Ever wished your favorite sandwiches could collide in the most delicious way possible? Let me introduce you to the masterpiece you didn’t know you needed: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Table of Contents
I’m Chef Andrew, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned after decades in the kitchen, it’s that flavor should never be sacrificed for speed. That’s why I created this mouthwatering mashup that gives you all the bold, cheesy, peppery comfort of a Philly cheesesteak with the fast, saucy charm of a sloppy joe.
Imagine biting into a perfectly toasted brioche bun piled high with seasoned beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted provolone. It’s hearty and satisfying with just the right amount of gooeyness and zing. And the best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or hosting game night with friends, this recipe will be your new go-to. It’s built for real-life schedules but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Most recipes stick to the basics. This one takes it up a notch with texture, richness, and crave-worthy layers in every bite.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are more than a recipe. They’re a solution to busy evenings and hungry mouths. Let’s dive into how to make them absolutely unforgettable.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes That Impress in 30 Mins
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s knife
- Toaster or skillet for buns
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small white onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 blend
For the Sauce
- 0.5 cup beef stock
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheese and Buns
- 12 slices provolone cheese divided
- 6 brioche buns store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cut 6 slices of provolone cheese into small pieces and stir into the beef mixture just before serving to melt through.
- Toast brioche buns until golden. Place a whole slice of provolone on each bottom half and top with a spoonful of sloppy joe mixture. Add the top bun and serve hot.
Notes
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ever wished your favorite sandwiches could collide in the most delicious way possible? Let me introduce you to the masterpiece you didn’t know you needed: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
I’m Chef Andrew, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned after decades in the kitchen, it’s that flavor should never be sacrificed for speed. That’s why I created this mouthwatering mashup that gives you all the bold, cheesy, peppery comfort of a Philly cheesesteak with the fast, saucy charm of a sloppy joe.
Imagine biting into a perfectly toasted brioche bun piled high with seasoned beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted provolone. It’s hearty and satisfying with just the right amount of gooeyness and zing. And the best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or hosting game night with friends, this recipe will be your new go-to. It’s built for real-life schedules but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Most recipes stick to the basics. This one takes it up a notch with texture, richness, and crave-worthy layers in every bite.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are more than a recipe. They’re a solution to busy evenings and hungry mouths. Let’s dive into how to make them absolutely unforgettable.
7 Mistakes to Avoid for the BEST Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Cut of Beef
- Avoid: Lean ground beef (too dry) or overly fatty meat (greasy).
- Fix: 80/20 ground beef (perfect fat ratio) OR thinly sliced ribeye (authentic Philly-style).
Mistake #2: Skipping the Veggie Sauté
- Why? Raw onions & peppers = bitter, crunchy texture.
- Fix: Caramelize them first! (Adds sweetness & depth.)
Mistake #3: Overloading the Sauce
Mistake #4: Using Low-Quality Cheese
- Avoid: Pre-shredded cheese (anti-caking agents = grainy melt).
- Fix: Freshly grated provolone or American cheese (ultra-creamy).
Mistake #5: Not Toasting the Buns
- Why? A soft bun turns mushy fast.
- Fix: Butter & toast them (adds crunch & prevents sogginess).
Mistake #6: Rushing the Cooking Process
- Avoid: High heat = tough meat & burnt flavors.
- Fix: Medium-low heat + patience = tender, juicy perfection.
Mistake #7: Forgetting the Seasoning
- Avoid: Bland, one-note flavor.
- Fix: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, & smoked paprika (boosts umami).
