Craving a sloppy, savory, cheesy sandwich but can’t decide between a Philly cheesesteak or a classic sloppy joe? Now you don’t have to! This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the best of both worlds. You get all the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—juicy ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melted cheese—served up in the classic messy, saucy sloppy joe style. It’s the perfect quick and easy meal for busy weeknights or when you're looking for a comforting and satisfying bite. Let’s dive into this hearty, flavorful fusion dish!
What are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delightful mash-up of two beloved sandwiches: the Philly cheesesteak and the sloppy joe. In this recipe, you combine seasoned ground beef with sautéed onions and bell peppers, then stir in a savory sauce reminiscent of the classic sloppy joe. Finally, the mixture is topped with melted provolone or American cheese and served on toasted buns. It’s a cheesy, savory, and slightly messy sandwich that brings together the best elements of both classic comfort foods.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed for browning the meat)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese:
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese, Cheez Whiz, or mozzarella)
For the Buns:
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the buns)
Optional Add-ons:
- Pickles for a tangy contrast
- Jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Hot sauce for extra heat
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is how easy it is to customize the ingredients to your taste. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Ground Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a lighter or different flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Provolone is a classic choice for cheesesteaks, but American cheese or Cheez Whiz gives the sandwich a creamier, richer flavor. For a sharper taste, try using cheddar or pepper jack.
- Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly version, skip the buns and serve the filling over a bed of lettuce, in a lettuce wrap, or stuffed into bell peppers.
- Extra Vegetables: If you want to bulk up the sandwich with more veggies, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini to the mix.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a little salt and pepper. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the Sauce:
Stir the browned beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, steak sauce (if using), and beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure the sauce coats the beef and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. - Melt the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and place slices of provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt over the beef, about 2-3 minutes. - Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden brown and crispy. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, scoop the beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve the sandwiches hot, with optional toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide
To recap, here are the steps for making Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until softened, then stir the beef back into the skillet.
- Add Worcestershire, ketchup, mustard, and broth to make the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Melt the cheese on top of the beef mixture, then cover and let it melt until gooey.
- Toast the buns with butter for added flavor and crunch.
- Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Ground beef can become dry and tough if overcooked. Cook just until browned, then let it simmer briefly in the sauce to keep it juicy.
- Not Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from getting too soggy from the saucy filling. Don’t skip this step!
- Not Letting the Cheese Melt: Ensure the cheese is fully melted and gooey before serving. Covering the skillet with a lid helps speed up the melting process.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Classic Pairings: Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with classic sides like French fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad. Chips and pickles are also great accompaniments.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a small dish of ketchup, mustard, or a spicy aioli on the side for dipping.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Here’s how to serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
- Main Course: Serve as a hearty main dish with fries, a salad, or roasted veggies on the side.
- Party Food: These sandwiches are perfect for casual gatherings or game day. You can also serve the beef mixture in a slow cooker, allowing guests to build their own sandwiches.
- Lunch or Dinner: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are versatile enough to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, and they reheat well for leftovers.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Individual Mini Sliders: Serve the sloppy joes as mini sliders for parties or casual gatherings. This makes them easy to handle and perfect for snacking.
- Open-Faced: For a different take, serve the beef mixture open-faced on toasted bread, with the cheese melted on top.
- Cast-Iron Skillet Style: Serve the sloppy joe filling straight from a cast-iron skillet to the table for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips
- Use Good-Quality Beef: The flavor of the beef is central to this dish, so choose a good-quality ground beef with an 80/20 blend for a juicier sandwich.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Reheat it over low heat, add the cheese to melt, and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle a few crispy fried onions on top before serving. They add a nice crunch to the sloppy joe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the beef filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the filling, melt the cheese, and assemble the sandwiches.
Q: Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?
A: Absolutely! Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What kind of cheese should I use?
A: Provolone cheese is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but American cheese, Cheez Whiz, or even mozzarella can be used for different flavors and textures.
Q: What can I serve with these sandwiches?
A: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair well with French fries, tater tots, a simple
side salad, or even roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. Whether you're making them for a quick family dinner or for a fun gathering with friends, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. The combination of ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese served on buttery toasted buns will satisfy all your cravings for a hearty, delicious meal. Give this easy, tasty recipe a try and enjoy the best of both worlds in one mouthwatering bite!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe merges two comfort food favorites into one delicious sandwich. Made with ground beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted provolone cheese, these sloppy joes are packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. Served on toasted buns, they’re an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun, messy twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sloppy joes 1x
- Category: Main Course-sandwich
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Place provolone slices over the beef mixture and cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
- While the beef simmers, toast the hamburger buns with butter in a separate pan until golden.
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Top with extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms for an even richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
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