Take the bold, beefy essence of a Philly cheesesteak, combine it with the nostalgic, saucy appeal of a Sloppy Joe, and you’ve got one of the most satisfying mashups ever created: the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe. This recipe is all about rich flavor, gooey melted cheese, and quick, weeknight-friendly cooking.
No ribeye steak, no grill, no slicing required—just one skillet, a handful of simple ingredients, and under 30 minutes to a meal that satisfies everyone at the table. It’s the perfect comfort food for those nights when you want something cheesy, savory, and ultra-satisfying, but don’t feel like making anything fancy.
This sandwich packs in everything we love: juicy ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, savory sauce, and a melted layer of cheese tucked inside a toasted bun. It’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices provolone or American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional: extra cheese, sautéed mushrooms
Preparation
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add chopped onions and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5: Place slices of cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted, then stir to combine.
Step 6: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted buns. Top with extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms if desired.
Variation
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Spicy Cheesesteak Joes: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of sriracha to the meat mixture.
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Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the filling over roasted bell pepper halves, in a lettuce wrap, or in a keto-friendly bowl.
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Kid-Friendly: Use American cheese for its creamy melt and serve on slider buns for smaller hands.
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Chicken Version: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative.
COOKING Note
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Use lean beef: Helps reduce excess grease and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
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Don’t overcook the peppers: You want them soft but still slightly crisp for contrast.
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Cheese choice matters: Provolone gives that classic Philly flavor, while American melts ultra-creamy. Mozzarella works too for a stretchy bite.
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Simmer long enough: Letting the sauce reduce slightly helps intensify the flavor and keep it from being too runny.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic sides or lighter dishes to balance their richness:
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Crispy French fries, tater tots, or onion rings
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Coleslaw or a simple garden salad for freshness
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Pickle spears, potato chips, or baked sweet potato fries
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Iced tea, soda, or a cold beer to wash it all down
For entertaining or game day gatherings, make a Sloppy Joe slider bar with mini buns and assorted toppings like hot peppers, pickles, caramelized onions, or different cheeses.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
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Toast the buns: This adds a crispy barrier that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy. Use a skillet or broiler for 1–2 minutes.
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Cheese directly on buns: Want a crispy cheese crust? Melt cheese directly onto the toasted bun halves under a broiler.
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Make ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
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Double the batch: This recipe scales easily for larger families or meal prep. Freeze leftovers in zip-top bags for up to 2 months.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per sandwich)
Calories: 490
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 790mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Both options work well. Just reduce the broth slightly, as lean meats release less fat.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Provolone is classic and gives you that Philly taste. American is great for creaminess, and mozzarella adds a stringy pull.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. The filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave and assemble when ready.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes! Let the meat mixture cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: What kind of buns are best?
A: Brioche, potato rolls, or toasted hoagie rolls all work beautifully. Choose something sturdy to hold the saucy filling.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring the best of two iconic American comfort foods together in one cheesy, satisfying bite. They’re fast, budget-friendly, easy to customize, and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, feeding a hungry family, or looking to wow your friends with a new twist on a classic, these sandwiches never disappoint.
One skillet. One bun. All the flavor of Philly without the steak knife.
[tasty-recipe id=”2150″]
