Philly Sloppy Joes

This twist on Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes takes a beloved classic and turns it into an easy, kid-approved dinner that brings all those tasty flavors to your table without much work. My kids ask for this comfort food combo almost every other week because it hits that sweet spot of cheesy, meaty goodness without all the hassle of regular Philly cheese steaks.

I came up with this meal during a crazy busy week when we needed quick dinners between taking the kids to games. What began as just a time-saver has turned into one of our family favorites, especially when it's cold outside and we want something warm and filling.

What You'll Need

• Ground beef: Go for 85/15 meat-to-fat mix for the right amount of flavor and juiciness without too much grease
• Butter: Gives a nice richness and helps brown the veggies just right
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and that real Philly taste; pick ones that aren't squishy
• Green bell pepper: Brings crunch and classic flavor; look for ones that feel weighty
• Brown mushrooms: Add meaty, savory depth; tiny ones pack more flavor
• Ketchup: Gives that zippy sweetness; try to grab one without corn syrup if you can
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds that extra something special; older fermented kinds taste best
• Cornstarch: Makes the sauce just thick enough without getting gloppy
• Beef broth: Creates the tasty base; homemade rocks but store-bought works fine too
• Provolone cheese: True to real Philly sandwiches and melts wonderfully; fresh-cut from the deli tastes best
• Brioche hamburger buns: Their slight sweetness and buttery feel works magic with the meaty filling

How To Make It

Get That Beef Flavor Going:

Warm up your big cast iron pan on medium-high until it's nice and hot. Toss in your ground beef and let it sit there until it gets a nice dark crust before you break it up. This first step really brings out the flavor. Keep cooking until you see about half the meat has that rich brown look that gives you that real steak taste.

Cook Those Veggies Right:

Take out the beef but keep the tasty drippings. Drop some butter in the pan with your chopped onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Don't touch them for about 1-2 minutes so they get that nice brown edge. Then give them a stir and let them cook another couple minutes. This light charring gives you that roadside grill flavor of a true Philly sandwich.

Mix Up The Sauce:

Put the beef back in with all those veggies. Mix your beef broth and cornstarch in a little cup until it's smooth with no clumps. Pour this into your pan along with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. This makes that perfect saucy mix that makes these true sloppy joes instead of just seasoned hamburger.

Let It Get Nice And Thick:

Let everything bubble until it's just the right thickness, about 3-5 minutes. You want most of the liquid to cook off but still have enough sauce to make it properly messy. It should coat the back of your spoon but still be loose enough to give you that classic sloppy joe drippy goodness.

Time For Cheese:

Turn off the stove completely before putting in your cut-up Provolone. Stir it into the hot mix until it's all melty, making a rich, gooey sauce that sticks to every bit of meat and veggies. The leftover heat melts the cheese just right without overcooking it, keeping it creamy and flavorful.

Put It All Together:

Lightly toast your brioche buns so they don't fall apart and taste even better. Pile the cheesy meat mix high on the bottom halves, letting some spill over the edges for that true sloppy joe look. Put the top bun on and serve right away while the cheese is still all gooey and melty.

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The tiny chopped mushrooms are my sneaky trick in this mix. They don't just add amazing flavor but they also stretch the meat while keeping everything moist. My boy who swears he hates mushrooms wolfs this down without ever knowing they're in there. Cutting them super small lets them hide in the beef while making everything taste meatier.

Saving For Later

This dish actually tastes even better the day after you make it. Keep the meat mix away from the buns in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a little splash of beef broth to keep it moist, and heat it slowly on medium-low just until it's warm. Throw in fresh cheese while heating for the best melty goodness.

Ways To Switch It Up

Though this recipe gives you that true Philly cheese steak taste, you can easily change it up how you like. Try red peppers instead of green for a sweeter taste, use white mushrooms if that's what you've got, or play with different cheeses like American or even Cheez Whiz for that real South Philly feeling.

What To Eat With It

These sloppy joes go great with oven fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad for some balance. The sandwiches themselves fill you up pretty well on their own, but adding a pickle and some small tomatoes makes your plate look nice and gives you a complete meal.

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This meal has become a regular at our dinner table, giving us tasty, filling dinners without much fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use another kind of meat?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor. For something plant-based, go with Beyond or Impossible meat. Adjust cook times slightly depending on your protein choice.

→ What cheese works if I don’t have provolone?

If provolone isn’t your pick, go with American cheese, mozzarella, or white cheddar. Want a nod to Philly? Cheez Whiz is a classic option. Swiss or Gruyère can also melt beautifully into the dish.

→ Is this easy to prep in advance?

You can make the beef and veggie mix up to two days early. Store it in the fridge and reheat over medium heat when you’re ready. Toss in the cheese once it’s hot and toast the buns fresh for the best texture.

→ What are good sides to go with this?

French fries, onion rings, or classic chips are always winners. For something lighter, try roasted veggies, a crisp side salad, or coleslaw. Add a pickle spear for a tangy boost!

→ How can I add more heat?

Spice it up by adding jalapeños or a chopped hot pepper while cooking the veggies. You can sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese. Hot giardiniera or spicy pickled peppers are great add-ons for extra kick.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yep! Let the filling cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or strong bags for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Stir in fresh cheese during warming for the best flavor and texture.