Craving a juicy, cheesy, flavor-packed sandwich? My Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is a game-changer—but only if you avoid these 7 common mistakes that can ruin the dish!
Table of Contents
Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you perfect your Sloppy Joes with pro tips, ingredient swaps, and foolproof techniques.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef (or sliced ribeye)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
Instructions
- Sauté onions and peppers in butter until caramelized.
- Brown the beef, then drain excess fat.
- Add broth, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
- Pile onto toasted buns and serve immediately!
Notes
Let’s dive in!
What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
A mouthwatering mashup of two classics:
- Philly Cheesesteak (tender beef, melty cheese, peppers & onions)
- Sloppy Joes (saucy, savory, messy goodness)
The result? A quick, easy, and insanely delicious sandwich that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or feeding a crowd!
7 Mistakes to Avoid for the BEST Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
❌ Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Cut of Beef
- Avoid: Lean ground beef (too dry) or overly fatty meat (greasy).
- Fix: 80/20 ground beef (perfect fat ratio) OR thinly sliced ribeye (authentic Philly-style).
❌ Mistake #2: Skipping the Veggie Sauté
- Why? Raw onions & peppers = bitter, crunchy texture.
- Fix: Caramelize them first! (Adds sweetness & depth.)
❌ Mistake #3: Overloading the Sauce
- Avoid: A soggy, drippy mess.
- Fix: Simmer until thickened (should coat the meat, not pool).
❌ Mistake #4: Using Low-Quality Cheese
- Avoid: Pre-shredded cheese (anti-caking agents = grainy melt).
- Fix: Freshly grated provolone or American cheese (ultra-creamy).
❌ Mistake #5: Not Toasting the Buns
- Why? A soft bun turns mushy fast.
- Fix: Butter & toast them (adds crunch & prevents sogginess).
❌ Mistake #6: Rushing the Cooking Process
- Avoid: High heat = tough meat & burnt flavors.
- Fix: Medium-low heat + patience = tender, juicy perfection.
❌ Mistake #7: Forgetting the Seasoning
- Avoid: Bland, one-note flavor.
- Fix: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, & smoked paprika (boosts umami).
Chef Andrew’s Foolproof Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
(Serves 4 | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef (or sliced ribeye)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté veggies in butter until caramelized.
2️⃣ Brown the beef, then drain excess fat.
3️⃣ Add broth & seasonings, simmer until thickened.
4️⃣ Stir in cheese until melted.
5️⃣ Pile onto toasted buns & serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Next-Level Sloppy Joes
✔ Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
✔ Healthier swap: Use ground turkey & low-fat cheese.
✔ Meal prep friendly: Freezes well for up to 3 months!
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Does cheesesteak have sauce?
Traditional Philly cheesesteaks don’t have a heavy sauce—just melted cheese (like provolone or Cheez Whiz). However, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes include a savory beef broth-based sauce for extra juiciness!
How do you eat sloppy joes?
Open-faced or sandwiched! Serve on toasted buns with napkins handy (they’re messy by design). Pro tip: Use a fork for the first few bites to avoid spills!
Does sloppy joe come with meat?
Yes! Classic sloppy joes use ground beef, but you can swap in turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
How long is leftover cheesesteak good for?
3–4 days in the fridge (store in an airtight container). Reheat with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Can you reheat a Philly cheesesteak?
Yes! For best results:
Stovetop: Low heat with a touch of butter.
Oven: 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil to prevent drying.
Avoid microwaving (makes bread soggy).
How do you preserve leftover steak?
For long-term storage:
Freeze cooked meat (without buns) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts: Avoid These Mistakes & Enjoy the BEST Sloppy Joes!
Now that you know the biggest pitfalls, you’re ready to make the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes!
Contact me on [email protected] if you try this recipe—I’d love to see your creations!
Hungry for more? Check out my Salisbury Steak Meatballs – Comfort Food Made Easy (30-Min Meal!) for more easy, crowd-pleasing meals! or go to my Pinterest.