Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

by Sophia

There are some recipes that just speak to your soul, and this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe? It’s one of those. It brings together two comfort food legends—sloppy joes and Philly cheesesteaks—into one melty, savory, ultra-satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or just a cozy dinner at home.

Now, if your family is anything like mine, then dinner time can be a bit of a scramble. We love meals that are easy to throw together but still taste like something you’d order at a diner. This recipe checks all the boxes—quick, hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. And the best part? No need to fuss with thinly slicing steak. Ground beef makes this meal approachable and budget-friendly while still delivering all that Philly cheesesteak goodness.

Let’s dive into what makes these sloppy joes so irresistibly good—and how you can get them on the table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is not your average sloppy joe. We’re talking buttery toasted buns piled high with seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a dreamy, melty cheese sauce. It’s everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak, but in a form that’s easier to make and easier to eat (well… sort of—napkins still required!).

Plus, this is one of those recipes that even picky eaters tend to love. You can adjust the cheese, skip the peppers for extra-fussy eaters, or spice it up with a dash of hot sauce if that’s your thing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s do a quick rundown of what you’ll need. Most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your kitchen:

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
4 hamburger buns
Butter for toasting buns (optional)

STEP 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in your finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re soft and starting to get a little color. This step builds a solid flavor base for the meat and adds that classic cheesesteak touch.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so make sure to stir it constantly at this point.

STEP 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef directly into the skillet with the veggies. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. If there’s excess grease in the pan (depending on the fat content of your beef), go ahead and drain it off carefully.

The beef should be crumbly, well mixed with the veggies, and starting to smell pretty amazing at this point.

STEP 3: Season and Thicken the Mixture

Now it’s time to build some flavor. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and flour. That tablespoon of flour might seem small, but it’s what’s going to help thicken our sauce and hold everything together. Mix well to make sure all the meat is evenly coated, then let it cook for one more minute.

This step is short but important—it gets rid of the raw flour taste and gets everything ready for the broth.

STEP 4: Add the Beef Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently, letting everything bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes. The broth should reduce a bit and thicken up, giving you a rich, savory base that’s just calling out for cheese.

And trust me, the cheese is coming next—and it’s going to take this filling to a whole new level.

Now that we’ve got that rich, beefy mixture simmering away and filling the kitchen with the most incredible smell, it’s time to finish building our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! If you’ve made it this far, the hardest part is already behind you. This next part is all about bringing in the cheese (yes, all of it), getting those buns perfectly toasted, and putting it all together for a dinner that’s equal parts easy and impressive.

Whether you’re serving this to your kids on a Wednesday night or feeding a hungry crowd on the weekend, this part of the process really seals the deal. So, let’s finish what we started!

STEP 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once your beef and broth mixture has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low. Now comes the best part—cheese. Stir in 1 cup of shredded provolone or mozzarella (or a mix of both if you’re feeling extra cheesy).

As the cheese melts into the hot beef, it transforms everything into this rich, creamy, gooey filling that’s basically irresistible. Make sure to stir well so the cheese is evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and hold together nicely without being too runny.

Tip: If you want to go ultra-indulgent, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at this stage. It’s not necessary, but it gives the filling a silky, luscious texture that’s hard to beat.

STEP 6: Toast the Buns (Optional, But Highly Recommended)

While your cheesy beef mixture is coming together, this is a great time to toast the buns. Trust me—don’t skip this step unless you absolutely have to. Toasting the buns with a little butter gives you that golden, slightly crisp exterior that stands up beautifully to the hearty filling.

Just heat a clean skillet over medium heat, add a dab of butter, and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown. It takes just a minute or two, and the payoff is totally worth it.

STEP 7: Assemble and Serve

Now comes the fun part—assembling your sloppy joes! Grab your toasted buns, pile on a generous scoop of the cheesy beef mixture, and serve them hot. The filling should be gooey and savory with just enough structure to stay put between the buns (for the most part… after all, they’re called sloppy joes for a reason).

Serving Suggestions: These sandwiches go great with a side of crispy fries, chips, or even a simple green salad if you’re trying to balance out all the richness. You could also add a few pickle slices or pepperoncini on the side for a tangy contrast.

Variations and Swaps

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few easy swaps or additions if you’re in the mood to experiment:

Different Cheeses: Provolone gives that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but mozzarella, white American, or even a mild cheddar can work just as well.
Add Mushrooms: Want to make it feel even more like a traditional cheesesteak? Add some sautéed mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns and serve the cheesy beef mixture over a baked potato, roasted veggies, or even in a lettuce wrap.
Make Ahead: The filling holds up great in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully. It’s ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

You’ve sautéed the veggies, browned the beef, melted all that glorious cheese, and stacked it high on a toasted bun—congratulations! You’ve just created one of the easiest, most crowd-pleasing meals out there. Before we wrap things up, I wanted to answer a few of the most common questions that come up with this recipe.

Whether you’re wondering how to make this ahead of time, how to freeze the leftovers, or what to serve on the side, this section has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave until hot, then spoon onto freshly toasted buns.

2. Can I freeze the meat mixture?
Yes, this recipe freezes very well. Let the cooked mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone gives the most traditional flavor, but mozzarella melts beautifully and is a great choice. White American cheese is another favorite for that creamy texture. You can even mix and match.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, with a couple of adjustments. Use gluten-free hamburger buns and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Also, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are certified gluten-free.

5. What sides go well with this dish?
Classic sides like French fries, potato wedges, or tater tots are always a hit. A crisp side salad, coleslaw, or even roasted vegetables can also balance out the richness of the sandwich.

6. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this recipe. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might need a bit more seasoning and perhaps a splash of extra broth to keep the mixture moist.

7. What kind of buns should I use?
Standard hamburger buns work great, but you can upgrade with brioche or pretzel buns for an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Dinner Rotation

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your meal planning without even trying. They’re easy enough for weeknights, satisfying enough for picky eaters, and flexible enough for almost any dietary need. Plus, you can double the batch and freeze half for later—a total win in my book.

I’ve made these on everything from busy school nights to lazy Sundays when I just wanted something comforting and low-effort. Every time, they disappear fast and leave everyone asking for seconds.

If you do try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Did you stick with provolone, or mix it up with another cheese? Add mushrooms or jalapeños? Drop a comment and share your favorite twist—I’m always looking for new ideas!