Ultimate Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: An Easy & Flavorful Family Favorite
Prepare for a culinary delight that perfectly marries two American comfort food classics: the iconic Philly Cheesesteak and the beloved Sloppy Joe. These Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are not just satisfying and filling; they are absolutely bursting with flavor. Imagine tender ground beef, sautéed with sweet onions and crisp green bell peppers, all simmered slowly in a rich, savory sauce infused with classic seasonings. Topped with luscious, melted provolone cheese and served on your favorite soft buns, this easy crockpot dinner is guaranteed to be a huge hit with everyone at your table, even the pickiest eaters.
Does your family adore the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak? And do they light up at the mention of a classic sloppy joe? If so, then get ready to be crowned the dinner hero! This ingenious recipe combines the best of both worlds, creating a unique and undeniably tasty twist that even the kids will enthusiastically devour. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal that truly satisfies, much like our other family favorites such as ground beef Philly cheesesteak sliders and our comforting cheesy sloppy joe casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Recipe
The sheer ease of making these cheesy sloppy joes is a dream come true for busy weeknights. With just a few minutes of initial prep work, your trusty slow cooker takes over, doing all the heavy lifting. This means you can get other things done around the house or simply relax while a delicious meal practically cooks itself. It’s the same kind of effortless magic you’ll find with other fantastic slow cooker recipes like my slow cooker BBQ brisket, the comforting crock pot tater tot casserole, and my incredibly flavorful slow cooker hot honey chicken sandwich recipe.
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal hands-on time means more time for you. Just brown the meat, toss ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the rich beef, sweet peppers, savory onions, and robust seasonings to meld together perfectly, creating a deep, complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids love the “sloppy” nature, and adults appreciate the classic Philly cheesesteak elements.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy sandwich, and these sloppy joes deliver exactly that – a hug in a bun!
- Versatile Serving Options: While delicious on buns, these sloppy joes can also be served over pasta, rice, or even as a low-carb lettuce wrap.
As dinner approaches, the enticing aromatics of the savory beef, sweet peppers, and onions begin to waft through your home, building anticipation. All you’ll be able to think about is sinking your teeth into one of these incredible sloppy joe cheesesteak sandwiches. They are truly a revelation!
If you’re a fan of belly-warming sandwiches that bring comfort and joy, then you must also give our hot Italian sliders, flavorful Cuban sliders, and perfectly cooked air fryer hamburgers a try. Each offers a unique and satisfying experience, but these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes stand in a league of their own for their ease and flavor.
Ingredients for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and offers fantastic substitution options to help you customize this recipe to your liking. You can find all specific measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
- Ground beef: We recommend one pound of lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) for the best results. Using lean beef minimizes the amount of grease you need to drain, keeping your sloppy joes from becoming overly greasy. If you only have regular ground beef, simply ensure you drain off all excess fat after browning. You can also experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though you may need to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference.
- Onion: You’ll only need a small onion, finely diced. Onions caramelize beautifully and add a foundational sweetness and savory depth to the sloppy joe mixture, a crucial element in any good cheesesteak. White or yellow onions work best here.
- Green bell pepper: Just like the classic cheesesteak, bell peppers are essential! Green bell peppers provide that traditional, slightly bitter, and fresh flavor. However, feel free to use red, yellow, or orange peppers if you prefer a sweeter profile or a pop of color. A mix of colors can also be visually appealing!
- Worcestershire sauce: This is a secret weapon for adding a rich, umami depth and that quintessential tangy-savory flavor often found in classic sloppy joes and beef dishes. It truly enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper: The indispensable duo for seasoning any dish. We provide a starting amount in the recipe card, but always remember to add to taste. You can adjust these amounts based on your preference for less or more seasoning, or even add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.
- Cornstarch: This acts as our thickening agent, ensuring your sloppy joe sauce achieves the perfect, luscious consistency. It creates a smooth, well-bound sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and veggies without being watery.
- Beef broth: Essential for providing the moisture needed for slow cooking and building a rich, authentic beef flavor base. High-quality beef broth can make a significant difference. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, vegetable broth or even a low-sodium chicken broth can be used as substitutes.
- Provolone cheese: This is the gold standard for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, known for its mild flavor and excellent melting capabilities. However, don’t feel limited! Other fantastic cheese choices include American cheese (for ultimate meltiness), shredded mozzarella (for a stretchy pull), Colby Jack, or even a generous dollop of Cheez Whiz for a truly classic, indulgent take.
