Gordon Ramsay Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Ava-Style) combine the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the saucy, comforting appeal of sloppy joes. Juicy ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted provolone come together in a rich, glossy filling served on buttery toasted brioche buns. It’s indulgent, satisfying comfort food with a slightly elevated twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Fusion – Combines two American classics into one hearty, flavor-packed sandwich.
- Rich, Cheesy Filling – Melted provolone creates a creamy, cohesive texture throughout the beef mixture.
- Quick Weeknight Friendly – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple stovetop cooking.
- Deep Savory Flavor – Mushrooms and beef broth enhance umami and richness.
- Family-Approved Meal – Messy, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for casual dinners.
- Great for Meal Prep – Filling can be made ahead and reheated without losing texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Filling
- 450g lean ground beef – Provides the hearty, savory base of the dish.
- 30g butter – Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables evenly.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced – Brings sweetness and depth.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced – Adds subtle bitterness and freshness.
- 230g brown mushrooms, minced – Enhances umami and moisture.
- 30g ketchup – Contributes tangy sweetness and classic sloppy joe flavor.
- 240ml beef broth – Creates a savory sauce base and keeps the mixture moist.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed into broth) – Thickens the sauce for a glossy consistency.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Balances and enhances flavor.
- 225g provolone cheese, chopped or shredded – Melts smoothly for creamy texture.
For Serving
- 6 brioche hamburger buns – Soft, slightly sweet buns that complement the savory filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together beef broth, cornstarch, ketchup, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour into the vegetable mixture and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir well to coat evenly. Simmer briefly to allow flavors to meld.
Melt the Cheese
Turn off the heat and fold in provolone cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy throughout the mixture.
Toast the Buns
Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown and lightly crisp.
Assemble and Serve
Spoon the hot cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Finely Mince Mushrooms – Smaller pieces blend seamlessly into the beef and enhance texture.
- Don’t Skip Toasting – Toasted buns prevent sogginess and add structure.
- Control Thickness – Simmer longer if mixture is too loose; add a splash of broth if too thick.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Season Gradually – Taste before adding extra salt, as broth and cheese contain sodium.
- Make It Spicy – Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories: Approximately 540 calories per serving (estimated)
Perfect Pairings
- Crispy oven-baked fries
- Creamy coleslaw
- Dill pickle spears
- Light side salad with vinaigrette
Ideal Occasions
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Casual family gatherings
- Game day parties
- Comfort food cravings
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store filling separately from buns for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze filling in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Assemble just before serving to maintain bun texture.
Creative Variations to Try
- Classic Cheesesteak Style – Add sliced sautéed steak instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Swap – Use white American cheese for ultra-smooth melt.
- Low-Carb Version – Serve filling over roasted cauliflower or in lettuce wraps.
- Extra Veggie Boost – Add caramelized onions or roasted red peppers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Filling too watery – Simmer longer to reduce and thicken sauce.
- Cheese clumping – Remove pan from direct heat before stirring in cheese.
- Bland flavor – Increase salt, pepper, or add Worcestershire sauce.
- Soggy buns – Always toast buns before filling.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe builds layered flavor through browning and proper moisture control. Searing the beef develops Maillard reaction depth, while sautéed mushrooms and onions amplify umami complexity. The cornstarch-thickened broth creates a stable emulsion that coats the meat evenly without becoming watery. Adding cheese off heat ensures a smooth melt without separation. The toasted brioche bun adds structural contrast and slight sweetness, balancing the savory richness. At approximately 540 calories per serving, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction while remaining portion-controlled for a main meal.
Final Thoughts
Gordon Ramsay Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Ava-Style) are a bold, comforting twist on two beloved classics. They’re rich, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. With balanced protein, savory depth, and customizable options, this recipe offers indulgence with flexibility. For a lighter alternative, use leaner beef or serve the filling over roasted vegetables while keeping all that irresistible flavor intact.
