sweetness.
- Build the Sauce
Make a rich sauce by mixing beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt for extra flavor.
- Simmer and Combine
Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies. Let it boil gently, then lower the heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle chopped Provolone and Cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt a bit before serving on toasted brioche hamburger buns.
“The secret to great philly cheesesteak sloppy joes is layering flavors and allowing them to develop slowly.” – Home Cooking Expert
Pro tip: For deeper flavor, let the mixture sit for a few minutes before serving. This lets the seasonings fully mix with the beef.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Mixture
Making the perfect ground beef sloppy joes is more than just mixing ingredients. Professional cooks use special techniques to make their cheese steak sloppy joes stand out.

Meat Selection Guidelines
Choosing the right ground beef is key for tasty sloppy joes. Go for a lean 90/10 blend. This mix offers:
- Just the right moisture
- Less grease
- Deep, rich flavor
“The secret to great ground beef sloppy joes is in the meat selection and preparation.” – Culinary Experts
Seasoning Secrets
To make your cheese steak sloppy joes pop, season them right. Mix in:
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Beef broth for extra depth
Cooking Temperature Control
Controlling heat is key for perfect sloppy joes. Simmer on low heat to blend flavors and avoid burning. Use a cast iron skillet for even cooking. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Pro tip: Let the mixture reduce a bit. This will make the flavors richer and the texture thicker. Your cheese steak sloppy joes will be unforgettable.
Cheese Options and Melting Techniques

Making the perfect cheesesteak sandwiches is all about choosing the right cheese and how to melt it. In Philadelphia, everyone knows that cheese is what makes a cheesesteak special.
The classic cheeses for cheesesteak sandwiches are:
- Provolone: The traditional favorite with rich, creamy flavor
- White American Cheese: Smooth and perfectly melty
- Cheez Whiz: A nostalgic yellow cheese sauce
When picking cheese for your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, keep these tips in mind:
- Place cheese slice on toasted bun before adding meat mixture
- Add cut provolone pieces directly into warm meat mixture
- Broil sandwich components 3-4 inches from heat source
Getting cheese to melt right is all about precision. Aim for 45-60 seconds under the broiler. This will give you that perfect molten texture without burning.
Cheese Type | Melting Time | Flavor Profile |
---|---|---|
Provolone | 45-60 seconds | Rich, creamy |
American Cheese | 30-45 seconds | Smooth, mild |
Cheez Whiz | Instant | Tangy, processed |
Pro tip: For extra cheesiness, use 8 ounces of cheese and experiment with different varieties to find your perfect blend.
“The secret to an incredible cheesesteak is in the cheese melting technique” – Philadelphia Culinary Experts
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing weeknight dinners can be easy with these storage tips for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This recipe is great for busy families. It helps save time and enjoy tasty meals all week.
Freezing Methods
Meal prep is simple with these freezing tips for your sloppy joe mix:
- Store the meat mix without cheese in the freezer for up to 2 months
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags for best storage
- Cool the mix completely before freezing
- Pro tip: Freeze peppers and onions ahead to make cooking faster
Reheating Guidelines
Bring back your tasty sloppy joe mix with these easy reheating methods:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best taste
- Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of beef stock
- Microwave individual portions for quick meals
- Toast buns separately to avoid sogginess
“Meal prep is the secret weapon for stress-free weeknight dinners!” – Home Cooking Experts
Here are the storage details for your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
- Refrigerator storage: 3-4 days in an airtight container
- It’s best to store the meat mix and buns separately
- Each serving has about 540 calories
By following these storage and reheating tips, your comfort food recipes will stay delicious. They’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you want.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes even better with these tasty serving ideas. It’s perfect for game day and will wow your guests.
Recommended Serving Options
- Toasted brioche buns for a rich, buttery base
- French rolls for a classic sandwich experience
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative
Delicious Side Dish Pairings
Pair your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with these yummy sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Oven-baked sweet potato fries
- Simple garden salad
- Crispy potato chips
Optional Toppings and Enhancements
Enhance your game day food with these extra toppings:
Topping | Flavor Profile |
---|---|
Coleslaw | Adds creamy crunch |
Sliced jalapeƱos | Brings spicy heat |
Extra provolone cheese | Enhances creamy texture |
Pro tip: For the ultimate game day experience, serve with pickles and your favorite condiments!
These ideas turn your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes into a memorable meal. Everyone will love it.
Conclusion
The Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are more than just a simple sandwich. They turn weeknight dinners into special comfort food moments. With only 30 minutes to prepare, they offer a mix of taste and nutrition in every bite.
These sloppy joes serve 6-8 people, making them great for busy families. They’re quick, delicious, and packed with 26g of protein per serving. The caramelized onions and melted provolone cheese make every meal memorable.
Home cooks will love how these recipes can be tailored to everyone’s taste. They’re perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes blend classic American flavors with modern ease.
Learning this recipe means you’ll make a tasty meal and grow your cooking skills. It’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the ease, flavors, and the joy of a well-made meal.