Ingredients Needed for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that work together to deliver bold flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need, organized by component:
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
(Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables) - 1 small white onion, finely chopped
(Adds sweetness and depth to the mixture) - 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
(Brings color and a mild, crisp bite) - 1 pound lean ground beef, 90/10 blend
(A balanced choice for flavor and less grease)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup beef stock
(Deepens the savory flavor and adds moisture) - 1/4 cup ketchup
(Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity) - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
(Provides umami and complexity) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
(Enhances the savory notes) - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
(For balanced seasoning) - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
(A little heat to round out the flavor)
For the Cheese and Buns
- 12 slices provolone cheese, divided
(Melty and mild, perfect for this mash-up) - 6 brioche buns, store-bought or homemade
(Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding the mixture)
Optional: Add a little butter to the buns before toasting for golden edges and flavor.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a cheesy, savory, and deeply satisfying meal from start to finish. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it as easy to clean up as it is to devour.
- Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Stir frequently and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. They should look glossy but not browned. This forms the aromatic foundation of your sloppy joes. - Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef directly into the skillet with the softened vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown evenly, about 5 to 6 minutes. Cook until there’s no pink remaining and any excess moisture has evaporated. - Build the Sauce
Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat evenly. This simmer step blends the flavors and intensifies the richness. - Add the Cheese
Stack 6 slices of provolone cheese and cut them into small 1/2-inch pieces. Just before serving, stir the cheese pieces into the beef mixture. The residual heat will melt them into the meat, making the filling extra creamy and flavorful. - Toast and Assemble the Buns
Toast the brioche buns in a toaster or on a hot skillet until golden. Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each bun and let it melt slightly from the warmth. Pile a generous spoonful of the cheesy meat mixture on top and cap it with the other half of the bun. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes immediately while hot and melty. They’re perfect on their own or alongside fries, chips, or a crisp slaw.
Pro Tip: Leftover filling keeps well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of stock or water. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat when needed.
Pro Tips for Next-Level Sloppy Joes for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
✔ Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
✔ Healthier swap: Use ground turkey & low-fat cheese.
✔ Meal prep friendly: Freezes well for up to 3 months!
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Does cheesesteak have sauce?
Traditional Philly cheesesteaks don’t have a heavy sauce—just melted cheese (like provolone or Cheez Whiz). However, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes include a savory beef broth-based sauce for extra juiciness!
How do you eat sloppy joes?
Open-faced or sandwiched! Serve on toasted buns with napkins handy (they’re messy by design). Pro tip: Use a fork for the first few bites to avoid spills!
Does sloppy joe come with meat?
Yes! Classic sloppy joes use ground beef, but you can swap in turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
How long is leftover cheesesteak good for?
3–4 days in the fridge (store in an airtight container). Reheat with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Can you reheat a Philly cheesesteak?
Yes! For best results:
Stovetop: Low heat with a touch of butter.
Oven: 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil to prevent drying.
Avoid microwaving (makes bread soggy).
How do you preserve leftover steak?
For long-term storage:
Freeze cooked meat (without buns) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are everything you love about two American classics, combined into one delicious, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something satisfying for your next gathering, this recipe checks every box. It’s rich, flavorful, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness in every bite.
The real magic is in the details. The sautéed onions and peppers create a naturally sweet foundation, the perfectly seasoned beef brings hearty satisfaction, and the melted provolone ties everything together into gooey perfection. Toasted brioche buns give each sandwich structure and warmth without turning soggy, making every bite as good as the first.
Plus, it’s a flexible recipe. Want to go classic with shaved steak? You can. Need something kid-friendly and fast? Stick with the ground beef version. Craving more spice? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. These sandwiches adapt to your taste and schedule, making them a repeat favorite in any kitchen.
If you’ve made this recipe, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below with your star rating and let us know how it turned out. Your feedback helps others and builds a great cooking community right here.
And if you’re sharing your delicious results on social media, tag us so we can celebrate your creation. Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram—we’re there for it all.
Here’s a fun question: which version are you more excited to try—the quick ground beef or the classic shaved steak? Let us know in the comments. Your answer might inspire someone’s next dinner!
Hungry for more? Check out my Salisbury Steak Meatballs – Comfort Food Made Easy (30-Min Meal!) for more easy, crowd-pleasing meals! or go to my Pinterest.