Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods: the famous Philly cheesesteak and the much-loved sloppy joe. Combining the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese, these sandwiches are hearty, filling, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering. If you're a fan of quick and tasty meals, you'll want to read through this recipe and give it a try. Let's dive in!

What are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a hybrid dish that takes inspiration from both the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the traditional sloppy joe. A classic Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll. Sloppy Joes, on the other hand, are typically made with ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce and served on a bun. The fusion of these two classics creates a delicious, messy, and cheesy sandwich that's bursting with flavor.
In this recipe, ground beef is cooked with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a savory sauce, then topped with melted provolone or American cheese. The result is a flavorful and cheesy sandwich that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you’ll need to make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef – Ground chuck works great for a juicy, flavorful result.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – Provides the classic Philly cheesesteak taste and texture.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Garlic adds a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This brings a rich, umami flavor that balances the beef and vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup – Adds a hint of sweetness and tang to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Gives the mixture a bit of a tangy, sharp bite.
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce (optional) – Boosts the meaty, umami flavors, making the beef mixture extra rich.
- ½ cup beef broth – Helps create the "sloppy" consistency and intensifies the beefy flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasoning to balance the flavors of the dish.
- 4 slices provolone or American cheese – These cheeses melt beautifully into the mixture, making it rich and creamy.
- 4 hamburger buns or hoagie rolls – Use soft buns or rolls that can hold the beef mixture without falling apart.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is how customizable they are. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Cheese options: While provolone and American cheese are the traditional choices, you can also use mozzarella, Cheez Whiz, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Ground meat: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Peppers: You can swap out the green bell pepper for red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, which are sweeter and add a pop of color.
- Buns: For a low-carb option, serve the sloppy joe mixture over lettuce wraps or on top of roasted portobello mushrooms.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here is a breakdown of how to cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:

- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Push the browned beef to the side of the skillet and add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, steak sauce (if using), and beef broth. Mix everything together, ensuring the beef and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld.
- Add the cheese: Lay the slices of provolone or American cheese over the beef mixture and cover the skillet. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into the sloppy joe mixture.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Toast your hamburger buns or hoagie rolls if desired. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the buns and serve immediately.
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Start by browning the ground beef: This step is key to building flavor. Break up the meat as it cooks to get a nice, even browning. If there's too much fat, drain it to avoid a greasy texture.
- Sauté the veggies: Onions, peppers, and garlic are the holy trinity of flavors in this recipe. They add sweetness, texture, and a hint of sharpness that perfectly complements the beef.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and beef broth create a balanced sauce that keeps the mixture juicy and flavorful without being overly messy. Let the sauce reduce slightly to thicken.
- Top with cheese: Once everything is cooked through, melting the cheese on top is the final step. The cheese melts into the meat, making every bite gooey and delicious.
- Serve hot: Be sure to serve these sandwiches fresh off the stove. The heat keeps the cheese nice and melty, and the buns won’t get soggy if you serve them right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the beef: If your ground beef is too fatty, it can make the mixture overly greasy. Be sure to drain excess fat for a better texture.
- Undercooking the vegetables: The onions and peppers should be soft and slightly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step.
- Adding too much liquid: Be cautious with the beef broth. You want the mixture to be saucy but not soupy. If it looks too liquidy, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Using cold buns: For the best experience, lightly toast your buns. This adds a nice crunch and helps prevent them from getting too soggy under the sloppy joe mixture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes even more appealing, consider these serving and presentation ideas:
- Top with additional cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheese over the beef mixture before closing the sandwich for an extra-cheesy bite.
- Serve with fries: Pair your sandwiches with classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Offer toppings: Set out extra toppings like sliced pickles, banana peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for guests to customize their sandwiches.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are best served hot and fresh. To make them easy to eat, use sturdy buns that can handle the saucy filling. Serve alongside fries or chips for a casual meal, or offer them as part of a larger spread at a game day or party gathering. You can also make mini versions using slider buns for a fun, bite-sized appetizer.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Serve on a wooden board: Arrange the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Add a side of dipping sauce: Offer small bowls of au jus, cheese sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping to elevate the meal.
- Use small baskets: Serve the sandwiches in small, lined baskets with fries or chips for a classic diner-style presentation.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: The beef mixture can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Just wait to add the cheese until you’re about to serve.
- Double the recipe: If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe is easy to double. Simply increase the ingredients and cook in batches if needed.
- Leftovers: Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add the cheese right before serving.
Can I freeze the filling? Yes, the beef mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
What’s the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes? Provolone and American cheese are the most popular choices, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun, easy, and incredibly delicious way to combine the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a satisfying dish for game day, this recipe delivers. With savory beef, melty cheese, and perfectly sautéed veggies, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
This easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines tender ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese in a sloppy joe twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner that kids and adults will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Green bell pepper
- Onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
- Ketchup
- Provolone cheese slices
- Sandwich buns
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Add diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until soft.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and ketchup. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve beef mixture on buns topped with provolone cheese.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can substitute provolone with American or cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
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