If you’ve ever found yourself torn between craving a Philly cheesesteak and a classic sloppy joe, here’s the good news—you no longer have to choose. Enter the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe, a delicious fusion that brings together the best of both worlds.
Think of juicy ground beef simmered with onions, peppers, garlic, and a flavorful sauce, topped with melty provolone cheese, all piled onto a golden, toasted bun. It’s messy in the most glorious way, cheesy enough to make you swoon, and hearty enough to keep you full and happy.
This isn’t just another sandwich—it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
When you take your first bite, you’ll instantly understand why this recipe deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Here are some irresistible reasons:
- One-skillet recipe → Minimal dishes, easy cleanup.
- Quick to make → Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Crowd-pleasing → Family-friendly and perfect for parties or game nights.
- Customizable → Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or swap the meat for chicken.
- Pure comfort food → Cheesy, saucy, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 6 hearty sandwiches—perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends.
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, helps thicken sauce)
- ¾ cup beef broth
For Assembling:
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese (add more if you love it extra cheesy)
- Butter, for toasting buns
Optional Toppings:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sautéed mushrooms
- A drizzle of hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for foolproof Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes every time:
1. Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and peppers; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Brown the Beef
- Push veggies to one side of the pan.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add Flavor
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well so the beef absorbs all the flavors.
- Sprinkle in flour for a thicker sauce and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Simmer the Filling
- Pour in beef broth.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and saucy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Prepare the Buns
- Split and butter each bun.
- Toast lightly in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Spoon beef mixture generously onto the bottom bun.
- Top with provolone cheese.
- Place under broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese (optional but recommended).
- Cap with the top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
- Toast the buns → Prevents sogginess.
- Use provolone → Classic Philly flavor.
- Dice veggies small → Blends seamlessly with beef.
- Keep it saucy, not soupy → Adjust broth for consistency.
- Serve immediately → Best enjoyed hot with melty cheese.
Fun Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe. Here are some fun variations:
🍄 Mushroom Philly Sloppy Joes
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions.
🌶️ Spicy Philly Sloppy Joes
Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
🍗 Chicken Philly Sloppy Joes
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
🍖 BBQ Philly Sloppy Joes
Stir in 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce for smoky-sweet flavor.
🧀 Double Cheese Sloppy Joes
Mix shredded cheddar into the beef and still top with provolone.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These sandwiches are great for meal prep!
- Make-Ahead → Cook the beef filling, refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly → Freeze filling up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently.
- Reheating → Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth.
What to Serve with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Complete your meal with these tasty sides:
- Crinkle fries or sweet potato fries
- Potato chips and dill pickles
- Coleslaw or simple green salad
- Mac and cheese
- Roasted veggies
And don’t forget a cold drink—it’s the perfect pairing!
Nutrition Guide (Per Sandwich Approximation)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
(Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use shredded beef instead of ground beef?
Yes! Leftover roast beef or shredded steak works beautifully.
2. What cheese works best?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar also work.
3. Can I make these ahead for parties?
Yes—keep the filling warm in a slow cooker and let guests assemble their own sandwiches.
4. How do I make them less saucy?
Reduce broth and skip flour for a chunkier filling.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free buns and ensure broth/Worcestershire are gluten-free.
6. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, shredded carrots, or zucchini are all great.
7. How do I toast buns perfectly?
Butter lightly and toast in a skillet or broiler until golden brown.
8. Can I freeze assembled sandwiches?
Better to freeze only the filling—buns get soggy if frozen.
9. How can I prevent soggy buns?
Toast buns, use a slotted spoon, and serve right away.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double ingredients and use a large skillet or cook beef in batches.
Final Thoughts
The Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe is a recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, hearty, cheesy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game-day eats.
With its versatility, make-ahead options, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking and making again and again.
