I can’t begin to tell you how much I adore this Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joe Recipe! The first time I whipped up this dish, the delicious fusion of cheesesteak flavors in an easy-to-make sloppy joe completely won me over. Ground beef cooked with onions and bell peppers, topped with creamy, melted cheese, tucked into soft rolls – it’s pure comfort food.
What makes me love it even more is how quickly it all comes together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals. And guess what? No need for sliced steak or hoagie rolls to enjoy that classic cheesesteak vibe.
Must-Have Ingredients for Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you need to create this flavorful and satisfying dish.
- 1 pound of ground beef: Opt for 85/15 for a good balance of moisture and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – Brings in classic cheesesteak crunch and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced: For added depth.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Infuses savory, umami flavor.
- ½ cup beef broth: Keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in water: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 4 slices of white American or provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the meat.
- 4 soft sandwich buns or rolls: Toasted lightly for the best texture.
Note: Makes 4 hearty sloppy joes – perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Creative Variations to Try
This recipe is versatile and can easily be tailored to your taste.
- Healthy Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Replace the ground meat with plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or drizzle on some hot sauce for extra heat!
- Casserole Style: Layer the filling on hoagie rolls, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Quick Cooking Time
This recipe is a life-saver on busy nights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Essential Equipment for Cooking
Grab these tools before you start to make the process smooth and simple.
- Sauté Pan: Perfect for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Spatula: To break up and stir the ground beef.
- Knife and Chopping Board: For dicing the onion and bell pepper.
How to Make Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes?
This dish is incredibly simple and delivers big on taste.
Brown the Beef
Begin by heating a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. Once cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside. This ensures juicy beef without excess moisture in the final dish.
Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan, melt a little butter and toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop some caramelized edges. This step enhances their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish.
Infuse the Flavors
Turn the heat to low and return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and garlic powder. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully. If the sauce looks too thin, dissolve a bit more cornstarch in water and stir it in to thicken.
Melt the Cheese
Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and lay the slices of cheese on top. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for 1-2 minutes. It’ll blend right into the beef mix, making every bite creamy and irresistible.
Assemble and Serve
Toast your buns lightly for extra texture. Spoon the cheesy filling onto the buns, packing them generously. Serve while still warm, and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Tips to Elevate Your Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Take this recipe from great to fantastic with these simple tips I’ve learned.
- Pick the Right Cheese: White American cheese is classic, but provolone adds a sharper touch if that’s your preference.
- Even Veggie Cuts: Dice the onion and bell pepper uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Toast It!: Lightly butter your buns before toasting for added flavor and a sturdy base for the filling.
- Control the Sauce Consistency: Use cornstarch sparingly and only if the mixture seems too runny.
Serving Ideas for Ultimate Enjoyment
Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes are flexible and pair well with so many sides.
- Classic Sandwiches: Serve on lightly toasted sandwich buns or hoagie rolls.
- Over Potatoes: Spoon the filling on top of baked potatoes for a hearty alternative.
- With Sides: Pair it with sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for variety.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Calories: 562
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 36g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These sloppy joes are fantastic for meal prepping or storing leftovers.
- Storing: Keep the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth for added moisture.
- Freezing: Freeze the filling in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat for an easy meal.
Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes combine the hearty flavors of a cheesesteak with the easy prep of a sloppy joe, making for an incredible, crowd-pleasing dish. Quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a winner for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Try it and see why it’s such a hit in my home!
Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15 for the best balance of moisture and flavor
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in water
- 4 slices white American or provolone cheese
- 4 soft sandwich buns or rolls toasted
Instructions
- Begin by heating a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. Once cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside. This ensures juicy beef without excess moisture in the final dish.
- Using the same pan, melt a little butter and toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop some caramelized edges. This step enhances their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish.
- Turn the heat to low and return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and garlic powder. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully. If the sauce looks too thin, dissolve a bit more cornstarch in water and stir it in to thicken.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and lay the slices of cheese on top. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for 1-2 minutes. It’ll blend right into the beef mix, making every bite creamy and irresistible.
- Toast your buns lightly for extra texture. Spoon the cheesy filling onto the buns, packing them generously. Serve while still warm, and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Notes
- Healthy Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Replace meat with plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Casserole Style: Layer the filling on hoagie rolls, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
