Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 237 reviews

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors, you absolutely have to try this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe. It takes the classic sloppy joe and transforms it into an irresistible twist inspired by the iconic Philly cheesesteak. With tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and loads of melty provolone cheese, this recipe offers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and smoky notes. Each bite is a comforting celebration that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, making it a fantastic meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is raw ground meat in pink and brown shades, mixed with chopped white onion pieces and green bell pepper chunks evenly spread out. A wooden spatula with a light brown texture is placed inside the pan, stirring the ingredients. To the right of the pan, there are five small containers placed on a white marbled surface; three glass containers hold red sauce, dark brown sauce, and another darker brown sauce, while two small wooden bowls contain light beige and black spices. A red cloth with a white checkered pattern lies to the left of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each contributing something special to the overall flavor and texture. From the juicy ground beef that forms the base, to the aromatic sautéed veggies, and the rich, melty provolone cheese, everything works together beautifully.

  • 1 Tablespoon butter (or oil): Adds richness and helps soften the veggies.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85%): The heart of the dish, providing meaty flavor and a great texture.
  • 1 yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch once cooked down.
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced): Brings slight bitterness and vibrant color.
  • 3 Tablespoons ketchup: Offers a tangy, tomato-based depth to the sauce.
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the beef with umami and a savory kick.
  • 1 Tablespoon A1 steak sauce: Adds complexity and a smoky undertone.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Elevates the overall flavor with subtle garlic and seasoning.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings mild heat and balances the flavors.
  • 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the mixture juicy while enriching the sauce.
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfectly sloppy consistency.
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Creates that gooey, stringy cheesy goodness mixed right into the beef.
  • 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts on the toasted buns to add a luscious topping.
  • 6 brioche buns (buttered and toasted): Slightly sweet and buttery buns that hold all the filling without falling apart.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

The image shows a metal tray with four sandwich buns arranged in two rows, each bun opened to reveal the inside. The two buns on the left side have thin slices of pale yellow cheese neatly placed on their top halves, which are smooth and slightly glossy. The two buns on the right side have their top halves toasted to a golden-brown color with some darker spots, showing a crunchy texture. In the background to the right, there is a white plate with more toasted buns and a white bowl filled with additional slices of pale yellow cheese. A red cloth with a white cross pattern lies on the wooden table beneath the tray. The surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies

Start off by heating the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers into the pan. Cook everything together while breaking up the beef into crumbles. This allows the beef to brown nicely and the vegetables to soften until they become tender and fragrant—typically about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease for a cleaner taste and texture.

Step 2: Flavor the Mixture

Next, stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, A1 steak sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. Let this combination cook for 2 to 3 minutes so the beef soaks up all those mouthwatering flavors. This step is key in building that signature tangy and savory profile that makes this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe stand out.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet, then bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring every now and then while the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes. The result is a luscious, saucy base that clings to every bite.

Step 4: Add the Shredded Provolone Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese, covering the skillet briefly to let the cheese melt into the beef mixture. At first, it will be stringy, but give it a couple of minutes, and it turns beautifully gooey and smooth, bringing that irresistible cheesesteak vibe to the sloppy joe filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Buns

While the beef and cheese mixture is coming together, place the top halves of the brioche buns on a baking sheet. Add one slice of provolone cheese to each top bun, then broil in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly and gets just a hint of bubbly browning. This step adds a wonderful, melty layer that complements the filling superbly.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Finally, pile the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted brioche buns. Cap each with the cheesy top buns, press lightly, and serve immediately while everything is warm, melty, and utterly delicious.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like pickled jalapeños or chopped fresh parsley can brighten up this rich dish with a little heat and fresh notes. Crisp shredded lettuce or thinly sliced tomato also adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the gooey fillings.

Side Dishes

This cheesy, saucy sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy fries, onion rings, or even a simple side salad. For a fun twist, serve with dill pickle spears or a bowl of coleslaw for extra crunch and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these sloppy joes open-faced on a sturdy plate for a rustic presentation or wrap them in parchment paper for easy handling at casual parties. For a party trick, you could make mini sliders using smaller buns – just reduce cooking times slightly but keep all the flavors intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to prevent sogginess and toast them fresh before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked beef mixture in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the filling gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and melty again. Toast fresh buns and assemble right before eating for that just-made experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone is classic for Philly cheesesteak flavors, you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese blend depending on your taste preference.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe is mild by default but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to spice things up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms and follow the same steps for a delicious vegetarian version.

What’s the best bun to use?

Brioche buns are ideal because their slight sweetness and buttery texture complement the savory filling perfectly, but any sturdy sandwich bun will work well.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

From start to finish, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy sandwich filled with savory beef and melty provolone, and the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe hits that craving on the nose. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every sloppy, cheesy bite!

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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
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4.2 from 237 reviews

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comfort and ease of sloppy joes. Ground beef is cooked with onions and bell peppers, simmered in a savory sauce enriched with ketchup, Worcestershire, and steak sauce, then finished with creamy provolone cheese. Served on toasted brioche buns with melted provolone on top, these sandwiches are a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon butter (or oil)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon A1 steak sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 brioche buns, buttered and toasted

Instructions

  1. Cook Beef and Vegetables: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook while breaking up the beef, stirring often, until the beef is browned and vegetables have softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
  2. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in ketchup, A1 steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld with the meat.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Melt in Shredded Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded provolone cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid for 30 to 60 seconds, then stir again until the cheese is fully incorporated and stringy.
  5. Broil Cheese on Buns: Place the tops of the buttered and toasted brioche buns on a baking sheet. Add 1 slice of provolone cheese to each bun top. Broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with the provolone-topped bun halves. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease and keeps the sandwich hearty but not greasy.
  • Simmering with cornstarch-thickened broth creates a glossy sauce that coats the beef perfectly.
  • Broiling the cheese on the buns adds a delicious melted cheesy texture on top.
  • Feel free to substitute provolone with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
  • To save time, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat before assembling.
  • Brioche buns add a slightly sweet, rich flavor that complements the savory filling.

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