Let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food mash-up: Philly Cheese Steak meets Sloppy Joes. This recipe takes the best of both worlds and combines them into a single, glorious sandwich. Picture tender beef, gooey melted cheese, and all the savory, slightly tangy goodness of a classic sloppy joe—all piled onto a soft bun. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or just a way to spice up your dinner routine, this one’s going to hit the spot. Trust me, you’ll want to take a big bite of this!
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
This recipe isn’t just about filling your belly—it’s about satisfying your cravings and creating that “wow” moment when you take your first bite. Here’s why it’s an instant hit:
- Comforting and Familiar: If you’re a fan of sloppy joes or Philly cheese steaks, you’re in for a treat. It’s the ultimate fusion of two classic comfort foods.
- Quick and Easy: No need to spend all day in the kitchen. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful dish that’s just as delicious as it is satisfying.
- Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings, add extra veggies, or even swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re hosting friends, this recipe is quick enough for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleasing: You can’t go wrong with melted cheese and savory beef! This dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes masterpiece:
Ground Beef
The star of the show! Tender, juicy ground beef is the base for this dish, giving you that deliciously hearty flavor you love in a Philly cheese steak.
Green Bell Pepper
For that crisp, slightly sweet crunch that adds texture and flavor to the sloppy joe filling.
Onion
Sweet onions that cook down and add savory depth to the mix. Their natural sweetness balances out the savory beef and cheese perfectly.
Garlic
A little garlic adds that aromatic punch to bring all the flavors together.
Beef Broth
Helps create a rich, savory base for the sloppy joe sauce that coats the beef and veggies.
Worcestershire Sauce
For that deep, umami flavor that really elevates the whole dish.
Ketchup
Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the sauce, bringing it all together.
Dijon Mustard
A bit of mustard gives the sauce a nice zesty kick.
Cheese
Provolone or American cheese is key to getting that cheesy, gooey goodness you crave. You’ll melt it right on top of the beef for maximum deliciousness.
Buns
Soft, sturdy buns that can handle all that cheesy beef goodness. Think hoagie rolls or any other sturdy sandwich bun that won’t fall apart!
(Note: the full list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below!)
Instructions
Ready to dive in and get cooking? Here’s how to make your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes:
Cook the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Add the Veggies
Throw in the chopped bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften and become fragrant.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up a bit and the flavors meld together.
Melt the Cheese
Once the mixture is nice and thick, turn off the heat. Lay the slices of cheese on top of the beef and veggie mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes. You want it to get nice and gooey!
Assemble the Sandwiches
Scoop a generous portion of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the melted cheesy goodness and add the top bun. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to really take it up a notch, try these serving ideas:
- French Fries: Crispy fries on the side will perfectly complement the saucy, cheesy sandwich.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, crunchy coleslaw can help balance out the richness of the sloppy joes.
- Pickles: A side of tangy pickles adds a nice contrast to the savory sandwich.
- Salads: A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing bite alongside the richness of the sloppy joes.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.
- Swap the Meat: You can easily use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve and top with cheese!
- Freezing Tip: This sloppy joe filling freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw and reheat.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a fun twist on the classic Philly cheese steak flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and provides a lighter version of the dish.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it and add the cheese when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: What kind of cheese should I use?
A3: Provolone is traditional, but American cheese melts beautifully and gives that gooey, comforting texture. You can also experiment with mozzarella or cheddar if you like!
Q4: Can I freeze the beef mixture?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q5: Can I use a different type of bun?
A5: Absolutely! Any sturdy bun will work, but hoagie rolls, brioche buns, or even ciabatta rolls are great options.
Q6: How do I make the sloppy joes spicier?
A6: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture for some extra heat.
Q7: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A7: Yes, you can! Cook the beef and veggies on low for 4-6 hours, then add the cheese at the end and let it melt before serving.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store the leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q9: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A9: Yes, you can swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Q10: What other sides would pair well with this?
A10: In addition to fries and slaw, try serving these with a side of baked beans, roasted potatoes, or even mac and cheese for an extra comfort food feast!
Conclusion
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s full of flavor, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes will hit the spot every time. They combine the best of both worlds—tender beef, melty cheese, and that classic sloppy joe saucy goodness—into a simple, satisfying dish that’s ready in no time. So next time you’re looking for a delicious dinner idea, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintPhilly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes will make you forget those childhood canned sauce memories and make you fall in love with sloppy joes all over again. With savory beef, melted provolone cheese, and a perfect blend of veggies and seasonings, this dish is a comforting twist on a classic. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun family meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6 oz if you don’t want it too cheesy)
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a large cast iron skillet and brown until a deep crust appears before breaking the beef apart.
- Stir the beef and continue browning until about 50% of the beef has developed a deep crust.
- Remove the beef (you can leave the fat) and add the butter, diced onions, bell peppers, and minced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Let the vegetables brown for 1-2 minutes before stirring. Let them brown for another 1-2 minutes before stirring again.
- Add the browned beef back into the skillet.
- In a small cup, mix the beef broth and cornstarch together.
- Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and the beef broth/cornstarch mixture into the pan.
- Cook until the mixture has reduced and is only slightly liquidy, about 3-5 minutes (about 75% of the mixture should be above the liquid).
- Turn off the heat, add in the chopped provolone cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Serve on toasted brioche buns and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want to make it extra cheesy, you can add more provolone cheese or mix in another type of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
- For added flavor, try serving with sautéed onions or pickles on the side.
- These sloppy joes are great served with crispy fries or a simple side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 540kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg