Name: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup beef broth; 4 hamburger buns; 4 slices provolone cheese

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If you’ve ever craved the flavor-packed combination of juicy beef, sautéed peppers, melt-in-your-mouth onions, and gooey provolone, but want something just a little more fun and family-friendly, get ready for a treat: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. This recipe takes everything you love about the iconic Philly cheesesteak and serves it up in classic, messy, absolutely delicious sloppy joe form. Picture all those savory, cheesy bites piled high on a soft toasted bun—perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to bring a little extra joy to the table.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is how simple the ingredient list is. Every item has a specific role, from building a rich base to creating the signature stretchy cheese pull—meaning each one matters for that authentic, crave-worthy result.

1 pound ground beef: The heart of the dish; opt for lean for less grease, but any ground beef will deliver plenty of flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the veggies soften and brings a subtle richness to the finished filling.
1 small yellow onion (diced): A classic cheesesteak staple that builds deep flavor and melting sweetness.
1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds essential Philly tang and crunch—don’t skip it!
2 cloves garlic (minced): Boosts the aromatic punch and depth in every bite.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the beef with a savory, umami-packed complexity.
1 tablespoon ketchup: Lends just enough sweetness and tang to round out the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Pulls all the savory notes together; feel free to adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle kick and peppery warmth.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the mixture so it sits perfectly on your buns, not your lap.
3/4 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and rich, beefy undertones to the filling.
4 hamburger buns: Soft, pillowy, and ideal for catching every drop of that cheesy goodness.
4 slices provolone cheese: Melts down creamy and smooth—signature Philly style!

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onions and green bell pepper. Sauté them together for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re wonderfully soft and fragrant—the perfect start to building your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes’ flavor.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds. This quick step unlocks all that irresistible garlicky aroma and gives the filling a bold, layered backbone.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, crumble the ground beef right into the skilet. Use a spatula or spoon to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring even browning and lots of edges. Cook until no pink remains—about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off for a lighter, less greasy filling.

Step 4: Season It Up

Now’s the moment to layer on all those signature flavors! Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to thoroughly combine, coating the meat and veggies with that tangy, savory magic.

Step 5: Thicken the Mixture

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and stir well. This helps soak up any juices and will give the filling just enough body to stay put in the buns. Once combined, pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens into the perfect, spoonable texture.

Step 6: Add the Provolone Cheese

Lower the heat and lay those glorious slices of provolone right on top of the beef mixture. Let them melt undisturbed for a minute or two, then gently stir everything to distribute the gooey cheese throughout. The filling should be rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy!

Step 7: Toast the Buns and Assemble

For maximum enjoyment, lightly toast your hamburger buns—either in a toaster, under the broiler, or right in the skillet. Spoon generous portions of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes mixture onto each bottom half, add the top bun, and serve while everything’s hot and melty.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

These beauties are plenty flavorful on their own, but consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onion to add a vibrant touch of color. For a fun, festive flair, try a few pickled jalapeños or pepperoncini on top for bite and zing.

Side Dishes

The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is that they play well with just about anything. Serve them up with classic potato chips, crispy fries, or homemade coleslaw for crunch. Even a simple side salad can lend a fresh, crisp contrast to all that hearty, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t feel limited to classic buns! Spoon the filling over toasted hoagie rolls for that extra-authentic cheesesteak feel, or pile it onto baked potatoes for a fun twist. For parties, tuck mini portions into slider buns or hollowed bread bowls—people go crazy for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes served appetizer-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just let the mixture cool to room temperature before transferring, and keep buns and filling separate to avoid any unwanted sogginess.

Freezing

The beef and veggie mixture (minus the buns and cheese) freezes like a champ! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, add your cheese, and assemble as usual for an easy, future-proof meal.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If things seem a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to bring it back to its saucy best.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin. You may need to add a tiny bit more oil and adjust the seasonings for extra flavor, but Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are delicious with either option.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening, and grab gluten-free buns from the market. The rest of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling is naturally gluten-free—no sacrifices in flavor required!

What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

Toasting the buns makes a world of difference. You can even spread a light layer of butter before toasting for an extra protective barrier, ensuring each bite stays sturdy and satisfying.

Which cheese works best if I don’t have provolone?

If you’re out of provolone, white American cheese or even mozzarella melt beautifully and mimic the classic Philly profile. Cheddar adds a sharper note, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the filling ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and reheat with cheese when you’re ready to assemble. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights and tastes just as amazing as freshly made.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh weeknight upgrade or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the answer. They come together quickly, deliver those big, cheesy flavors everyone loves, and turn any meal into something worth celebrating. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at just how often this recipe shows up in your dinner rotation!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious twist on classic sloppy joes, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of a sloppy joe. Savory ground beef, peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese make for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joes:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup beef broth

For Serving:

4 hamburger buns
4 slices provolone cheese

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low and lay provolone slices over the beef.
Let the cheese melt, then stir to combine. Toast the hamburger buns if desired, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Serve warm.