Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. Introduction to the Recipe

Love the savory, melty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but don’t want the hassle of slicing steak or waiting for a griddle to heat? Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are your new go-to comfort food—faster to make, easier to serve, and every bit as satisfying. This recipe takes everything you love about the iconic Philadelphia sandwich—juicy beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, melty provolone—and transforms it into a hearty, saucy filling perfect for hamburger buns, brioche rolls, or sliders.

The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is in their simplicity. Using lean ground beef instead of thinly sliced ribeye keeps the prep time down without sacrificing flavor. A rich blend of A-1 Steak Sauce, beef broth, and steak seasoning gives the dish a bold umami kick, while the cornstarch helps create a thick, clingy sauce that won’t drip all over your plate. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal—messy, cheesy, meaty, and unbelievably delicious.

This is a fantastic weeknight dinner option, especially when you’re pressed for time. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, and it’s easily scalable for large gatherings or meal prepping. Pair it with a side of baked fries, a crisp pickle, or a simple green salad for a complete, no-fuss dinner.

Want more sandwich night ideas? Try this classic Sloppy Joe recipe or explore the origins of the Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

With the perfect balance of savory beef, gooey cheese, and soft buns, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast—and keeps them coming back for seconds.

2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – Easy, Flavor-Packed Sandwiches

Author: Sarah White

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes loaded with beef, peppers, onions, and provolone—an easy twist on a classic favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef

1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup beef broth
½ cup A-1 Steak Sauce

1 teaspoon steak seasoning
Sliced provolone cheese (6–8 slices, depending on sandwich count)
Hamburger buns, sliders, or brioche rolls

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add the onion and green pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Season with salt and steak seasoning, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.

Mix cornstarch with beef broth in a small bowl until fully dissolved. Pour the mixture into the skillet, followed by the A-1 Steak Sauce. Stir everything to combine.
Simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
Toast the buns or rolls if desired, either in a skillet or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.

Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns.
Top with sliced provolone cheese while the filling is still hot so it melts into the meat. You can also place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese further.
Finish with the top bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease, but don’t go too lean or you’ll lose flavor.

Dice the onion and pepper finely for a classic cheesesteak texture in every bite.

A-1 Steak Sauce adds bold flavor—adjust to taste if you prefer it milder.

3. Advanced Techniques

Boost Flavor with Caramelized Onions

While the recipe uses sautéed onions, taking the extra time to caramelize them can make a significant difference in flavor. Cook your onions low and slow in a bit of butter for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet. Stir them into the beef mixture for added richness. This technique creates a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and balances the savory notes with natural sweetness.

Use Brioche or Pretzel Buns for a Gourmet Touch

Standard hamburger buns work fine, but upgrading to brioche or pretzel buns elevates this dish instantly. Brioche adds a buttery softness that complements the rich filling, while pretzel buns bring a salty chewiness that holds up better to the saucy meat. For extra flair, lightly butter and toast the buns before assembling to create a crisp, golden surface.

Finish Under the Broiler for Melted Cheese Perfection

To get that irresistible, bubbly cheese layer, assemble the sandwiches open-faced on a baking sheet, top with provolone, and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. This step mimics the gooey, cheesy goodness of a traditional cheesesteak and gives your sloppy joes a restaurant-quality finish.

Add Mushrooms for an Authentic Cheesesteak Flavor

Sliced mushrooms are a classic addition in many Philly cheesesteak variations. Sauté them along with the onions and peppers before combining with the beef. Mushrooms add a meaty texture and umami flavor, making your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes more complex and satisfying. Use white button or cremini mushrooms for best results.

Double the Batch for Meal Prep and Freezing

This recipe doubles easily and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook a large batch, cool it completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Store the Filling Separately from the Buns

To keep sandwiches from getting soggy, store the sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store buns separately at room temperature or in the freezer. Assemble sandwiches only when ready to eat for the freshest texture.

Reheat on the Stovetop for Best Results

While microwaving is quick, reheating the filling on the stovetop helps preserve the texture and flavor. Add a tablespoon of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Stir occasionally over medium heat until hot.

Freeze Leftover Filling in Portion-Sized Containers

For future meals, portion out the beef mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags. Press out excess air and label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave on defrost mode before reheating.

Revive Dry Filling with Extra Sauce

If the reheated filling feels dry or less flavorful, add a bit more A-1 Steak Sauce or a splash of beef broth while warming it. This refreshes the mixture and brings back the sauciness that makes these sandwiches so satisfying.

Keep Cheese Slices Fresh for Assembly

Store sliced provolone cheese in a sealed container or wrapped in wax paper inside a plastic bag to prevent drying out. If using pre-shredded cheese, ensure it’s stored airtight to avoid clumping. Always add cheese while the filling is hot to get that signature melty texture.

5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free hamburger buns or rolls and double-check that your steak sauce and beef broth are certified gluten-free. Some commercial sauces contain wheat-based thickeners, so opt for brands that specify their gluten-free status. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef

For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef. These meats have a milder flavor, so consider boosting the seasoning with an extra dash of steak seasoning or Worcestershire sauce to keep the flavor bold.

Dairy-Free Variation

Substitute the provolone cheese with a dairy-free alternative made from cashews, soy, or coconut. Look for melting-style vegan slices that mimic the gooey texture of real cheese. Toasted buns brushed with olive oil can add richness if you’re skipping dairy entirely.

Low-Sodium Adjustments

For a heart-healthier version, use low-sodium beef broth, choose a reduced-sodium steak sauce, and adjust salt to taste. You can also increase the amount of vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach) to reduce meat content and add fiber and nutrients.

Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute like lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a meatless crumble. Sauté with onions, peppers, and the same sauce blend to replicate the flavor. Use veggie broth in place of beef broth for a full vegetarian adaptation.

6. FAQs About the Recipe

Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the filling up to 4 days in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Store in the fridge in an airtight container, and toast fresh buns right before assembling for the best taste and texture.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Provolone is traditional for a Philly cheesesteak, offering a creamy melt and mild flavor. However, feel free to experiment—white American cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar can work well. For a spicy kick, try pepper jack.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the mild, cheesy flavor and soft texture. If your children are sensitive to green peppers or onions, chop them finely or sauté them longer to soften their texture. You can also serve the mixture over rice or pasta as a kid-friendly alternative.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add broth, steak sauce, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. This method intensifies the flavor and is ideal for feeding a crowd or keeping the filling warm at a party.

How do I keep the sandwiches from falling apart?

Use sturdy buns like brioche or pretzel rolls and avoid overloading them with filling. Toasting the buns helps them resist soaking up too much sauce. You can also use small sandwich rolls for sliders, which are easier to handle and less messy.

7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the perfect fusion of two iconic sandwiches—offering the rich, savory flavor of a Philly cheesesteak in the messy, comforting form of a sloppy joe. They’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making them a hit for busy weeknights, game-day spreads, or casual family dinners.

Whether you’re using classic ingredients like lean beef and provolone or giving it your own twist with mushrooms, brioche buns, or dairy-free cheese, this recipe is designed to deliver flavor and satisfaction in every bite. It’s also a fantastic way to stretch your ingredients—1 pound of beef goes a long way when combined with hearty vegetables and a flavorful sauce.

These sandwiches invite experimentation. Try them as sliders for parties, load them with jalapeños for spice lovers, or even repurpose the filling for stuffed bell peppers or quesadillas. The possibilities are endless, and the base recipe offers a solid, dependable foundation.

In short, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes deliver big flavor without the big fuss. They’re an ideal go-to when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying—without spending hours in the kitchen. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish has quickly become a family favorite in households everywhere.