Satisfy those Philly cheesesteak cravings with a ground beef version that still brings all of the iconic flavors in a more budget-friendly form. It’s somewhere between a sloppy joe and a traditional cheesesteak and boy is it delicious. It’s also ready in 30 minutes!
For the traditional experience, check out our recipe for an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak.
Why Our Recipe
- All the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors you love using ground beef.
- Ready in 30 minutes or less and budget-friendly.
- Choose your cheese and mix and match all your favorite cheesesteak toppings.
They’re incredibly easy to make for a crowd, use budget-friendly ingredients, and come together quickly for a tasty meal on a whim. You can pick your favorite cheese—Provolone, American, or even a classic cheese whiz—and load up on all the toppings you love. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, jalapeños. The sky’s the limit! Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef the best flavor and texture, or leaner. Just be sure to drain any excess grease as needed.
- Onion: Use yellow onions or white onions. Slice it thinly or dice small it if you want it to blend in more with the texture of the ground beef.
- Green Bell Pepper: Slice them thinly or dice small if you want it to blend in more with the texture of the ground beef. Try using red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a little extra sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Cut into cubes to help it melt more evenly. Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Buns: Brioche buns are our favorite, but any bun will work. You could also use hoagie buns for more of a traditional cheesesteak vibe. Toast for better texture.
- Cheese: We like provolone, but you can also use American, or go full Philly and use cheese whiz.
Ground Beef Options
We recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe. The extra fat enhances the flavor and adds just enough juiciness to mix with the cream cheese for a perfectly saucy texture.
If you prefer a leaner option, such as 90/10, that works too. You could even try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different.
Keep in mind that using ground beef with a higher fat content will produce more grease, which you’ll need to spoon out to keep your sloppy joes from becoming too greasy.
Bun Options
We recommend using brioche-style hamburger buns because they toast so nicely and are buttery, sweet, and soft. Traditional sesame seed buns, potato buns, Hawaiian buns, or regular hamburger buns also work well.
If you’re going for a more traditional cheesesteak vibe, hoagie rolls are the way to go. They’re sturdier and can hold up to all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
Whichever you choose, be sure to toast them—it adds a delicious touch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy when topped with the sloppy joes.
How to Toast Buns
Toasting your buns gives them a crispy edge and helps hold up all that juicy filling without getting soggy. It’s an optional step, but we recommend taking the extra few minutes to do it.
Stovetop: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Slice the buns in half and place them cut-side down in the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Lay the buns cut-side up on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.
Toaster: For a quick option, use a toaster if your buns fit. Slice them in half and toast on a low-to-medium setting to prevent burning.
Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with chips, french fries, or tater tots. For a more complete meal, add Coleslaw and baked beans to take it to the next level.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftover beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze by letting the beef mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Reheating in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until hot.
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