Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

If you love Philly cheesesteaks and have a soft spot for classic sloppy joes, get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes combine tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melty cheese, and a savory sauce—all piled onto a soft, toasted bun.

They’re everything you crave about both sandwiches: cheesy, juicy, savory, and a little messy (in the best way). Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual game-day eats.

It’s a fast, easy twist on a classic that your whole family will devour!

Why You’ll Love Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

• One-skillet meal—easy cleanup!
• Cheesy, beefy, savory goodness in every bite
• Family-friendly and customizable
• Faster and easier than making traditional cheesesteaks
• Perfect for feeding a crowd

They’re pure comfort, and nobody can resist that melty cheese pull!

Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

This recipe makes about 6 sandwiches.

For the filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 3/4 cup beef broth

For assembling:

• 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or more if you love it extra cheesy)
• Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Optional toppings:

• Pickled jalapeños
• Extra sautéed mushrooms
• Hot sauce drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and bell pepper.

Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Brown the Beef

Push the veggies to the side of the pan.

Add the ground beef.

Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

Drain off any excess grease if necessary.

3. Add Flavor

Stir in:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Mix well to coat the beef and veggies evenly.

Sprinkle in the flour if you want a thicker mixture (optional, but helps the sauce cling).

Cook for another minute.

4. Simmer the Filling

Pour in the beef broth.

Bring to a simmer.

Cook for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and gets nice and saucy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Turn heat to low and keep warm.

5. Prepare the Buns

While the meat simmers:

• Split and butter the buns.
• Toast them lightly in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.

Toasted buns hold up better under all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each toasted bun bottom.

Top with a slice of provolone cheese.

Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes just until the cheese melts, if you want extra gooeyness.

Top with the other half of the bun.

Serve hot—and grab some napkins!

Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

• Toast the buns to keep them from getting soggy
• Use provolone cheese for classic Philly flavor
• Dice the veggies small so they blend into the beef
• Don’t overcook—keep the beef juicy and saucy
• Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd—these disappear fast!

Fast, cheesy, hearty, and totally irresistible.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty twists:

Mushroom Philly Sloppy Joes:

• Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers.

Spicy Philly Sloppy Joes:

• Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Chicken Philly Sloppy Joes:

• Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.

BBQ Philly Sloppy Joes:

• Add 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

Double Cheese Sloppy Joes:

• Stir 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the beef mixture before serving.

Customize with whatever toppings and flavors you love!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make ahead:

• Cook the beef filling and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat and assemble sandwiches fresh when ready to eat.

To freeze:

• Cool the beef mixture completely.
• Freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Leftovers:

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.

These sandwiches reheat beautifully!

What to Serve with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Complete your meal with a few simple, delicious sides.

Perfect pairings:

• Crinkle fries or sweet potato fries
• Potato chips and dill pickles
• Simple green salad or coleslaw
• Baked beans or mac and cheese
• Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus

Grab a cold drink, pile up a big plate, and dig in!

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FAQs

1. Can I use shredded beef instead of ground beef?

Yes! If you have leftover roast beef or shredded beef, chop it up finely and use it in place of the ground beef for a heartier, more traditional texture.

2. What kind of cheese is best?

Provolone is classic, but you can also use American cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar if you like it sharper.

3. Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Make the filling ahead and keep it warm in a slow cooker on “warm” setting. Let guests build their own sandwiches as they go.

4. How do I make the sloppy joes less saucy?

Use a little less broth and skip the flour thickener if you want a drier, chunkier filling that holds together better on the bun.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

6. Can I add more veggies?

Totally. Mushrooms, spinach, shredded carrots, or even zucchini would be great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers.

7. What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Spread a little butter on the cut sides and toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden. It only takes a minute and makes a huge difference!

8. Can I freeze the assembled sandwiches?

It’s better to freeze just the filling. The buns can get soggy if frozen already assembled. Assemble fresh after reheating the beef.

9. How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Toast the buns first, use a slotted spoon to serve the beef (draining off extra liquid), and eat the sandwiches soon after assembling.

10. Can I double the recipe easily?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients. Use a bigger skillet or cook the beef in batches, then combine everything to simmer together.