Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Juicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe for Family Dinners

Mixing classic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a hearty sloppy joe creates an irresistible comfort meal.

Melted cheese and savory beef combine in a delicious sandwich that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich gets a playful twist with this easy recipe.

Messy and packed with bold flavors, this dish promises to become a quick favorite.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing mashup.

Crispy rolls, gooey provolone, and tender meat make you want to dig in immediately.

Each bite transports you to the bustling streets of philadelphia with its robust taste profile.

Pairing Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

  • Game Night Crowd Pleaser: Serve these sloppy joes during sports events or movie nights as a hearty, crowd-favorite finger food that keeps everyone satisfied and excited.
  • Picnic Perfect Combo: Pack these cheesy beef sandwiches in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, wrapping them individually in foil to maintain warmth and prevent messiness.
  • Tailgate Champion Meal: Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and transport in a slow cooker, allowing friends to assemble their own sandwiches during tailgate parties with minimal effort.
  • Quick Family Dinner Hack: Transform this recipe into a make-ahead meal by cooking the beef mixture in advance and reheating when ready to serve, making weeknight dinners super simple and delicious.

Best Storage for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat mixture and buns separate to prevent soggy bread.
  • Freeze the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

  • What makes this recipe different from a traditional Philly cheesesteak?

This version uses ground beef instead of sliced steak, transforming the classic sandwich into a saucy, easier-to-make sloppy joe style meal that’s more budget-friendly and simpler to prepare.

  • Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or plant-based ground meat work well as alternatives. Just ensure they’re cooked thoroughly and seasoned similarly to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like browning meat, sautéing vegetables, and melting cheese. Anyone with basic kitchen skills can successfully make these sloppy joes.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Are Great

  • Crush Comfort Food Cravings: Transform classic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a mouthwatering sloppy joe that delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this delicious meal with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making dinner a breeze for busy families.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences, creating a versatile dish everyone will love.
  • Impress Without Stress: Elevate your home cooking game with a restaurant-inspired recipe that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful base for the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that adds depth and texture to the dish.
Cheese:
  • Provolone Cheese: A creamy and melty cheese that brings authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Ketchup, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth: A combination of sauces that creates a rich and tangy sauce for the beef mixture.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Bread:
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft and toasted buns that serve as the perfect vehicle for the sloppy joe filling.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Ingredients used for cooking and adding extra flavor to the dish.

How to Prepare Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in:
  • Diced bell pepper
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create the Saucy Base

Pour in:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich, deep flavor.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Layer provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Buns

Spread butter on hamburger buns and toast them in a separate pan until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the messy, delicious meal.

Helpful Hints for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
  • Customize the heat level by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for spice lovers.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess and maintain a crisp texture that complements the saucy beef mixture.
  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions for maximum flavor and crunch in your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.

Flavor Twists for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or seasoned lentils for a meatless version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip hamburger buns and serve the cheesy beef mixture inside crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious alternative.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Remix: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for people who enjoy extra heat and bold flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve over rice to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals while keeping the core recipe intact.
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Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes blend classic sandwich flavors into a mouthwatering comfort meal. Melted provolone, seasoned beef, and caramelized onions create a satisfying dinner plate you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Bread:

  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) butter (for toasting the buns)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat and warm olive oil, ensuring even coating.
  2. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, cooking thoroughly until rich brown color develops, approximately 6 minutes.
  3. Eliminate excess grease from the meat, maintaining a clean cooking surface.
  4. Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic, sautéing for 4 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent.
  5. Introduce Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet, creating a robust flavor profile.
  6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 6 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
  7. Layer provolone cheese slices across the beef mixture, covering the skillet to facilitate even melting at low heat.
  8. Simultaneously, prepare hamburger buns by lightly buttering and toasting in a separate pan until edges turn golden and crisp.
  9. Transfer the melted cheese-covered beef mixture generously onto the toasted buns, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, maintaining the dish’s optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier alternatives.
  • Control spiciness by adjusting Worcestershire sauce and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Ensure optimal cheese melt by using low heat and covering skillet briefly to prevent burning.
  • Enhance texture by draining beef fat completely and using lean meat for less greasy result.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 465 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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