- Buns: The vehicle for your delicious sloppy joes! Your favorite sandwich buns will work perfectly. Brioche buns offer a touch of sweetness and richness, potato rolls are wonderfully soft, and classic hamburger buns are always a reliable choice. For an even better experience, lightly toast your buns before serving.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools makes cooking even more enjoyable and efficient. For this slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes recipe, you’ll need a few common kitchen items:
- Large skillet: Crucial for browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables before they go into the slow cooker. This step builds flavor!
- Large spoon: Perfect for stirring the mixture, breaking up the beef, and ultimately scooping your delicious sloppy joes onto buns.
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons: For accurate measurement of all your ingredients, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, providing ample space for all the ingredients to meld together.
- Small mixing bowl: Handy for whisking together the cornstarch and broth mixture before adding it to the slow cooker.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Follow these easy steps, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips, to create an absolutely delicious slow cooker meal. For the full printable recipe card, including exact measurements and nutritional information, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies. To a large skillet, add your ground beef, diced onions, and green bell pepper. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with your spoon, until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables have softened. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease to prevent your sloppy joes from becoming oily, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Sauce. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This ensures a smooth, consistent sauce. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef and vegetable blend in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined and coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover your slow cooker and cook the mixture on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become incredibly tender, resulting in a rich and comforting sloppy joe filling.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced provolone cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mixture, covering it evenly. Replace the lid and allow it to cook for just a few more minutes, typically 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese. After the cheese has melted, remove the lid once more and gently stir the melted cheese into the sloppy joe mixture. This creates a wonderfully cheesy, cohesive filling that is truly irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Scoop generous portions of your hot, cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture onto your favorite soft buns. Serve immediately with your preferred side dishes and savor every delicious bite. Prepare for happy faces and empty plates!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are so good, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, they store beautifully, making them excellent for meal prep or quick lunches.
In the refrigerator: Any leftover sloppy joe mixture should be stored in an airtight container. It will keep fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before transferring to the container.
In the freezer: For longer storage, this recipe makes an ideal freezer meal. Place the cooled sloppy joe mixture in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with your preferred reheating method.
To reheat: While you can easily microwave individual portions or gently warm the entire batch in the slow cooker on a low setting, I find the best way to reheat sloppy joes is in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. This method allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents the meat from drying out, restoring that freshly cooked taste and texture. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems a bit dry.
Make-Ahead Freezer Meal
Slow cooker recipes are fantastic for meal planning and batch cooking, and these Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes in the crockpot are no exception! Similar to preparing beef chili with beans for freezing, this recipe is perfect for making ahead and stashing away for a busy day. Having a ready-to-cook meal in your freezer is a true lifesaver.
To prepare as a freezer meal, simply follow the initial step: brown the ground beef along with the diced peppers and onions in a skillet. Once cooked and drained of excess grease, let the mixture cool completely. Transfer the cooled beef and vegetable mixture into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label it clearly with the date and contents. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply add it to your slow cooker, incorporate the liquid ingredients (cornstarch, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper) as per the instructions below, and cook on low as directed. This pre-prepped freezer meal dramatically cuts down on your active cooking time when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
Expert Tips, Tricks, and Flavor Variations
Elevate your Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with these smart tips and creative variations:
- Add Mushrooms for Extra Flavor: For an even deeper, earthier flavor, consider sautéing sliced mushrooms along with your onions and bell peppers in Step 1. They add a wonderful umami note that complements the beef beautifully.
- Speed Up Prep with Frozen Veggies: If you’re really short on time, a bag of frozen diced onions and peppers can be a fantastic shortcut. You can add them directly to the skillet with the ground beef (no need to thaw), though they might take a few extra minutes to cook down.
- Simplify Chopping with a Vegetable Chopper: A handy tool like a vegetable chopper can make dicing your onions and peppers incredibly fast and consistent, saving you precious prep time and tears (from onions!).
- Customize Your Pepper Cut: While diced peppers blend well into the sloppy joe mixture, you can also slice your bell peppers lengthwise into thin strips if you prefer a more traditional “cheesesteak” look and texture. This gives a different mouthfeel and visual appeal.
- Alternative Serving Suggestions: Don’t limit yourself to buns! This versatile sloppy joe mixture is also incredible served over a bed of warm egg noodles or your favorite pasta, fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even baked potatoes. For a low-carb option, scoop it into large, crisp leaves of romaine lettuce to create delicious lettuce wraps.
- Boost the Garlic Factor: For garlic lovers, mince 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic and add them to the skillet with the onions and bell peppers during the last minute of sautéing. This will infuse the sloppy joes with an aromatic kick.
