Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes might just be your new favorite dinner. This dish combines the best of both worlds: tender ground beef simmered with onions, peppers, and seasonings, then finished with gooey melted cheese—all served on a toasted bun. It’s a quick, family-friendly recipe that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to serve to guests.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
The traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese (often Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American) piled into a long hoagie roll. Meanwhile, sloppy joes are all about saucy ground beef flavored with tomato-based seasonings. The Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe takes the classic cheesesteak ingredients and swaps out the steak for ground beef, creating a one-pan meal that’s less expensive, easier to make, and just as delicious.
This mashup gives you the savory, cheesy experience of a cheesesteak but with the comforting, slightly messy style of a sloppy joe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical ingredient list for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
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Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (about 90/10) works best for flavor without excess grease.
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Bell Peppers: Green is most traditional, but you can mix in red, yellow, or orange for sweetness.
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Onion: Yellow or white onions add the perfect savory base.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic deepens the flavor.
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Beef Broth: Helps create a savory sauce that soaks into the meat.
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Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a rich, umami kick.
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Ketchup: Just enough to bring slight sweetness and tang (optional, depending on preference).
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Cornstarch or Flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to the meat.
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Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and sometimes paprika for warmth.
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Provolone or American Cheese: Provolone offers a slightly tangy bite, while American gives you that creamy melt.
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Buns: Hoagie rolls or hamburger buns—soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
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Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Break it apart into small crumbles for even texture. Drain any excess fat if needed. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add diced onions and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the onions turn translucent and the peppers are slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Build the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup (if using). Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld. -
Thicken the Mixture:
Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Add it to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the meat and vegetables. -
Add the Cheese:
Lay slices of provolone or American cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the pan briefly until the cheese melts. Stir gently to create a creamy, cheesy filling. -
Toast the Buns:
While the cheese melts, lightly toast your buns or rolls in a skillet, toaster oven, or under the broiler. This prevents them from becoming soggy and adds extra flavor. -
Assemble and Serve:
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are hearty enough to stand on their own, but you can make them even better with sides like:
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French Fries or sweet potato fries
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Potato Chips
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Coleslaw
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Pickles
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Side Salad
For a fun twist, you could also serve the mixture over baked potatoes, in lettuce wraps, or even as a topping for nachos.
Recipe Tips and Variations
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Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the beef mixture over roasted vegetables or in a lettuce wrap.
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Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella for extra melt, cheddar for a sharper flavor, or a blend for more complexity.
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Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth.
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Extra Savory Boost: Stir in mushrooms along with the peppers and onions for a richer flavor.
Why It Works
The secret to why Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are so satisfying lies in the balance of flavors and textures:
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Savory & Sweet: The beef, onions, and peppers give depth, while Worcestershire and ketchup balance it with tangy-sweet notes.
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Creamy & Melty: Cheese brings everything together into a cohesive, indulgent filling.
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Soft & Toasty: The bun soaks up the juices without falling apart when toasted properly.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. Toast fresh buns before serving again.
The Bottom Line
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are comfort food done right—rich, cheesy, saucy, and easy to make. They’re perfect for game nights, casual family dinners, or any time you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a meal that feels special but doesn’t require special skills.
If you make them once, you’ll probably find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. It’s the kind of dish that gets requested often, disappears quickly, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
