Gordon Ramsay Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe, packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Imagine all the juicy, cheesy goodness of a Philly sandwich but in a messy, handheld form that’s perfect for a casual meal. This recipe mixes sautéed onions and peppers with thinly sliced beef and plenty of gooey cheese for that classic Philly vibe.
I love making these when I want something quick and satisfying that feels a little different from the everyday burger or sandwich. The combination of savory beef and melted cheese always wins everyone over at the table. Plus, they’re a breeze to customize — you can add your favorite toppings or swap out the cheese depending on what you have on hand.
My favorite way to enjoy these sloppy joes is with a side of crispy fries or a fresh, crunchy salad to balance out all the richness. They’re perfect for casual dinners, weekend cookouts, or any time you need a hearty, comforting meal that’s fun to eat. I always find that these sandwiches bring a smile to everyone’s face and make the whole meal feel a little special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend chuck beef for its rich flavor and fat content, which keeps the sloppy joe juicy. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up, but it won’t be quite as rich.
Onions and Bell Peppers: These add crunch and sweetness. If you don’t have bell peppers, just onions work well too. For a milder taste, swap green peppers for milder yellow or orange ones.
Provolone Cheese: This melts beautifully and has a mild tang that’s perfect here. If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella or even cheddar are good alternatives based on your preference.
Beef Broth: A splash of broth helps create a nice sauce. You can substitute water with a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
How Can You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted Without Messing Up the Sandwich?
Melting the cheese on top is key for that authentic Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe experience. Here’s how I do it simply:
- After you fill the buns with the beef mixture, add slices of cheese evenly on top.
- If broiling, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet under the broiler for just 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—it happens fast!
- If using a skillet, cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat. The trapped steam helps melt the cheese evenly without drying out the sandwich.
- Remove carefully when cheese is bubbly and melted but not browned or burnt.
This step adds the gooey, melty texture that makes these sandwiches so satisfying. Be patient and don’t skip it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I love it because it cooks the beef and vegetables evenly and is easy to transfer from stove to baking sheet.
- Spatula – helps break up the meat and mix everything together smoothly.
- Knife and chopping board – for slicing onions and peppers quickly and safely.
- Baking sheet – for broiling the sandwiches and melting the cheese perfectly.
- Oven or broiler – to melt the cheese quickly without making a mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap provolone with melted pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- Include hot sauce or pickled peppers for some extra kick and tang.
Gordon Ramsay Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably chuck for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
- 6 to 8 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella for meltiness)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking the beef and veggies, then 2-3 minutes melting the cheese under the broiler. It’s a quick and satisfying meal from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, red, and green bell peppers. Cook and stir occasionally until they’re soft and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Push the veggies to one side of the pan, add the ground beef, and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Season and Simmer:
Mix the beef and vegetables together. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water to deglaze the pan and create a little sauce. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Prepare the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven broiler or bring a skillet to low heat. Split your rolls or buns, keeping them hinged. Fill each with a generous portion of the beef mixture. Top with slices of provolone cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese and Serve:
Place filled buns on a baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, or cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese on the stove. Serve hot and enjoy your gooey, flavorful sloppy joes!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps cook it evenly and prevents excess moisture from making the mixture soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone on hand, mozzarella is a great melty alternative. Cheddar or pepper jack can also work if you want a sharper or spicier flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, then add fresh cheese if you like before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. Cook and season them just like the beef for tasty results.
