Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
If you’re a fan of Philly Cheesesteak and love the messy, saucy goodness of Sloppy Joes, then you’re in for a treat! This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe combines the best of both worlds—tender beef, melted provolone cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, and a rich, savory sauce—all piled high on a buttery brioche bun.
This easy-to-make, family-friendly meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, cheesy sandwich, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, including:
- What Makes a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe So Delicious?
- Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Expert Tips for the Best Flavor & Texture
- Variations & Customizations
- Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
- FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
So, let’s dive in and make the most irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes you’ve ever tasted!
What Makes a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe So Delicious?
A classic Philly Cheesesteak features thinly sliced beef, melted cheese (usually Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American), and sautéed onions and peppers on a hoagie roll. On the other hand, a Sloppy Joe is a saucy, ground beef mixture served on a soft bun.
When you combine these two iconic sandwiches, you get a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe—a juicy, cheesy, flavor-packed masterpiece with:
✔ Tender ground beef (or steak, if you prefer!)
✔ Sweet onions & crisp bell peppers for that authentic Philly taste
✔ A rich, tangy sauce made with beef stock, ketchup, and Worcestershire
✔ Melted provolone cheese for the ultimate gooey texture
✔ Buttery brioche buns to soak up all the deliciousness
This mashup is quick to make (just 40 minutes total!), uses simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
6 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
- ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slices provolone cheese, divided
- 6 brioche buns (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onions and bell peppers.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened (they shouldn’t brown, just soften).
(Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to help the veggies release moisture.)
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet.
- Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until fully browned.
(Pro Tip: If there’s excess grease, drain it before adding the sauce ingredients.)
3. Make the Sauce
- Stir in the beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
(Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of A1 steak sauce or a dash of smoked paprika.)
4. Add the Cheese
- Stack 6 slices of provolone cheese and cut them into ½-inch pieces.
- Right before serving, stir the cheese into the beef mixture until melted and gooey.
(Pro Tip: Reserve the remaining cheese slices for topping the buns!)
5. Toast the Buns & Assemble
- Lightly toast the brioche buns (optional but recommended).
- Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe mixture on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
A fun and flavorful twist on two classic sandwiches—Philly Cheesesteak meets Sloppy Joe! This easy recipe combines tender ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and a rich, savory sauce, all topped with melty provolone cheese. Serve it on buttery brioche buns for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
- ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slices provolone cheese, divided
- 6 brioche buns (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened (6–7 minutes), stirring frequently. Avoid browning—just soften.
- Cook the Beef:
- Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (5–6 minutes).
- Make it Saucy:
- Stir in the beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Stack 6 slices of provolone cheese on a cutting board and cut them into thin strips. Stir the strips into the beef mixture until melted.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place the remaining 6 cheese slices on the bottom halves of the toasted brioche buns. Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese, then top with the other bun halves.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with pickles, chips, or a simple side salad.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excess grease.
- Toast the buns lightly for extra texture.
- Customize the veggies—add mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Low-sodium beef stock works well if you’re watching salt intake.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Expert Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
✅ Use High-Quality Beef – Lean ground beef (90/10) works best, but you can also use thinly sliced ribeye for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
✅ Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce – It adds a tangy, umami depth that’s essential for flavor.
✅ Customize the Veggies – Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers for extra texture and spice.
✅ Cheese Variations – Swap provolone for Cheez Whiz, American, or Pepper Jack for a different twist.
✅ Make It Spicy – Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or diced jalapeños for heat.
✅ Toast the Buns – Prevents them from getting soggy and adds a nice crunch.
Variations & Customizations
1. Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Use chicken stock instead of beef stock.
2. Vegetarian/Vegan Version
- Use plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Beef).
- Substitute vegan cheese and vegetable broth.
3. Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
4. Open-Faced Philly Cheesesteak Joes
- Serve the mixture over toasted Texas toast for a knife-and-fork meal.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides takes them to the next level. Here are some great options:
🍟 Crispy French Fries – Classic pairing!
🥗 Simple Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
🧀 Cheesy Tater Tots – Because more cheese is always better.
🌽 Creamy Coleslaw – Adds a nice crunch and tang.
🍅 Tomato Soup – Perfect for dipping!
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is classic, but American, Cheez Whiz, or Pepper Jack work great too.
4. Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Yes! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin makes it even more authentic.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.