Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the messy, flavorful sloppy joe. This recipe transforms the traditional sliced steak filling into a quick and easy ground beef mixture cooked with onions, peppers, and a savory sauce, then topped with melted cheese and served on toasted buns.
The result is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual family meals. Best of all, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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8 ounces mushrooms, chopped (optional but traditional in many versions)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 cup beef broth
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Buns
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6 slices provolone cheese
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4 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
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1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their flavor.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup until smooth.
Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and place slices of provolone cheese over the meat mixture. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
5. Toast the Buns
While the cheese melts, lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Use quality ground beef
80/20 beef provides the best flavor and juiciness.
Finely chop the vegetables
Smaller pieces blend better into the sloppy joe mixture.
Toast the buns
Toasting prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Choose the right cheese
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella or white American cheese also works well.
Variations
Spicy Version
Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese Sauce Option
Instead of provolone slices, drizzle homemade cheese sauce over the filling.
Low-Carb Version
Serve the mixture in lettuce wraps or over roasted vegetables.
Extra Philly Flavor
Add thinly sliced steak along with the ground beef.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
Freezing:
The filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in 30 minutes
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Budget-friendly comfort food
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Cheesy and flavorful
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Perfect for family dinners or parties
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Combines two classic sandwiches into one delicious meal
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak in an easy-to-make sloppy joe format. With juicy ground beef, sautéed vegetables, melted cheese, and toasted buns, every bite is hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.