Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Prepare to have your taste buds transported to the bustling streets of Philadelphia, then gently plopped back down onto a comfy, bun-filled cloud of pure, sloppy joy! Forget choosing between the iconic cheesesteak and the childhood favorite sloppy joe – now you can have both in one glorious, flavor-packed bite.

The cheesesteak, a symbol of Philadelphia’s culinary identity, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Legend has it that a hot dog vendor, Pat Olivieri, decided to grill some beef on his stand and put it on an Italian roll. A cab driver noticed and asked for one, and the rest, as they say, is history. The addition of cheese came later, solidifying its place in American food lore. But what happens when you take that classic combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and onions and reimagine it as a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe? Magic, that’s what!

People adore sloppy joes for their comforting, nostalgic appeal and their incredible convenience. They’re quick to make, satisfyingly messy, and undeniably delicious. The Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes take that inherent appeal and elevate it with the savory, umami-rich flavors of a classic cheesesteak. The combination of the tender, seasoned beef, the gooey, melted cheese, and the slightly sweet and tangy sloppy joe sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and excitingly new!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 6 hamburger buns, split
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or American)
• Optional toppings: pickled jalapenos, banana peppers

Preparing the Vegetables and Steak

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor base of our sloppy joes, so don’t rush it! We want those veggies nice and tender.
2. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet – we want to keep all those flavorful bits for the steak.
3. Add the thinly sliced steak to the same skillet. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will steam the steak instead of browning it. If necessary, cook the steak in batches. We’re aiming for a nice sear on the steak, which will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the final dish.
4. Once the steak is cooked, return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the steak.

Making the Sloppy Joe Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. This is the magic potion that will transform our steak and veggies into delicious sloppy joes!
2. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. I usually give it a taste test after 20 minutes and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, you can prepare the buns and cheese.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional, but I find that toasting the buns and melting the cheese in the oven really elevates the dish.
2. Split the hamburger buns and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture onto each bun bottom. Don’t be shy – we want these to be nice and sloppy!
4. Top each sloppy joe with a slice of provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice).
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each sloppy joe with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve immediately. Optional toppings include pickled jalapenos or banana peppers for an extra kick. I personally love adding a few pickled jalapenos for that extra zing!

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, American, or even a cheese sauce.
• Steak Selection: Ribeye or sirloin are great choices for this recipe, but you can also use thinly sliced flank steak or even pre-shaved steak from the grocery store.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can omit it altogether.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with sliced mushrooms or plant-based steak strips for a vegetarian version.
• Make Ahead: The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the steak and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Bun Alternatives: If you don’t have hamburger buns, you can use hoagie rolls or even toasted bread.
• Adding Mushrooms: For an even more robust flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
• Cream Cheese Variation: For a creamier version, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese into the sloppy joe mixture during the last few minutes of simmering.

Serving Suggestions

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides, such as:

• French fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Macaroni and cheese
• A simple green salad

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes as much as I do! They’re a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, and they’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and variations to make them your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are truly a must-try recipe, a delightful fusion of two iconic comfort foods that will leave you craving more. I know, I know, it sounds a little crazy, but trust me on this one. The savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak combined with the messy, satisfying fun of a sloppy joe is a match made in culinary heaven. Why are these a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The combination of thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a generous helping of melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a tangy, slightly sweet sloppy joe sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Plus, it’s a fun and unexpected twist on classic comfort food that will impress your family and friends. But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone. If you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions. Want to lighten things up? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of steak. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. Serving Suggestions: These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are fantastic on their own, served on toasted brioche buns or even slider rolls for a party. But if you’re looking to create a complete meal, consider pairing them with some classic sides. Crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings are always a winning combination. A simple coleslaw or a fresh green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sloppy joes. For a heartier meal, serve them with a side of creamy macaroni and cheese or a bowl of tomato soup. Don’t forget the pickles! A few dill pickle spears or some pickled onions add a tangy crunch that complements the flavors perfectly. And speaking of serving, consider setting up a “build-your-own” sloppy joe bar. Provide a variety of toppings, such as different cheeses, peppers, onions, and sauces, and let your guests customize their own creations. This is a great way to cater to different tastes and preferences and adds a fun, interactive element to your meal. I truly believe that this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy the best of both worlds. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think and any variations you tried. Did you add mushrooms? Did you use pepper jack cheese? Did you serve it with a side of sweet potato fries? Let me know! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking!

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