If you’ve been craving a sandwich that effortlessly blends the best of two iconic comfort foods, get ready to fall in love. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes take everything we adore about a classic Philly cheesesteak and mix it up with the laid-back, saucy spirit of a Sloppy Joe. The result? A wonderfully juicy, cheesy mound of savory ground beef and pepper goodness, sandwiched in a soft bun for the ultimate weeknight dinner or game day treat!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes serves a special role, coming together to create a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every element matters for that irresistibly saucy, cheesy bite.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables and beef to perfection.
Lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base, with less excess fat to keep things flavorful but not greasy.
Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed for a sweet, mellow bite that’s classic to Philly-style sandwiches.
Green bell pepper: Brings signature color and bright, snappy flavor to each bite.
Garlic powder: Punches up the savory notes with a mellow, garlicky warmth.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives the filling a deep, umami-rich depth that takes it beyond your average Sloppy Joe.
Beef broth: Infuses the mixture with a savory, meaty undertone while making the sauce extra luscious.
Ketchup: Adds tang, a hint of sweetness, and the subtle acidity needed to balance flavors.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce just enough so your sandwich is satisfying (not soggy!).
Salt and black pepper: Simple yet vital seasonings that heighten every other ingredient.
Provolone cheese: The crowning glory—smooth, melty cheese that ties everything together. (Swap for mozzarella or white American if you like!)
Hamburger buns: Choose soft, sturdy buns to soak up all that delicious, saucy filling.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Give it 5 to 7 minutes until it browns nicely, losing that pink color. If you find excess fat in the pan, drain it before moving on for the cleanest, richest taste.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Pepper

Once your beef is browned, stir in the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Let them sauté together until softened, about 5 minutes. This step lifts the flavor and adds that classic cheesesteak magic with every forkful. Both veggies should look slightly translucent and tender.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Sauces

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, then pour in the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Stir it all up, letting the beef and veggies soak in the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This creates the unmistakable depth that sets Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes apart from your average sandwich.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into your skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. In just 3 to 4 minutes, you’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully, coating the beef and veggies with a luscious, glossy finish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Turn off the heat, then lay your provolone cheese slices over the hot mixture. Cover the skillet for a minute, letting the cheese turn melty and gooey. Once it’s soft, stir everything so that cheesy goodness finds its way into every nook and cranny of the filling.

Step 6: Serve on Buns

Spoon generous heaps of the cheesy, peppery beef onto your hamburger buns. If you’re feeling extra, toast the buns lightly on a pan or in the oven—this little touch adds subtle crunch and keeps things from getting soggy. Serve hot and enjoy the best of both worlds!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a little color, while a few extra shavings of provolone or even a quick swirl of cheese sauce can take your sandwiches over the top. A few thinly sliced pickled peppers make a zesty finish for those who like a little tang in every bite.

Side Dishes

Classic potato chips or thick-cut fries are a no-brainer for that indulgent diner experience. For a fresher take, serve these sandwiches with a crunchy coleslaw or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the buns into slider sizes for a party platter, or pile the filling onto toasted baguette slices and call them “Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe crostini.” Turn leftovers into a baked casserole—just layer the filling and cheese, top with torn buns, and bake until golden and bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture cool fully before storing. Pack it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to prevent them from getting soggy, and only assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

The beef mixture freezes beautifully. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed. Always wait to add the cheese until reheating for optimal meltiness!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the meat filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it looks dry. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval. Stir in fresh provolone as it warms so every sandwich is as cheesy as the first.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make delicious swaps in Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. The flavor will be a bit lighter, but with the same saucy, cheesy finish. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

What kind of provolone should I use: sharp or mild?

Both types work well! Sharp provolone gives a punchier, more pronounced flavor, while mild is creamier and gentler. Choose what you love—or even blend the two for an extra layer of flavor.

How can I make these sandwiches vegetarian?

Swap out the beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat or even cooked lentils. Stick with the same veggies and cheese, and you’ll have a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! You can make the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat, topping with cheese right before serving to keep it melty and fresh.

Are there gluten-free options?

Definitely. Serve the mixture over gluten-free buns, in lettuce wraps, or even over roasted potatoes if you’re avoiding gluten. Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are certified gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are one of those meals that always disappears fast—there’s something about that combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and soft buns that’s just pure magic. If you’ve never tried this twist before, give it a go and see why it’s such a family favorite in my kitchen!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. Made with seasoned ground beef, peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese, they are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joes:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

4 slices provolone cheese
4 hamburger buns

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add vegetables: Add diced onion and green pepper, sauté until softened.
Season: Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
Thicken sauce: Whisk together beef broth and cornstarch, add to the skillet. Simmer until thickened.
Melt cheese: Lay provolone slices over the top, let melt, then stir to combine.
Assemble: Spoon mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.