Name: Quick cheesy beef sandwiches
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 small sweet onion, diced; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 4 ounces mushrooms, chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons taco seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar or monterey jack cheese; 6 hamburger buns

A sandwich with meat and cheese on a white plate. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Combining two beloved classics into one irresistible sandwich, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver all the savory, cheesy goodness of a traditional Philly cheesesteak with the comforting, saucy appeal of a classic sloppy joe. This ingenious mash-up creates a meal that's greater than the sum of its parts - ready in just 20 minutes and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

I first made these on a rainy Sunday when my family was craving something hearty but I didn't have time for anything complicated. The first batch disappeared so quickly I barely got a taste! Now they've become our go-to for busy evenings, game day gatherings, or anytime we need a quick comfort food fix.

Essential Ingredients

Lean ground beef: 1 lb (85/15 ideal)
Veggies: ½ cup each diced onion & bell pepper + 1 cup mushrooms
Taco seasoning: 1 tbsp (secret flavor booster)
Cheese: 1 cup shredded white cheddar or Monterey Jack
Sauce: Ketchup, Worcestershire, beef broth, cornstarch

A sandwich with meat and cheese on a bun. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté veggies:: Cook onions, peppers, mushrooms 4-5 mins until soft
Brown beef:: Add beef, break into crumbles, cook 5-6 mins
Make sauce:: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire, taco seasoning
Thicken:: Whisk cornstarch into broth, simmer 3-4 mins
Cheese:: Top buns with meat & cheese, broil 1 min

Texture Secrets

The perfect sloppy joe consistency comes from the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + ¾ cup broth). Simmer until sauce coats the back of a spoon but still flows. Letting the mixture rest 5 minutes after cooking helps achieve ideal thickness.

A sandwich with meat and cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Creative Variations

Lower-carb: Serve over roasted cauliflower
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder
Italian: Swap provolone and add oregano
Breakfast: Top with fried eggs

Make-Ahead Tips

Meat mixture keeps 4 days refrigerated
Freezes well for 3 months
Flavors intensify when made ahead
Reheat with splash of broth to refresh

I discovered the taco seasoning trick by accident when I was out of my usual spices. What started as a kitchen emergency became the signature element that makes everyone ask for my recipe.

After making this dozens of times, I've learned that resting the meat mixture 5 minutes helps flavors develop. Warming buns separately maintains perfect texture - soft enough to bite but sturdy enough to hold the sloppy goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does this recipe use taco seasoning?: While not traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, the taco seasoning provides a perfect blend of spices that adds great flavor to the meat mixture. It's an easy shortcut that works surprisingly well in this fusion recipe.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: Yes! The meat mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it in a skillet before assembling the sandwiches and melting the cheese.
→ What's the best cheese to use?: Traditional Philly cheesesteaks often use provolone or American cheese, but sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack work great in this recipe. For authenticity, you could also try using Cheez Whiz.
→ Can I make this recipe healthier?: Absolutely! Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, serve on whole grain buns, and add extra vegetables. You can also serve the mixture in lettuce cups for a lower-carb option.
→ What sides go well with these sloppy joes?: These pair nicely with classic sides like potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a healthier option, try roasted vegetables or a side of fruit.

Quick cheesy beef sandwiches

A tasty fusion of two classics - combining the flavor of Philly cheesesteak with the ease of sloppy joes for a quick, satisfying meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

20 Minutes

By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon cornstarch

02 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth

03 2 teaspoons olive oil

04 1 small sweet onion, diced

05 1 small green bell pepper, diced

06 4 ounces mushrooms, chopped

07 1 pound lean ground beef

08 2 tablespoons ketchup

09 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

10 2 teaspoons taco seasoning

11 1/4 teaspoon salt

12 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

13 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar or monterey jack cheese

14 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your broiler. This will be used at the end to melt the cheese on top of your sloppy joes.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth until well combined. Set this mixture aside - it'll be used later to thicken the sauce.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become tender.

Step 04

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Continue cooking while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula. Brown for about 3 minutes, then drain off any excess fat from the pan.

Step 05

Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors with the meat and vegetables.

Step 06

Give the cornstarch and broth mixture a quick stir again (as it may have settled), then pour it into the skillet. Allow everything to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 07

Scoop the meat mixture onto the hamburger buns, then top each with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Place the open-faced sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese melts - this happens quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning! Alternatively, you can simply stir the cheese directly into the meat mixture until melted.

Notes

The taco seasoning might sound unusual, but it adds a great flavor profile to this fusion dish.

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred.

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Try serving the meat mixture over a baked potato instead of a bun for a delicious variation.

Tools You'll Need

Large nonstick skillet

Small mixing bowl

Whisk

Wooden spoon or spatula

Baking sheet (for broiling)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains gluten (hamburger buns)
Contains dairy (cheese)
May contain soy (check taco seasoning ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 377
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
Protein: 29 g