If you’re a fan of classic Philly cheesesteaks and crave the comfort and simplicity of a sloppy joe, then combining these two beloved dishes into one is a culinary match made in heaven. The Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes is a delicious and hearty fusion that takes all the bold, savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak and packages them into a juicy, cheesy, and messily satisfying sloppy joe sandwich. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day treats, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something incredibly indulgent, this recipe offers all the goodness of seasoned ground beef, tender onions and peppers, and melted provolone cheese, served inside a soft hamburger bun. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s crowd-pleasing, and most importantly, it’s insanely delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking for something simple yet impressive, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for making the best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe is a winning recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s a fast and easy one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, delicious, and fuss-free on the table without sacrificing flavor. Second, it captures all the mouthwatering umami of a Philly cheesesteak—rich, juicy beef, perfectly sautéed onions and green peppers, and a generous blanket of gooey, melty cheese—but in the laid-back, family-friendly, no-fuss format of a sloppy joe. That means all the indulgence of a Philly classic without the need for thinly sliced steak or a griddle. Third, it’s incredibly versatile and customizable; whether you’re a purist who loves provolone, a cheese lover who craves Cheez Whiz, or a fan of American cheese’s creamy melt, this recipe is a blank canvas. You can spice things up with jalapeños, deepen the flavor with mushrooms or Worcestershire sauce, or add extra veggies for a boost of nutrition. Fourth, it’s a fantastic way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a generous meal that can feed an entire family, making it both economical and satisfying. Fifth, it’s the perfect fusion of two iconic comfort foods—Philly cheesesteak and sloppy joes—offering nostalgia, indulgence, and familiar flavors in every cheesy, savory, satisfying bite. The rich, meaty filling paired with the soft, warm bun creates a texture contrast that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers—it reheats beautifully, stores well in the fridge or freezer, and tastes just as good the next day, if not better. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner, feeding a crowd, or stocking your freezer with ready-to-go meals, this dish delivers convenience and flavor in equal measure. From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe recipe is guaranteed to win hearts, satisfy appetites, and earn a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1/2 red bell pepper (optional for color and sweetness), diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds a smoky depth)
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3/4 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
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6 slices provolone cheese (or American, mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz)
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6 hamburger buns (toasted if preferred)
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Butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Preparation
Begin by preparing your mise en place. Dice your onion and bell peppers finely so that they blend well into the mixture and cook evenly. Mince your garlic and set it aside. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil if your beef is very lean, otherwise you can render the fat from the beef itself. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease for a less greasy result, then return the beef to the pan. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the beef. Stir everything together and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and are slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Now add the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to coat all the ingredients evenly in the seasoning blend. Pour in the beef broth, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–8 minutes so the flavors meld and the broth reduces slightly. If you’d like a thicker mixture, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the beef. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to thicken. Once the mixture reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat and layer slices of provolone cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the residual heat melt the cheese—this takes about 1–2 minutes. Stir everything together so the cheese melts evenly into the beef mixture, creating a rich, creamy texture. While the beef mixture rests, toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan with a little butter, or in the oven at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp. To assemble, scoop a generous amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with the other half. Serve hot and prepare for cheesy, meaty satisfaction.
Variation
Want to put your own spin on this dish? Try these fun and flavorful variations. For Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with mushrooms, add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers and sauté until tender. For Spicy Sloppy Joes, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño for a kick. For a low-carb version, serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice. For Tex-Mex flair, swap the provolone for pepper jack, add cumin and chili powder, and top with avocado slices. Want a kid-friendly option? Use American cheese for maximum melt and mildness. For a more authentic Philly flavor, drizzle warm Cheez Whiz over the top instead of stirring cheese into the beef. You can also try making them into sliders using Hawaiian rolls or baking them into a casserole dish with toasted bread layers and cheese on top.
Cooking Note
This dish is best when the beef mixture is neither too wet nor too dry. The goal is a rich, saucy, cheesy mixture that can be scooped onto buns without soaking them. If you find it too watery, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes or use the optional cornstarch slurry. If it’s too dry, add a splash more broth. Choose a cheese that melts easily—provolone gives the most authentic Philly taste, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even processed cheese slices will work. Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy. Always serve hot for the best experience.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are perfect on their own, but here are some delicious sides to take your meal to the next level. Pair them with crinkle fries, tater tots, onion rings, or sweet potato fries for the ultimate diner-style meal. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. These sloppy joes also pair perfectly with pickles, potato chips, or corn on the cob. For drinks, cold soda, root beer, iced tea, or a chilled beer (especially a lager or pilsner) complement the savory, cheesy flavors. For dessert, follow up with brownies, cookies, or a creamy milkshake to round out the comfort food experience.
Tips
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Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese
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Don’t skip the toasting of the buns, as it adds both structure and crunch
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Make it ahead: the beef mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and reheated
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Freeze leftover filling for up to 2 months for easy future meals
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If using leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon of butter to boost richness
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Let the cheese melt gently, don’t rush it—this ensures a creamy texture
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Adjust the seasonings to your taste: more garlic, spice, or sweetness as desired
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Add a thin layer of mayonnaise or garlic aioli on the buns for extra flavor
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Use a slotted spoon when serving to avoid excess liquid on the buns
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Double the batch and use it for meal prep lunches—it reheats beautifully
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 460
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Protein: 26g
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Sodium: 730mg
(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on brands and portion sizes)
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives and work well with the same seasonings. Just adjust the oil or broth to ensure it stays moist.
What’s the best cheese for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes? Provolone is traditional, but American cheese, mozzarella, or even Cheez Whiz are popular options.
How do I store leftovers? Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the filling in advance, then reheat and assemble sandwiches when ready to serve.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes—just use gluten-free buns and ensure all your sauces (like Worcestershire) are gluten-free.
Can I use steak instead of ground beef? You can! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin sautéed until just cooked makes a great version closer to the original Philly cheesesteak.
What kind of buns should I use? Soft hamburger buns work great, but brioche, Kaiser rolls, hoagie rolls, or even sliders are all delicious options.
Conclusion
The Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe is a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make hybrid dish that combines the best of two classic American comfort foods. Bursting with the savory flavors of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and beef, and smothered in melty cheese, it’s a sure hit for dinner tables, lunchboxes, or parties. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd, a quick dinner, or freezing it for later, this recipe offers versatility, simplicity, and bold taste in every bite. Customize it, make it your own, and enjoy a sloppy, cheesy, beefy delight that brings comfort with every mouthful. If you’ve never had a Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe before, this is your sign to give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.
