Cheese Steak Style Sloppy Joes Recipe | Cheesy & Savory
I stumbled upon this Cheese Steak Style Sloppy Joes Recipe on a busy Tuesday when I was craving something savory but didn’t have the energy for a complicated meal. It combines the messy, comforting joy of a classic sloppy joe with the rich, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit. The best part is that it comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup for me and more time to enjoy dinner with the family.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that feels like a cheat meal but is surprisingly simple to whip up, this is it. Let me walk you through exactly how to make this mouthwatering dish that has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation. You can also enjoy similar comfort in dishes like Lasagna Bolognese Recipe or a Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe.
Ingredients
Here is everything you will need to bring these delicious sandwiches to life.
- 16 ounces Ground Beef – I prefer using an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. It provides enough fat for flavor without making the sandwich overly greasy.
- 1 teaspoon Salt – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper offers the best aromatic kick.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter – This adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel to the sauce that oil just can’t replicate.
- 1 small Onion, diced – Yellow or white onions work best here for their sharp flavor that sweetens upon cooking.
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced – This gives that classic cheesesteak crunch and earthy flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 2 cloves minced) – I often use powder for a smoother sauce, but fresh garlic adds a nice bite if you have it.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce – This is the secret weapon for that deep, umami savory taste.
- 4 ounces Beef Broth – Using a good quality beef broth helps create the saucy consistency that defines a sloppy joe.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch – This is crucial for thickening your sauce so it stays on the bun rather than soaking right through it.
- 4 slices White American or Provolone Cheese – White American melts beautifully for that gooey texture, while Provolone offers a sharper, more traditional cheesesteak taste.
- 4 Rolls – Brioche buns or sturdy hoagie rolls are ideal to hold up against the hearty filling.
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.
Variations
Customizing this recipe is easy and allows you to cater to different dietary needs or flavor cravings.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for olive oil or bacon grease and use a high-quality vegan cheese slice or simply omit the cheese altogether.
- Leaner Protein: If you are watching your red meat intake, ground turkey or chicken works surprisingly well; just add a splash more Worcestershire sauce to boost the savory notes.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, try adding diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce into the beef broth mixture.
- Mushroom Lover: Sautéed mushrooms are a staple in many cheesesteaks; add 8 ounces of chopped cremini mushrooms with the onions for an earthier flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Simply swap the soy sauce based Worcestershire for a gluten-free alternative and serve the mixture over a baked potato or on gluten-free buns.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment you need
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You need a wide surface area to brown the meat properly and sauté vegetables evenly.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for dicing your onions and peppers quickly and safely.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping your vegetables.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce without scraping your pan.
How to Make Cheese Steak-Style Sloppy Joes?
Follow these simple steps to create a dinner that looks gourmet but takes minutes.
Brown the Beef
Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled ground beef, sprinkle evenly with the salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until fully browned. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate; drain any excessive grease if necessary, but leaving a little bit adds flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the butter to the now-empty pan and let it melt until it starts to bubble slightly. Toss in your diced onions and green bell peppers, sautéing them for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften. You want the edges to get slightly golden brown to develop that rich, caramelized flavor base.
Make the Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the cooked beef back into the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture simmer for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Thicken and Finish
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir constantly for about one minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If the mixture seems too dry, you can splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Turn off the heat, lay the cheese slices directly on top of the meat mixture, and let it sit for a minute until melted before scooping onto your toasted buns.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- Toast Your Buns: I always take the extra two minutes to butter and toast the buns on a griddle or in the oven; it prevents them from getting soggy and adds a great texture contrast.
- Freshly Grate Cheese: If you decide to use cheddar or provolone instead of slices, grate it yourself from a block because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: I prefer keeping a slight crunch to the bell peppers to mimic that authentic cheesesteak texture, so be careful not to sauté them into mush.
- Prep in Advance: You can chop all your vegetables the night before or in the morning to make the actual cooking process even faster when you get home from work.
- Adjust Salt Carefully: Since beef broth and Worcestershire sauce both contain sodium, taste your mixture before adding any extra salt at the end.
How to Serve Cheese Steak-Style Sloppy Joes?
Presentation makes all the difference, even for a casual meal like this.
Serve these piping hot on toasted brioche buns or soft hoagie rolls for the best experience. For a visually appealing dish, serve them open-faced first to show off the melted cheese and colorful peppers, then top with the other half of the bun.
A side of crispy french fries, onion rings, or a fresh cucumber salad balances the richness of the meat perfectly. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color that makes the plate look restaurant-quality.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~562 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~36g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is incredibly friendly for meal prepping and stores beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to deepen after sitting overnight, making lunch the next day even better.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the meat mixture (without the cheese) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash of broth when warming it up to bring back the saucy consistency.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed. Avoid microwaving on high power as it can make the beef rubbery; instead, use 50% power and stir frequently.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here are a few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your home.
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you have zero time.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef instead of steak cuts costs significantly while still delivering that craving-satisfying steak flavor profile.
- Kid-Approved: The familiar texture of sloppy joes combined with mild, cheesy flavors makes this a hit with children and picky eaters alike.
- Versatile Serving: You can serve this meat mixture over pasta, on baked potatoes, or even inside stuffed peppers if you want to skip the bread.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cleaning up is a breeze since the entire meal is cooked in a single skillet, saving you from a sink full of dishes.
Cheese Steak Style Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled ground beef, sprinkle evenly with the salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until fully browned. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate; drain any excessive grease if necessary, but leaving a little bit adds flavor.
- Add the butter to the now-empty pan and let it melt until it starts to bubble slightly. Toss in your diced onions and green bell peppers, sautéing them for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften. You want the edges to get slightly golden brown to develop that rich, caramelized flavor base.
- Turn the heat down to low and add the cooked beef back into the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture simmer for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir constantly for about one minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If the mixture seems too dry, you can splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Turn off the heat, lay the cheese slices directly on top of the meat mixture, and let it sit for a minute until melted before scooping onto your toasted buns.
Notes
- Toast Your Buns: I always take the extra two minutes to butter and toast the buns on a griddle or in the oven; it prevents them from getting soggy and adds a great texture contrast.
- Freshly Grate Cheese: If you decide to use cheddar or provolone instead of slices, grate it yourself from a block because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: I prefer keeping a slight crunch to the bell peppers to mimic that authentic cheesesteak texture, so be careful not to sauté them into mush.
- Prep in Advance: You can chop all your vegetables the night before or in the morning to make the actual cooking process even faster when you get home from work.
- Adjust Salt Carefully: Since beef broth and Worcestershire sauce both contain sodium, taste your mixture before adding any extra salt at the end.
