Name: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 green pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup reduced sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 ½ teaspoons beef bouillon; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 6 brioche hamburger buns; Softened butter or mayo for brushing (optional); 6 slices provolone cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 9 reviews

If you love the melty, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and crave the saucy comfort of a Sloppy Joe, you’re in for a treat. These Philly Sloppy Joes are absolute weeknight magic! The star of the show: juicy ground beef, sweet sautéed peppers and onions, all snuggled in a toasted brioche bun and blanketed with ooey-gooey cheese. Melting it all together requires just one crucial step: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just looking for irresistible leftovers, this meal’s a winner for all ages!

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients come together to build layers of flavor, color, and hearty texture. Each item brings its own magic to these Philly Sloppy Joes, turning a simple sandwich into something the whole table will get excited about.

Lean ground beef: Go for 80-90% lean for the best balance of flavor and texture—this is your flavor base!
Olive oil: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to boost browning and guarantee juicy, tender meat.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and the classic cheesesteak undertone.
Green bell pepper: The signature Philly crunch and color—dice for easy bites.
Garlic: Infuses every mouthful with aromatic depth, no shortcuts here!
Reduced sodium beef broth: Lends juiciness and allows the sauce to simmer up thick and savory.
Cornstarch: The secret weapon for a delightfully saucy (not runny!) filling.
Beef bouillon: Big meaty flavor in just a teaspoon and a half—don’t skip it.
Ketchup: Sweet, tangy, and essential for that classic Sloppy Joe vibe.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a hit of umami and a boost of savory richness.
Dijon mustard: Wake up those taste buds with a gentle tang—just a teaspoon does the trick.
Dried oregano, dried parsley: Herbaceous layers that round out every bite.
Salt, pepper, dried basil, paprika: Gentle seasoning for balanced flavor and a touch of color.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but fantastic if you crave a gentle heat.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grate it for the creamiest, meltiest finish.
Brioche hamburger buns: Soft, sweet, and perfect for soaking up all that goodness.
Softened butter or mayo: For toasting the buns to golden, dreamy perfection.
Provolone cheese slices: That classic Philly melt—you really can’t have too much cheese!

How to Make Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat

Step 1: Prep and Toast the Buns

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Split the brioche buns and lay them cut side up on a large baking tray. For buns with extra flavor and crunch, brush each with softened butter or mayo. Bake them for about five minutes until perfectly toasted—this step is seriously worth it! Meanwhile, you’ll be multitasking with the filling.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat

This step is the foundation of flavor: heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in your ground beef, diced onions, and green peppers. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is beautifully browned and veggies are tender. Finish this aromatic base by adding minced garlic and sautéing for 30 seconds—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together beef broth, cornstarch, and beef bouillon until smooth. Pour this savory mix into the skillet along with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and all the dried herbs and spices. Stir well to ensure every cranny is flavored—this is what takes your Sloppy Joe from average to incredible!

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. The cornstarch will thicken everything to the perfect saucy consistency. You want most of the liquid absorbed but just enough left for juiciness. Don’t rush—good things come to those who simmer!

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and scatter in the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts smoothly into the meat, turning your filling ultra creamy and richly flavored. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you crave extra zing. Remember, the cheese and buns will mellow out those bold flavors.

Step 6: Assemble and Melt

Ready for assembly? Pile the filling onto the bottom halves of your toasted buns, then drape each with a slice of provolone. Arrange them on the tray (cut sides up) and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese bubbles and melts irresistibly. Top with the remaining buns and serve while everything is hot and gooey.

How to Serve Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat

Garnishes

A little garnish can take these sandwiches to the next level. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color, or add thinly sliced pickled jalapeños if you love a little heat. Some folks even swear by a spoonful of extra cheese sauce or a few sautéed mushrooms for gooey, umami-laden decadence. Any way you top them, bring napkins—these are delightfully messy!

Side Dishes

Looking to round out your meal? Philly Sloppy Joes play wonderfully with classic sides. Serve alongside loaded potato salad, creamy coleslaw, crispy oven fries, or a broccoli salad for crunch and freshness. They’re also right at home with pickle spears or a zesty dill potato salad, balancing every savory, saucy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, stuff the filling into toasted sub rolls, pile it over baked potatoes, or spoon it into crisp hoagie boats. For party vibes, try sliders for a bite-sized twist. However you choose, just remember the magic all started when you heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the meat and veggies mixture separately from the buns to keep everything fresh. Pour the filling into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to five days—perfect for quick weekday lunches or unexpected guests.

Freezing

This Philly Sloppy Joe filling freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always keep the buns and filling separate for best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, you’ve got options. Microwave small portions in a microwave-safe dish for a minute, stirring halfway. For the stovetop purist, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and gently warm the filling, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. If you want to reheat larger portions, low and slow in a slow cooker works perfectly while you prep the buns.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken makes a great, lighter substitute. Just know it’s less rich than beef, so bump up the beef bouillon and season to taste for extra savory depth.

What’s the best cheese for Philly Sloppy Joes?

A mix of sharp cheddar and provolone is classic, but you can also try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a dash of American cheese for maximum meltiness. Freshly grated cheese always melts best!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

You bet. The filling is make-ahead friendly! Prepare and chill it in advance, then quickly reheat when you’re ready to serve. This makes busy weeknight dinners (or party hosting) a breeze.

How do I keep my buns from getting soggy?

The best trick: always toast your buns first as directed, and serve the filling hot and saucy, not watery. This creates a barrier and keeps everything deliciously intact.

Are there any gluten-free options?

Definitely! Swap regular buns for your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire and broth.

Final Thoughts

Give these Philly Sloppy Joes a try next time you crave something comforting, fun, and packed with flavor. It all comes down to that one simple step: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and watch how these simple ingredients combine into a meal you’ll make again and again!