- A Touch of Sweetness and Tang: If you prefer a slightly sweeter or tangier sloppy joe (more akin to the classic canned variety), you can stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar or a couple of tablespoons of ketchup along with the beef broth mixture.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other seasonings.
- Broth Variations: While beef broth offers the richest flavor, if you only have chicken or vegetable broth on hand, those can work in a pinch. Just be aware the flavor profile might be slightly less robust.
What to Serve with Cheesy Sloppy Joes
A great sloppy joe deserves equally great side dishes. I love serving these cheesy concoctions with a crisp pickle spear on the side, and usually one or two additional complementary dishes. Here are some of my favorite sloppy joe side dishes that perfectly round out the meal:
- Classic Potato Chips: A simple, crunchy classic that everyone loves.
- French Fries: Golden and crispy, perfect for dipping into any extra sloppy joe sauce.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory, baked beans are a quintessential sloppy joe companion.
- Mac & Cheese: Creamy, dreamy mac and cheese offers a comforting contrast to the savory sloppy joes.
- Fried Pickles: A fun, tangy, and crunchy side that plays on the pickle spear idea.
- Jiffy Corn Casserole: A sweet and savory corn dish that’s incredibly easy to make.
- Coleslaw: A cool, crisp, and creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing balance to the rich sloppy joes.
- Potato Salad: Another picnic classic that pairs wonderfully with these sandwiches.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a fresh, lighter counterpoint.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots can add a healthy and delicious touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
While sliced or shredded provolone is our top recommendation for that authentic Philly cheesesteak taste due to its mild flavor and excellent melt, you have many delicious options! Other popular choices include classic American cheese for ultimate meltiness and a creamy texture, shredded mozzarella for a lovely stringy pull, or even a generous dollop of Cheez Whiz for a truly classic and indulgent experience. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend like Colby Jack would also work well if you prefer a sharper or more distinct cheese flavor.
Absolutely! To make this easy recipe even more convenient, you can brown the ground beef, onions, and bell peppers beforehand. Once cooked and drained, let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the prepped mixture to your slow cooker along with the liquid ingredients and continue with Step 2 of the instructions. This makes dinner prep incredibly fast on a busy weeknight.
For a lighter, lower-carb version, skip the buns and try using large, crisp leaves of romaine lettuce as your “sandwich wrap.” This allows you to enjoy all the amazing cheesesteak sloppy joe flavors without the heavy carbohydrates from traditional bread choices. You can also opt for leaner ground beef (90/10 or even ground turkey/chicken), and boost the vegetable content by adding extra bell peppers or even finely diced zucchini to the mixture. Reducing the amount of cheese or using a lower-fat cheese option can also help.
Yes, you absolutely can! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a leaner version of this dish. Keep in mind that poultry can be a bit milder in flavor, so you might want to add a touch more seasoning, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce, to boost the savory notes. Ensure you still brown it thoroughly before transferring to the slow cooker.
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker to develop deep flavors and tender meat, you can adapt it for the stovetop for a quicker meal. After browning the beef and vegetables, return them to the skillet. Add the broth and seasonings, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded. Stir in the cheese at the end. The beef won’t be as “fall apart” tender as in a slow cooker, but it will still be delicious!
These tasty crockpot Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes truly are a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. They bring together the best of comfort food in a convenient, make-ahead friendly package. Grab these simple pantry staple ingredients, add them to your weekly meal plan, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic dinner with minimal effort!
More Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Ideas
If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and deliciousness of this recipe, you’ll love exploring these other simple and comforting slow cooker dinner ideas:
- Crockpot Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs: Sweet, savory, and incredibly tender chicken that practically cooks itself.
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks: A classic comfort food, tender beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy.
- Chili Mac in the Crock Pot: The ultimate combination of chili and macaroni, made effortlessly.
- Slow Cooker Frito Pie: A fun, hearty, and cheesy dish with a satisfying crunch.
- Crockpot Steak Bites: Flavorful, tender steak pieces perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
- 6 slices provolone cheese or 1 ½ cups shredded
- Buns for serving
Instructions
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To a large skillet, add the ground beef, onions, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, over medium-high heat until meat is browned. Drain off any grease and transfer to your slow cooker.
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In a small bowl, stir to combine the cornstarch, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Add to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Cook on low 4-6 hours.
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Remove the lid and add the sliced cheese. Replace the cover and allow to cook for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted.
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Stir in the cheese.
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Scoop onto soft buns and enjoy.
Nutrition
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