If you're craving a mouth-watering sandwich that's easy to make, packed with flavor, and delivers a savory punch, you’ve come to the right place. This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is a twist on two beloved American classics: the iconic Philly cheesesteak and the hearty, messy Sloppy Joe. By combining tender ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. Stick around for this step-by-step guide, and we promise you’ll be making this dish on repeat. Let's dive in!

What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are an inventive fusion of the traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the popular Sloppy Joe. Philly cheesesteaks are known for their thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and a generous topping of cheese, typically served on a hoagie roll. Meanwhile, a Sloppy Joe is made with ground beef cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. By blending these two dishes, you get a unique sandwich that's both savory and messy but oh-so-satisfying. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or just want to try something new, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes dish.
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for a juicier result)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced (optional for added sweetness)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cheese sauce:
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or American cheese if preferred)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk for richness)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Pinch of salt
For assembly:
- 4-6 soft sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
- Extra cheese for topping (optional)
- Pickles (optional for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is that it's highly customizable. You can tweak the recipe based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
- Meat Substitution: If you're not a fan of ground beef or simply want a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Both will still soak up the flavors of the onions, peppers, and cheese sauce beautifully.
- Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe, simply swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The rich flavors of the sautéed vegetables and cheese sauce will still shine through.
- Cheese Alternatives: Provolone cheese is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Bun Choices: While soft sandwich buns work great, you can opt for hoagie rolls or even toasted brioche buns to elevate the dish further.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms are a popular addition in some Philly cheesesteak variations. Add sliced mushrooms to the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and substitutions sorted out, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create a batch of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and once it's hot, throw in the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers (if using). Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Combine the Meat and Veggies: Add the browned beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, smoked paprika (if using), and a bit of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this thickens the sauce). Slowly whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture begins to thicken. Then, add the shredded provolone cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the beef and veggie mixture onto the bottom half of each sandwich bun or hoagie roll. Drizzle with the cheese sauce and add extra cheese on top if desired.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately with a side of pickles, if desired.
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the ground beef until fully browned.
- Sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add sauce ingredients to the beef-veggie mixture and let simmer.
- Make the cheese sauce in a separate saucepan.
- Assemble your sandwiches by adding the filling and topping with cheese sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Avoid overcooking the ground beef to the point where it becomes dry and tough. Ground beef only needs to be cooked until browned.
- Skipping the Cheese Sauce: Don’t skip making the cheese sauce from scratch—it’s what really elevates this dish and makes it feel like a Philly cheesesteak. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so always shred your own cheese for the sauce.
- Not Toasting the Buns: While it's optional, lightly toasting your buns can provide a nice texture contrast and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To really wow your guests, take the extra step to make your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes look as good as they taste. A few simple serving tips can make all the difference.
- Serve with Pickles: A side of dill pickles can add a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
- Offer Side Dishes: Serve with classic sides like fries, onion rings, or even a simple green salad to balance the meal.
- Use Mini Buns for Sliders: Want to make this a party appetizer? Use mini buns to create Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe sliders that are perfect for sharing.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These sandwiches are best served hot, with the cheese sauce still warm and gooey. Pair them with crunchy potato chips or coleslaw for an added layer of texture. For a fun twist, you can also serve the filling on a baked potato or even over pasta for a Philly cheesesteak-style bowl.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of the sandwich can add color and freshness to the presentation.
- Melty Cheese Pull: Serve the sandwiches right after adding the cheese for that Instagram-worthy cheese pull!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Recipe Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Always use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest and creamiest cheese sauce.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe doubles easily, making it a great option for larger gatherings or meal prep.
- Reheating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop and make the cheese sauce fresh.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your sandwiches.
Q: Can I freeze the beef mixture?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the beef and veggie mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the savory goodness of two classic sandwiches into one irresistible dish. With tender beef, sautéed veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or at a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try it out, and we’re sure you’ll be adding this to your regular recipe rotation!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines ground beef, green peppers, onions, and melted cheese in a deliciously savory meal. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, these Sloppy Joes bring all the flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak into an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cook until soft.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Place cheese slices over the beef mixture, allowing them to melt. Stir to combine.
- Serve the mixture on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute provolone cheese with American or cheddar if preferred.
- Serve with a side of fries or chips for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
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