PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES

Ever wondered what would happen if your favorite Philly cheesesteak and classic sloppy joes teamed up for a delicious dinner upgrade?
That’s exactly what this recipe is all about—merging the juicy, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the bold, comforting flavors of a sloppy joe. It’s fast, easy, and sure to become a weeknight favorite.

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe is your perfect solution.

Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Recipe

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This isn’t your average sandwich. These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the juicy ground beef and savory seasonings of a traditional sloppy joe with the melty provolone and sautéed peppers and onions from a Philly cheesesteak. The result? A hot, gooey, satisfying sandwich that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Time Required:

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 15–20 minutes
• Total: About 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• Beginner-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights.

Best Part:

• No need for expensive cuts of steak—this version uses ground beef for a budget-friendly twist.

Essential Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (sub with red or yellow for a sweeter flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (adds a hint of sweetness—optional)
• 1 tablespoon beef broth or water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth but can be omitted)
• 4 slices provolone cheese (can substitute with mozzarella or white American cheese)
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted

Optional Toppings and Add-ins:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Banana peppers
• Jalapeños for a kick
• A drizzle of cheese sauce or mayo

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.

2. Brown the beef
Push the veggies to the side of the skillet and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add flavor
Mix the veggies back in with the beef. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, beef broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to slightly thicken.

4. Add the cheese
Turn the heat to low. Place the provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt—this takes about 1–2 minutes. Once melted, stir everything together until evenly mixed and gooey.

How to Assemble the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe

Now comes the fun part—building your sandwich:

1. Toast the buns in the oven or on a skillet to keep them from getting soggy.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
3. Top with extras like more cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or pickled jalapeños if desired.
4. Add the top bun, press lightly, and serve hot.

Presentation Tip: Serve with crispy potato wedges, kettle chips, or a crunchy dill pickle on the side.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store:

• Let the mixture cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Or reheat in a skillet over low heat for best texture.

To freeze:

• Freeze the cooked beef mixture (without cheese) in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and add cheese before serving.

Recipe Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
• Cheesesteak sliders: Serve on Hawaiian rolls for party-size bites.
• Low-carb option: Serve the meat mixture in lettuce cups or over a baked sweet potato.
• Kid-friendly version: Add extra cheese and omit peppers if your kids are picky eaters.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap the meat for lentils or plant-based ground and skip Worcestershire for a vegetarian sauce.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up. They’re quick, easy, budget-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, a hungry family, or just yourself on a busy night, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Try it once, and you’ll be adding it to your weekly dinner rotation. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste—cooking should be fun, not fussy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Yes! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin works great if you want to stay closer to traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.

Is there a healthier version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Use ground turkey or lean beef, reduce the cheese, and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice for a lighter meal.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and reheat before serving. Toast the buns just before assembling to keep them fresh.

How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or a drizzle of homemade cheese sauce on top before serving.

Are there any gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free buns or serve the mixture in baked potatoes or lettuce wraps.

What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Try classic sides like:

• Oven-baked fries
• Coleslaw
• Roasted vegetables
• Sweet potato chips

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe proves that you don’t have to choose between two comfort food classics—you can have both in one easy meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your twist on it.