Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

This gluten free Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is made with ground beef, peppers, and served with Provolone cheese on toasted buns!

If you are a fan of sandwiches I think you'll love these ground beef Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This easy weeknight meal offers a grown-up version of a childhood favorite.

Sometimes we just need hearty and comforting recipes reminiscent of those we enjoyed during childhood. If you grew up in the Midwest chances are Sloppy Joes are on your list of childhood comfort foods.

A Sloppy Joe is a loose meat sandwich usually prepared with ground beef combined with sweetened tomato sauce and blend of savory spices and Worcestershire sauce.

You can find them served at events like potlucks, church suppers, family gatherings like graduations and on a weeknight home dinner menu.

This version mashes the Sloppy Joe with another of the world's tastiest sandwiches - The Philly Cheese Steak. It's got everything that's great about both of them - ground beef, peppers, a slightly sweet and savory sauce, and melted Provolone cheese.

Jump to:

• Ingredients For Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
• How To Make Sloppy Joes From Scratch
• How To Season Sloppy Joes
• What Is The Best Kind Of Meat To Use?
• How To Thicken Sloppy Joes
• What To Serve With Sloppy Joes
• How Long Do Sloppy Joes Last In The Fridge?
• Can They Be Frozen?
• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Ingredients For Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

It's super easy to prepare Sloppy Joes from scratch and this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes version is no different.

Here's what you'll need to make it.

• 6 cloves Garlic
• 1 Onion (any color)
• 2 Green Bell Peppers
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 2 lbs. Lean Ground Beef
• 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
• ⅓ cup BBQ Sauce
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 2 Tbsp. Corn Starch
• 1 Tbsp. White Wine Vinegar
• ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp. Pepper
• Provolone Cheese
• Gluten Free Buns (or regular buns if not gluten free)

How To Make Sloppy Joes From Scratch

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches are often topped with fried peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The mushrooms were omitted here to keep things simple but the peppers and onions felt essential.

1. Mince 6 cloves of garlic along with 1 onion (any color).
2. Dice 2 bell peppers (I used green because that is what's commonly used to top Philly Cheese Steaks but you can use any color you like).
3. Heat a skillet to medium and add 2 Tbsp. olive oil.
4. Once the oil is heated add the minced garlic and onions and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

How To Season Sloppy Joes

1. Once the garlic and onions are slightly softened and fragrant add the diced bell peppers.
2. Saute for 5-6 minutes or until the peppers have softened slightly, stirring often.

A Note About The Peppers

I used green bell peppers because that is what's commonly used to top Philly Cheese Steaks but you can use any color you like.

This sandwich is breaking all kinds of rules so if you've got other colors of bell peppers I say go with it.

If you're a fan of peppers be sure to check out these Southwest Stuffed Peppers, Turkey and Rice Stuffed Poblano Peppers, and Greek Stuffed Peppers!

What Is The Best Kind Of Meat To Use?

Once the peppers have softened slightly it's time to add the meat. Sloppy Joes are typically made with ground beef and Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches are usually prepared with thinly sliced ribeye.

This recipe calls for ground beef (85/15% or 90/10% lean should work just fine) but you can use ground turkey, chicken, venison, or any type of ground meat you like.

1. Once the peppers have softened add 2 lbs. of ground beef along with ½ tsp. kosher salt and 1 tsp. pepper to the skillet.
2. Break the ground beef up with a spatula and cook for 8-10 minutes or until browned completely.
3. Drain any excess fat from the meat once it is fully cooked.

Looking for more beef recipes? Don't miss these!

• Cabbage Roll In A Bowl
• Tater Tot Hotdish
• Pizza Stuffed Peppers
• Slow Cooker Southwest Beef Chili
• Grilled Blue Cheese Burgers
• Juicy Lucy Burger

How To Thicken Sloppy Joes

Once the meat is browned it's time to add all the things that make these sandwiches what they are - Messy, decadent, comforting, and delicious bundles of flavor.

1. Add 2 tsp. Italian seasoning to the meat and stir until combined.
2. Add ⅓ cup GF BBQ Sauce, 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce, and 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar.
3. Add 2 Tbsp. corn starch to 1 cup of GF Beef Broth. Stir the corn starch into the broth until completely combined. The combination of corn starch and liquid is called a slurry and is used to thicken the sauce.
4. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir until combined.
5. Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to thicken a bit.

A Note About Vinegar

I used white wine vinegar simply because I enjoy the flavor but you can use any type of vinegar you have on hand (avoid malt vinegar if gluten is an issue for you).

The combination of the BBQ Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Italian seasoning, and vinegar create a rich concoction that's a little sweet, slightly tangy, and totally savory.

I'm telling you - This sauce is where it's at!

What To Serve With Sloppy Joes

To complete the 'Philly Cheese Steak' portion of these sandwiches we're going to melt some Provolone cheese over the top.

Provolone is the variety of cheese commonly used in the iconic sandwich but you can use any cheese you have on hand.

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Fontina would all work great - As long as the cheese melts it's fine to use.

1. To serve the sandwiches scoop a heaping portion of the meat onto a bun. Repeat with the remainder of the buns and place them open-faced onto a baking sheet.
2. Place a slice of Provolone (or cheese of choice) on top of the meat.
3. Set your oven to 'Broiler' and place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
4. Remove the pan one the cheese is melted and serve.

That melted cheese ties the whole thing together. You don't have to melt it before serving but one of the best things about a decadent sandwich is the melted cheese - Amiright?

I love to enjoy sandwiches like this with a side of kohlrabi slaw, blue cheese coleslaw, or light and crunchy coleslaw, a light salad like this minty pea almond salad, or a roasted vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky green beans.

A side of crunchy chips are always a great pairing as is a potato or pasta salad. Something light and tangy like this marinated tomato salad, grilled corn salad, pickled beet salad, or balsamic green bean salad would be great.

How Long Do Sloppy Joes Last In The Fridge?

This recipe uses 2 lbs. of meat so there's a chance you'll end up with leftovers. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can also cut this recipe in half if you would like a smaller portion.

Can They Be Frozen?

Yes! This recipe makes a great freezer meal (I currently have a batch stored in my freezer).

How To Freeze

1. Prepare the meat according to instructions (skip adding the cheese if freezing). Allow the meat to come to room temperature. Place in heavy-duty freezer bags and label with the date.
2. Store up to 3 months in the freezer.

How To Thaw

1. Place the freezer bag in the refrigerator 24 hours before serving to thaw.
2. Heat on the stove top with a bit of water or beef broth.

If you like this recipe, don't miss these Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes!

Looking For More Philly Cheesesteak Inspired Recipes? Don't Miss These!

Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Philly Cheesesteak Tacos

Grilled Philly Cheese Steak Pizza

Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole