Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Fusion of Two American Classics
Prepare for a culinary sensation! These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes elegantly combine the iconic flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak with the beloved simplicity of a Sloppy Joe, all nestled within a perfectly toasted hoagie roll. Featuring savory ground beef, sautéed onions, vibrant peppers, and earthy mushrooms, generously crowned with a rich Provolone cheese sauce, this one-pot wonder is an economical and family-friendly meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table.
There’s something undeniably special about a great sandwich, and for me, the classic Philly Cheesesteak holds a top spot among my all-time favorites. Whether I’m at a casual diner or enjoying what we affectionately call “bar food,” a Philly Cheesesteak is almost always my order of choice. So, when I first stumbled upon a recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, I knew instantly that this innovative twist was something I absolutely had to experience. The thought of combining these two culinary giants was simply too intriguing to pass up, and I had a strong feeling it would be a game-changer.
Now, I’m a huge fan of traditional Sloppy Joes myself – the messy, flavorful comfort food always brings a smile to my face. My husband, however, hasn’t always shared my enthusiasm for them. I’m not entirely sure what he has against the classic version, but it’s safe to say they weren’t at the top of his preferred meal list. Yet, I had a sneaking suspicion that by infusing them with the irresistible essence of a Philly Cheesesteak, I could completely win him over. And you know what? My instincts were spot on! This recipe proved to be a resounding success, earning rave reviews even from the toughest critic in my house.
This super easy meal comes together remarkably quickly, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crafting Your Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
The magic of these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes begins with a simple, yet incredibly flavorful, meat mixture. Start by browning your lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the beef is about halfway cooked, developing a beautiful brown crust, introduce your chopped onions and green peppers. These aromatics will soften and release their sweet, savory essence, infusing the meat with their distinct flavors.
Continue cooking for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to tenderize. Then, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Allow them about 5 more minutes to cook down and absorb the delicious pan drippings. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage – the combination of sizzling hamburger with onions, green pepper, and mushrooms – is absolutely fantastic. If only there were scratch-and-sniff screens, you could truly appreciate just how wonderful this smells!
Next, elevate the flavor profile by stirring in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of Kitchen Bouquet for a deeper, richer color and taste. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring this hearty mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. While your meat sauce is simmering, it’s the perfect time to prepare your creamy Provolone cheese sauce and toast your hoagie buns. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and toast the buns for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and warmed through.
For the decadent Provolone cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a classic roux. This will serve as the thickening base for your sauce. Gradually whisk in milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble and allowing it to thicken to a smooth, luscious consistency. Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Provolone cheese until it’s completely melted and velvety smooth. This easy-to-make cheese sauce adds the authentic “cheesesteak” element that transforms this sloppy joe into something truly special.
My Personal Twist: Enhancing the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Experience
While the original inspiration for this recipe was fantastic, I made a couple of deliberate adjustments to truly make it my own and enhance its appeal. The initial recipe didn’t actually call for mushrooms, but I couldn’t resist adding them. Honestly, I find myself incorporating mushrooms into almost everything I cook! Their earthy flavor and satisfying texture are a perfect complement to the savory ground beef and peppers, adding another layer of depth to the dish.
Another key adaptation involved the choice of bread. The recipe I adapted suggested serving these sandwiches on regular hamburger buns. While that would certainly be delicious, I felt it was crucial to use traditional hoagie rolls to truly honor and maintain the quintessential Philly Cheesesteak theme. The sturdy yet soft structure of a hoagie roll is ideal for holding the generous, flavorful filling and rich cheese sauce, providing an authentic eating experience. These simple changes, I believe, elevate the dish from merely good to absolutely unforgettable.
However you choose to customize it, one thing is certain: you absolutely have to try this recipe. These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are not just a meal; they’re an easy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner that the entire family will undoubtedly enjoy, messy napkins and all!
What Exactly Is a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe?
A Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe is a brilliant culinary mashup, cleverly positioned at the delicious intersection of two iconic American comfort foods: the classic Sloppy Joe and the revered Philly Cheesesteak. It’s designed to offer the very best elements of both worlds. Imagine the succulent, well-seasoned beef, the tender sautéed onions and peppers, and that incredible melted cheese, all brought together by a robust, flavorful sauce. Instead of the thinly sliced steak typically found in a traditional cheesesteak, this recipe utilizes lean ground beef, transformed into a “sloppy joe” style filling. This provides a fantastic, fun, and flavorful way to enjoy those classic cheesesteak ingredients with an added depth of savory sauce.
I understand that any purist from Philadelphia might raise an eyebrow and exclaim, “Who are you kidding? That’s not a Philly!” And I completely get it. Philadelphians are fiercely passionate about their authentic cheesesteak sandwiches, and rightfully so – they are a culinary masterpiece. I share that passion wholeheartedly.
However, food is also about inspiration and creativity! Why not be inspired by those incredible flavors and find new, unique, and equally delicious ways to enjoy them? My love for the Philly Cheesesteak has led to several inspired recipes, like my hearty Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, the comforting Cheesesteak Soup, and even a crowd-pleasing Cheesesteak Dip. As you can tell, I’m a serious fan, always looking for new ways to savor those irresistible cheesesteak flavors.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to keep this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe idea handy for your next meal planning session.
