Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine two comfort-food favorites in one easy sandwich. Savory ground beef, tender onions and bell peppers, and plenty of melted provolone are piled onto soft toasted buns for a quick, hearty dinner.

Instead of thinly sliced steak, this version uses ground beef, which keeps the recipe simple and gives it that familiar sloppy joe texture. The beef cooks in a savory sauce that’s thick enough to stay inside the bun without making the bread immediately soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sloppy joes come together quickly in one skillet, making them a great option when you want a filling dinner without spending much time in the kitchen.

The combination of savory beef, peppers, onions, and melted provolone gives you plenty of cheesesteak-inspired flavor while keeping the preparation much easier than cooking individual steak sandwiches.

They’re also easy to serve for a family or casual gathering. Put the skillet of warm filling on the table with toasted buns and cheese and let everyone assemble their own sandwich.

Onions and green bell pepper bring in those classic cheesesteak-inspired flavors, while Worcestershire sauce and beef broth give the filling more depth. Provolone melts right over the warm beef for a creamy, cheesy finish.

These sandwiches are especially good served immediately while the filling is hot and the buns still have a little toasted texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need familiar sandwich and skillet ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Cornstarch
• Provolone cheese
• Hamburger buns
• Salt
• Black pepper

How To Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. Step 1: Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until it begins to brown, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Continue cooking for about 5–6 minutes, until the beef is completely browned and the vegetables have softened.
3. Step 3: Drain away excess grease if necessary. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup until the beef is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until completely smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the broth mixture into the skillet. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
7. Step 7: Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced into a thick, savory sauce that coats the beef.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The finished filling should be moist and saucy without being watery.
9. Step 9: Arrange the provolone slices over the warm beef. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
10. Step 10: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Variations

Mushroom Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Cook sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers for extra savory flavor.

Extra-Cheesy Sloppy Joes

Add more provolone or stir shredded cheese directly into the hot beef mixture before serving.

Pepper Jack Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Replace the provolone with Pepper Jack for a slightly spicy variation.

Mozzarella Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Use mozzarella for a mild flavor and plenty of stretchy melted cheese.

Garlic Butter Sloppy Joes

Brush the buns lightly with garlic butter before toasting for an extra-savory finish.

Storing Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

For the best texture, store the beef filling separately from the hamburger buns. Transfer the cooled filling to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours for up to 3–4 days.

FAQ

What Kind Of Ground Beef Works Best?

Lean ground beef works especially well because you get plenty of beef flavor without an excessive amount of grease in the finished sauce.

Do I Have To Use Green Bell Pepper?

No. You can leave it out or substitute another bell pepper. Green pepper gives the sandwiches a more pronounced savory pepper flavor.

What Cheese Works Best?

Provolone is an excellent choice for cheesesteak-inspired sloppy joes because it melts smoothly and has enough flavor to stand up to the beef.

Why Is My Sloppy Joe Filling Too Runny?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. The cornstarch and reduction should create a thick sauce that clings to the ground beef.

How Do I Keep The Buns From Getting Soggy?

Toast the cut sides before assembling and make sure the beef mixture has thickened properly before spooning it onto the bread.

Can I Make The Beef Filling Ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the filling ahead, refrigerate it, and gently reheat it before adding the cheese and assembling the sandwiches.

Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave. If it becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of beef broth before adding fresh cheese and serving on toasted buns.

What To Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Potato wedges: Crispy golden potatoes make an easy, hearty side for these cheesy sandwiches.
• French fries: Classic fries work naturally with the beef, peppers, onions, and melted provolone.
• Coleslaw: Cool, crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory filling.
• Green salad: A simple salad with tangy vinaigrette helps balance the rich beef and cheese.
• Roasted broccoli: Crisp-edged broccoli makes an easy vegetable side for dinner.
• Pickles: Their cold, tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the ground beef and provolone.

Let the sauce reduce until it really clings to the beef. A watery filling can quickly soak through the buns and make the sandwiches difficult to eat.

And toast the buns shortly before serving. That little bit of crispness makes a noticeable difference once the hot, cheesy beef filling goes on top.

This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the rich, cheesy flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of a sloppy joe. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty provolone, onions, and peppers on toasted buns, it’s an easy 30-minute dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 6 hamburger buns, toasted
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5–6 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
3. Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
6. Whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until smooth, then pour it into the skillet.
7. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
8. Season with salt and black pepper.
9. Arrange the provolone over the beef, cover, and let it melt.
10. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 g | Calories: 495 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 29 g | Fat: 30 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 94 mg | Sodium: 852 mg | Potassium: 483 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 269 IU | Vitamin C: 17 mg | Calcium: 236 mg | Iron: 4 mg