Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you love the hearty, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but crave something saucier and a bit messier, I have the perfect treat for you. This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe combines the best of both worlds—the melty cheese, tender beef, and those classic bell peppers and onions—into a sloppy joe that’s so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen and my family’s go-to comfort meal!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work so well together because they capture that iconic Philly cheesesteak flavor but with a sloppy joe twist. I always make sure to grab lean ground beef to keep things tasty but not too greasy, and provolone cheese is a must for that authentic melty, creamy note.

• Unsalted butter: Helps soften the veggies without adding extra salt, letting you control seasoning better.
• Small white onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently.
• Green bell pepper: Provides classic Philly crunch and a touch of freshness.
• Lean ground beef (90/10 blend): Gives you flavor and moisture without too much fat.
• Beef stock: Adds richness and helps create that sauce you’ll want to savor.
• Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness to balance flavors.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings that umami punch that’s essential to sloppy joe goodness.
• Garlic powder: For that gentle garlic boost without overpowering.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and warmth.
• Provolone cheese: The star of the cheese component, sliced and melted for that perfect cheesesteak texture.
• Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold up beautifully to the saucy filling.

Variations

I love how easily this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe lends itself to tweaks so you can make it your own. Whether you want it spicier, veggie-packed, or even a bit lighter, I encourage you to experiment—it’s all about what makes you happiest at the table.

• Spicy Kick: When I’m craving something with a bit more heat, I add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the mix, and it takes the sloppy joe to a whole new level.
• Cheese Variety: Try swapping provolone with sharp cheddar or even pepper jack for a little extra flavor twist.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and eggplant for a meatless version that still satisfies.
• Onion & Pepper Swap: I sometimes substitute green bell peppers with red or yellow ones for a sweeter bite, or add some sliced mushrooms alongside the veggies.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Perfection

Start by melting unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and green bell pepper, cooking them gently until they soften but don’t brown—around 6 to 7 minutes. This slow softening releases their natural sweetness and forms a great flavor base. Stir frequently to keep them from sticking or browning too fast. I learned this trick after once rushing and ending up with bitter-tasting veggies—trust me, taking your time here makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Next, add your lean ground beef to the softened veggies. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks evenly. Cooking takes about 5 to 6 minutes until there’s no pink left and you get a nice light browning. That browning adds flavor, but don’t overcook or dry it out. Keep the heat medium to medium-high and stir often. This step layers the savory essence of the sloppy joe.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce & Melt the Cheese

Once your beef is browned, stir in beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens beautifully. While it simmers, stack half of your provolone slices and cut them into half-inch pieces—this way, they’ll melt evenly when stirred in at the end. Right before serving, fold those cheese pieces directly into the hot mixture until they’re melty and ooey-gooey.

Step 4: Toast the Buns & Build Your Sandwich

Toasting is key! Toast your brioche buns lightly—it adds just enough crunch to hold up against the saucy filling without getting soggy too fast. Then lay the remaining provolone slices on each bun half, so they melt slightly from the warmth as you spoon on the sloppy joe goodness. Top with the bun and serve immediately for maximum melty cheesesteak sloppy joe joy.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by topping with a few extra slices of pickles or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or a smear of mustard on the bun for an extra tang. You can also pile on sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for these sloppy joes are crispy oven-baked fries or a simple coleslaw for crunch. A fresh green salad balances the richness beautifully, and sometimes I whip up some roasted veggies if I’m feeling extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party or game day, I like to serve this sloppy joe mixture in mini slider buns, which makes them easy to grab and less messy. Another fun idea is layering the filling in a casserole dish topped with provolone and breadcrumbs for a deconstructed sloppy joe bake. It usually disappears in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is how well the filling keeps. I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days—just reheat and grab some fresh buns. It reheats beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the sloppy joe mixture many times with great results. Just pop it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge or for a quick thaw, zap it in the microwave before reheating fully on the stove.

Reheating

To keep it moist when reheating, I usually heat it gently in a skillet with a splash of beef stock or water, stirring occasionally. Microwave is fine too—just cover to keep steam in. Adding a bit of extra cheese on top while warming is always a winning move.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe brings together two classic sandwiches into one wildly flavorful, melty, and comforting meal. It’s the kind of recipe I make when I want something easy but feel like treating everyone at the table to something a bit special. Give it a try next time you want a fun twist on sloppy joes—you’ll find it’s just as much a hit as the originals, and maybe even better. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

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