Choosing the Best Mushrooms for Your Sloppy Joes
I confess, I have an unwavering love for all varieties of mushrooms. However, when it comes to these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, there’s no need to seek out anything overly exotic or expensive unless you specifically desire the unique characteristics of wild mushrooms. For this recipe, I typically opt for readily available white button mushrooms or their slightly more flavorful cousins, brown crimini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas). They are effortlessly found in almost any grocery store and contribute perfectly to the savory profile of the dish without overpowering other ingredients.
If you’re looking for a bit more substance and a richer, meatier texture, consider using sliced portabella mushrooms. Their larger size and robust flavor can really enhance the overall experience. Shitake mushrooms are another excellent choice; they offer a delightful chewy texture and a distinct umami flavor. While they might be a bit more expensive, their reported health benefits and unique taste can be a welcome addition.
Just remember, these mushroom choices are our little secret; we don’t want to upset any traditionalists from Philly!
What is the Ideal Cheese for Cheesesteak Sandwiches?
When it comes to the cheese component of any cheesesteak-inspired dish, tradition often guides us to the best choice. For an authentic and supremely delicious experience, I highly recommend going with Provolone cheese. Provolone is a fantastic option because it possesses a beautiful melting quality, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the meat perfectly. Furthermore, it’s a mild-flavored cheese that complements the robust taste of the beef, onions, and peppers without overpowering them, allowing the entire medley of flavors to shine through.
However, if Provolone isn’t readily available or if you simply have another cheese on hand, don’t hesitate to experiment! Mozzarella cheese is perhaps the closest substitute to Provolone in terms of melt and mildness, making it an excellent alternative. Beyond that, most slightly hard cow’s milk cheeses with good melting properties will work effectively. For a unique twist, Oaxaca cheese from Mexico offers a similar texture and mild flavor profile, performing wonderfully in this type of sauce. The key is to choose a cheese that melts smoothly and doesn’t dominate the other delicious components of your sloppy joe.
Defining the “Sloppy” in Sloppy Joe
At its heart, a Sloppy Joe sandwich is typically characterized by a flavorful, loose meat mixture, usually ground beef or pork, cooked in a rich, tangy sauce often featuring Worcestershire sauce. For many, the perception of Sloppy Joes is heavily influenced by their grade school cafeteria experiences, leading to either strong affection or utter disdain for the dish. It’s a shame, really, because when prepared correctly, a Sloppy Joe stands as a truly tasty and satisfying sandwich in its own right.
The genius of this recipe lies in combining that quintessential Sloppy Joe meat sauce with the creamy, melty cheese sauce of a Philly steak sandwich. This fusion elevates the dish to an even more incredible level of flavor and comfort. And using hoagie-style rolls isn’t just for authenticity; these sturdy rolls are much better equipped to handle the generous, saucy filling compared to softer, standard burger buns, ensuring every bite is delicious and less messy – though a good sloppy joe is meant to be a little messy!
I often think of sloppy joe meat as a somewhat sweeter, less spicy version of chili. Instead of merely drizzling ketchup and mustard onto a burger, the meat is thoroughly cooked within this flavorful sauce. This method allows all those classic condiment flavors, plus many more, to deeply permeate the ground beef, creating a profoundly satisfying and cohesive taste experience that’s unlike any ordinary burger.
Explore More Cheesesteak & Sloppy Joe Inspired Recipes!
As I’ve mentioned, my enthusiasm for cheesesteaks is immense, and I hold a great appreciation for Sloppy Joes too. If you’ve enjoyed this delightful fusion, I’m confident you’ll love these other recipes that resonate with the same fantastic flavors and comforting appeal:
- Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches: A unique twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, packed with a tangy, irresistible sauce.
- Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe’s: For those days when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do all the work.
- Philly Cheesesteak Soup in a Bread Bowl (pictured above): All the hearty goodness of a cheesesteak transformed into a rich, creamy soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip: A decadent, cheesy dip that brings the iconic flavors to your appetizer spread.
- Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks: A lighter alternative to the traditional beef version, without sacrificing any of the flavor.
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers: A wholesome and satisfying meal that combines vibrant bell peppers with a savory cheesesteak filling.
I sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy these incredible Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes as much as we do! They truly are a delightful and satisfying meal that combines the best of two culinary worlds.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: The Recipe
This delightful fusion takes only 25 minutes to prepare and serves 6 hungry people. A truly versatile American dish!
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Print Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Cuisine: American | Keyword: cheesesteak, sloppy joes, Philly sandwich, ground beef, one-pot meal
Servings: 6 sandwiches | Calories: 594kcal | Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 12 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 teaspoons Kitchen Bouquet
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
For the Provolone Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Provolone cheese
To Serve:
- 6 Hoagie Rolls
Instructions
- For the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional couple of minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and brown slightly.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and beef stock. Add the Kitchen Bouquet and season generously with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For the Cheese Sauce: In a separate medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps. Bring the sauce to a bubble, then reduce heat and continue to whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the shredded Provolone cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- To Serve: Lightly toast your hoagie rolls in the oven (at 375°F for 5 minutes). Spoon a generous amount of the savory meat mixture onto each toasted roll, then drizzle liberally with the warm, creamy Provolone cheese sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Nutrition
Calories: 594kcal |
Carbohydrates: 23g |
Protein: 56g |
Fat: 30g |
Saturated Fat: 14g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 166mg |
Sodium: 797mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 7g
This recipe was originally published on August 14, 2014, and was comprehensively updated and re-posted on April 10, 2020, to enhance user experience and content quality.