If you love the bold, melty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want something faster, easier, and extra saucy, these Sloppy Joes are exactly what you need. Juicy beef, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, and onions come together in a rich, savory sauce—then get topped (or mixed) with a creamy provolone cheese sauce. It’s the kind of comforting, irresistible meal that disappears the moment it hits the table.
Yields: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground beef (85/15) | 1 pound |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 small |
| Green bell pepper, finely diced | 1 small |
| Red bell pepper, finely diced | 1 small |
| Cremini or white mushrooms, finely chopped | 8 oz (about 2 cups) |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian seasoning (or dried oregano) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
For the Cheese Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole milk | 3/4 cup |
| Shredded provolone (or provolone/white cheddar mix) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | Pinch |
For Serving
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soft burger buns or hoagie rolls | 4–6 |
| Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, extra sautéed onions & peppers | As desired |
Instructions
Cook the Aromatics:
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and both peppers, cooking for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the mushrooms and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan.
Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the center of the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Build the Sloppy Joe Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and veggies and stir well. Cook for a minute, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the ketchup and Italian seasoning, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
Simmer:
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the shredded provolone until melted, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve:
Choose your style:
• Option A (Mixed): Stir the cheese sauce directly into the beef mixture for an easier, all-in-one dish.
• Option B (Layered): Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto the buns, then ladle the cheese sauce over the top for that classic, melty cheesesteak effect.
Toast and Assemble:
Lightly toast the buns, pile on the filling, add any optional toppings, and place the top bun on. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Best Results
• Finely chopping the veggies creates the signature cheesesteak texture.
• Mushrooms add essential savory depth—don’t skip them.
• Provolone is classic, but a provolone–mozzarella blend melts beautifully.
• You can prepare the meat mixture up to 3 days in advance.
• Add heat with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Enjoy a messy, comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings the iconic Philly taste home.
