If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and the easy comfort of a sloppy joe, let me introduce you to the unbeatable mashup: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. This crave-worthy sandwich captures the rich, gooey goodness of sautéed peppers, onions, and melty cheese all tangled up with hearty ground beef, then piled onto toasted buns for a quick weeknight win. It’s big on flavor, fun to eat, and comes together in one skillet—truly the best of both worlds for when you want dinner on the table fast, but refuse to sacrifice taste!

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes so irresistible are the simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every element adds its own bit of savoriness, color, or irresistible ooze to the finished sandwich.

Ground beef: Gives the filling its hearty, meaty base—leaner versions like turkey or chicken work, too!
Olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and enriches the flavor profile.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
Green bell pepper: Classic cheesesteak flavor and a pop of vibrant green.
Mushrooms (optional): Lend an earthy undertone—skip them if you prefer, but they’re a tasty addition.
Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic notes that tie everything together.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers the signature tangy-sweet umami you associate with classic sandwiches.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweet and tangy richness to the sauce.
Beef bouillon or base: Deepens the savory, beefy undertones.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance every flavor in the skillet.
Cornstarch + water: Thickens the mixture so your sandwich isn’t a soggy mess.
Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Delivers that magical, melty finish—don’t be shy with it!
Hamburger buns: Choose soft but sturdy buns and toast them so they soak up every delicious drop.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and just beginning to caramelize—your kitchen will smell amazing already!

Step 2: Add Garlic for a Flavor Boost

Stir in your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. This quick step unlocks that irresistibly aromatic base that makes Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes extra-special.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep going until it’s fully browned and no pink remains—about 5–7 minutes. If there’s a lot of extra fat in the pan, go ahead and carefully drain it off so your mixture isn’t greasy.

Step 4: Season and Sauce Things Up

Time for big flavor! Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, beef bouillon (or base), plus salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix, making sure every crumble is well-coated. This is when those Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes start smelling truly irresistible.

Step 5: Thicken the Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour this into your skillet and stir until the filling thickens—about 2 minutes. This keeps the sloppy joes saucy but not runny, so they’re easy to scoop and eat.

Step 6: Make It Cheese Time

Turn off the heat and fold in your shredded cheese while the mixture is still hot. The cheese will melt instantly, hugging each morsel of beef and veggies in a creamy, gooey layer—the sign of a perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Spoon generous helpings of the hot, cheesy mixture onto your toasted hamburger buns. Serve them immediately while they’re extra melty, and get your napkins ready!

How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

A finishing touch makes every bite even more memorable. Try topping your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a few pickled jalapeños for spicy fans. A drizzle of hot sauce or a tiny dollop of mayo never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

Since these sandwiches are so hearty, keep your sides simple: crispy oven fries, a fresh green salad, or even classic potato chips are perfect partners. For a touch of tang, try quick-pickled onions or a side of crunchy slaw—it all plays off the rich, savory filling beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch it up for parties or dinners: serve the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe filling over baked potatoes, tucked into hoagie rolls for an authentic cheesesteak vibe, or even piled onto sliders for game day gatherings. The saucy, cheesy filling is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra filling, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days—just keep the buns separate until you’re ready to serve, so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes freeze like a dream! Portion the cooled beef mixture into freezer-safe containers, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the cheese may separate a little on reheating, but a quick stir pulls it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. You can microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot. Then pile onto fresh, toasted buns and enjoy all over again!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic substitutions and make these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes a bit lighter but still packed with all the classic flavors.

What cheese works best for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?

Provolone is the go-to cheese for that signature stretch and mild flavor, but mozzarella melts beautifully too. If you love a sharper taste, try a mix of provolone and a touch of cheddar or even pepper jack for spice.

How can I make the filling less “sloppy”?

If you prefer a thicker, less runny filling, add a bit more cornstarch slurry or simmer the mixture an extra minute to help it tighten up before adding the cheese.

Are these sandwiches kid-friendly?

Definitely! Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a kid-pleaser thanks to the savory, cheesy filling and soft buns. For picky eaters, you can leave out mushrooms or green pepper, or even tuck the veggies in a bit finer for sly nutrition.

Can I prep the filling in advance for entertaining?

Yes, you can! Make the filling ahead, store it in the fridge, and just reheat and assemble sandwiches when it’s time to eat. It makes entertaining a breeze and keeps sandwich assembly stress-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes in your own kitchen—they’re proof you don’t need hours to serve a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed meal. Let them become your next weeknight hero or game day classic, and don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds!

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring all the flavors of a Philly cheese steak sandwich. Savory ground beef cooked with onions, peppers, and melted cheese, served on toasted buns for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1/2 cup mushrooms (chopped, optional)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon beef bouillon or base
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1/4 cup water (slurry)
1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

Additional:

4 hamburger buns

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Add garlic, then ground beef, cook until browned.
Season and Thicken: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, beef bouillon, salt, and pepper. Mix cornstarch and water, add to skillet, and thicken.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, fold in shredded cheese until melted. Spoon beef mixture onto toasted buns and serve hot.

Notes

For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken.
You can melt cheese slices directly on top of the meat mixture in the pan or on the buns.
Toast the buns for better texture with the saucy filling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American