Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Save this recipe on:

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe brings together two all-American classics into one irresistible, flavor-packed sandwich. Imagine all the juicy, savory goodness of a traditional Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and melty cheese—merged with the saucy, comforting nostalgia of a sloppy joe. The result is a hearty, cheesy, slightly messy bite that satisfies like no other.

Whether you’re planning an easy family dinner, game day snack, or just craving something bold and comforting, this twist on the traditional sandwich delivers. It’s quick to whip up on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. With gooey cheese woven into savory beef and toasted buns soaking up all that rich, seasoned sauce, this is comfort food at its finest.

---

Ingredients for this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional but classic)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon beef broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices provolone or American cheese
• 4 brioche or hamburger buns, lightly toasted
• Pickled jalapeños (optional, for extra kick)
• Shredded cheddar (optional, for topping)

---

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the ground beef. Break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the mixture from getting too wet.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Push the beef to the side of the skillet or transfer it temporarily to a plate. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms directly into the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and beginning to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

---

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the skillet (if removed). Stir everything together, then add the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

---

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat and place the provolone slices directly on top of the meat mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir everything together so the cheese is fully blended in, creating a creamy, cheesy meat filling.

---

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon generous helpings of the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns. If you’re craving extra richness or spice, top with shredded cheddar and pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a crisp salad.

---

Storage Instructions

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes store beautifully, making them great for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Transfer the meat mixture (without buns) to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool the mixture completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the meat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the mixture.

Tip: Always assemble the sandwiches fresh to avoid soggy buns.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredients used.

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Sodium: 790mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best?

Provolone is traditional for a Philly-style flavor, but American or mozzarella also melt beautifully. For more sharpness, try cheddar.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter version of the dish.

How do I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture while cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

What buns are best for this recipe?

Brioche buns offer a soft, rich bite, but hamburger rolls, hoagie rolls, or even toasted ciabatta work great too.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting too soggy?

Toast the buns before assembling and don’t overload with sauce. Serving immediately after assembly also helps.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, the meat mixture can be made in advance and stored. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! It’s cheesy, flavorful, and customizable—just go easy on the spices if serving to little ones.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: