These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the best elements of two classic American sandwiches into one convenient, skillet-prepared dinner. Featuring tender ground beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory, tangy sauce, this recipe delivers a hearty meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is a satisfying, gluten-free friendly dish that brings together nostalgic comfort food flavors with the bold essence of a traditional cheesesteak.
List of ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 2 bell peppers
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 Tbsp. corn starch
- Provolone cheese
- 1-2 packages gluten free buns
step-by-step instructions
- Step: Mince 6 cloves of garlic and 1 onion. Dice 2 bell peppers.
- Step: Heat a skillet to medium and add 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Once the oil is heated add the minced garlic and onions. Saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
- Step: Add the diced peppers and saute for 5-6 minutes, stirring often.
- Step: Add 2 lbs. ground beef along with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and pepper. Saute for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Drain the excess fat from the meat.
- Step: Add 2 tsp. Italian seasoning to the meat and stir until combined.
- Step: Add 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar to the skillet and stir until combined.
- Step: Add 2 Tbsp. corn starch to 1 cup beef broth. Stir the corn starch into the broth completely, creating a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir until combined.
- Step: Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to thicken a bit.
- Step: To Serve: Set the oven to ‘Broiler’. Place a heaping portion of filling onto a gluten free bun. Repeat with desired amount of sandwiches and place them on a baking sheet. Place a slice of Provolone on top of the meat. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve once cheese has melted.
Practical Cooking Pointers
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To ensure the mixture does not become overly runny, always whisk your corn starch and broth together completely before adding them to the hot pan. This prevents clumping and allows the sauce to thicken evenly once it reaches the heat. If you prefer a thicker, more paste-like consistency, let the mixture simmer on low for an additional two minutes after the slurry has been added.
Selecting Your Peppers
While green bell peppers are the traditional choice for a classic cheesesteak, feel free to use red, orange, or yellow varieties. Sweeter peppers like red and yellow can balance the tangy BBQ sauce nicely. No matter which color you choose, dicing them to a uniform size ensures they cook through at the same rate as the onions.
Managing Ground Meat Fat
When using lean ground beef, there is usually minimal fat to drain, but it is still important to check the bottom of your skillet. Draining off excess fat before adding the sauce prevents the final dish from feeling overly greasy. If you choose to use a slightly higher fat ratio ground beef, be diligent about removing the grease to maintain the integrity of the sauce’s flavor.
Substitutions and Customizations
Protein Variations
While ground beef is the standard, ground turkey or chicken work exceptionally well in this recipe. Because these leaner meats have a different moisture content, keep an eye on the skillet while browning. You can also mix in some finely ground mushrooms to increase the volume of the filling without adding extra meat.
Cheese Selection
Provolone is the standard for its melting quality, but mild mozzarella or even Monterey Jack can be substituted if those are your preferences. Avoid aged cheeses like Parmesan for the topping, as they do not melt into the desired gooey consistency. A blend of mozzarella and a tiny amount of provolone can offer both meltability and a sharper flavor profile.
Serving and Storage Tips
Ideal Side Pairings
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with crisp, acidic side dishes that cut through the richness of the meat and cheese. Consider serving them with a vinegar-based coleslaw, a light cucumber salad, or roasted green beans. Potato chips or seasoned fries are also classic choices that complete the casual dining experience.
Refrigerator Storage Instructions
If you have leftover meat filling, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store the buns separately to prevent them from becoming soggy, and only assemble and broil the sandwiches right before you are ready to eat them.
Freezing the Meat Filling
The meat mixture freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal planning. Place the cooled filling in a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. It will maintain its quality for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of extra beef broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be prepared entirely ahead of time and stored. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply reheat the mixture on the stove and follow the assembly instructions with the buns and cheese when you are ready to serve.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much during the cooking process, simply add a splash of beef broth or water one tablespoon at a time. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as you want the filling to hold its structure on the bun.
Can I omit the bell peppers?
While the bell peppers add classic flavor and texture to this Philly-inspired dish, they can be omitted if you have picky eaters or dietary restrictions. If you choose to skip them, consider increasing the amount of onions or adding mushrooms to keep the volume of the filling consistent. You may also want to add a pinch more seasoning to compensate for the missing vegetable sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
This recipe scales easily to accommodate larger gatherings. Simply double the ingredients as needed, using a very large skillet or a Dutch oven to ensure everything cooks evenly. It is a very popular choice for potlucks because the meat can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the ‘low’ setting until ready to assemble on buns.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: PT35M
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This gluten free Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is made with ground beef, peppers, and served with Provolone cheese on toasted buns!
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 2 bell peppers
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 Tbsp. corn starch
- Provolone cheese
- 1–2 packages gluten free buns
Instructions
- Step: Mince 6 cloves of garlic and 1 onion. Dice 2 bell peppers.
- Step: Heat a skillet to medium and add 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Once the oil is heated add the minced garlic and onions. Saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
- Step: Add the diced peppers and saute for 5-6 minutes, stirring often.
- Step: Add 2 lbs. ground beef along with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and pepper. Saute for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Drain the excess fat from the meat.
- Step: Add 2 tsp. Italian seasoning to the meat and stir until combined.
- Step: Add 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar to the skillet and stir until combined.
- Step: Add 2 Tbsp. corn starch to 1 cup beef broth. Stir the corn starch into the broth completely, creating a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir until combined.
- Step: Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to thicken a bit.
- Step: To Serve: Set the oven to ‘Broiler’. Place a heaping portion of filling onto a gluten free bun. Repeat with desired amount of sandwiches and place them on a baking sheet. Place a slice of Provolone on top of the meat. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve once cheese has melted.
Notes
This recipe can be cut in half for a smaller portion. Ground turkey, chicken, or ground meat of choice may be substituted for ground beef.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 468 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg