Why You’ll Love these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
While traditional sloppy joes will always have a special place in our hearts, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes take the classic to an entirely new level.
You’ll love how they combine two iconic comfort foods into one irresistible meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t have hours to cook.
The melty provolone cheese, tender beef, and caramelized veggies create that authentic Philly flavor you crave, but in a form that’s less messy to eat than a traditional cheesesteak.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that transforms affordable ground beef into something special?
What Ingredients are in Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
To make these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that transform regular ground beef into something extraordinary.
The beauty of this recipe is how it captures all those classic Philly cheesesteak flavors—the savory meat, sweet onions, peppers, and gooey cheese—but presents them in a more family-friendly format.
And unlike traditional cheesesteaks that require thinly sliced ribeye, these sloppy joes use budget-friendly ground beef, making them perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 slices provolone cheese, chopped or shredded
- 4-6 hamburger buns
- Butter for toasting buns (optional)
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your ground beef makes a difference—I recommend using lean ground beef (around 85/15) for the best flavor without excess grease.
And while provolone is the traditional cheese for authentic Philly flavor, you could substitute with white American cheese or even mozzarella in a pinch.
The hamburger buns can be basic or brioche for a touch more richness, and toasting them with a bit of butter creates that perfect crispy exterior that holds up well against the saucy meat mixture.
Couldn’t be simpler, right?
How to Make these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Making these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is almost embarrassingly easy—and I mean that in the best possible way.
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your 1 small finely diced yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper (also finely diced), then sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This veggie base is what gives our sloppy joes that authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe, so don’t rush this step. The onions should be just starting to turn translucent and maybe getting a tiny bit of color around the edges.
Next, add 1 pound of lean ground beef to your softened veggies. Break it apart with a spatula (a wooden spoon works wonders here) and cook until it’s completely browned and no pink remains, usually about 5-7 minutes. Once your beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat—nobody wants soggy buns, right?
Now for the flavor magic: stir in ½ cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up a bit. The sauce should coat the meat rather than pool around it.
The final step is what transforms this from a regular sloppy joe to a Philly cheesesteak masterpiece. Reduce your heat to low and stir in your 6 slices of chopped or shredded provolone cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated throughout the beef mixture, creating that gooey, cheesy texture we all crave.
While your mixture is finishing up, you can toast your 4-6 hamburger buns if you want (and I highly recommend you do). Just spread a little butter on the cut sides and place them face-down in another skillet until golden brown.
Then simply spoon your cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns, and dinner is served! The contrast between the crisp, buttery bun and the savory, cheesy filling? Absolute heaven.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Substitutions and Variations
Though traditional Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are already a delicious twist on two classic sandwiches, you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Not a provolone fan? American or white cheddar work beautifully too.
Mushrooms make a perfect addition for an earthier flavor profile, while red bell peppers add sweetness and color. Can’t do beef broth? Vegetable broth steps in nicely.
For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Serving a crowd? Double the recipe—it’s that simple.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Pairing the perfect sides with your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes can round out the meal and take it from good to absolutely fantastic.
Classic options include crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings—all ideal for soaking up any dripping sauce from your sandwich.
For something lighter, try a simple side salad with vinaigrette or creamy coleslaw that provides a revitalizing crunch.
Pickle spears add that tangy contrast that cuts through the richness, while potato chips deliver that satisfying crackle we all crave with sandwiches.
Hungry yet?
Final Thoughts
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes represent the best of both worlds—combining the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the casual comfort of a sloppy joe.
You’ll love how they come together in just about 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing dinner guests, these sandwiches hit all the right notes.
The gooey cheese, savory beef, and sweet peppers create that crave-worthy balance that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Isn’t that what comfort food is all about?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper, then sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the softened vegetables. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the chopped or shredded provolone cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
- Optional: Spread butter on the cut sides of hamburger buns and toast them face-down in a skillet until golden brown.
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.
