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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe | Quick & Tasty Meal

I recently made these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes for dinner, and wow — they were a total hit! Imagine everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak — juicy beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese — but in a cozy, handheld sandwich that’s ready in under 30 minutes. I love how it’s quick, hearty, and totally family-approved.

You don’t need a fancy grill or shaved steak to make it happen. This recipe gives you all the same flavor with simple pantry ingredients. I can honestly say this has become one of my go-to comfort food dinners! You can also try the flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe for another delicious dinner idea.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cheesy, beefy perfection. Each ingredient plays its part in building those irresistible flavors.

1 pound ground beef (85/15 or leaner) – The perfect balance of fat keeps the filling juicy without being greasy.
1 tablespoon butter – Helps caramelize the onions and adds that buttery richness.
1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Sweet and savory, it’s the flavor base of the sandwich.
1 small green bell pepper, diced – Adds crunch and that signature cheesesteak flavor.
8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped – Optional but adds an earthy depth and a little extra meaty texture.
1 tablespoon ketchup – A touch of tangy sweetness to balance the savory beef.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Brings that umami punch that makes the flavor pop.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances and enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds subtle heat.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce and gives the filling that rich, glossy finish.
1 cup beef broth – Builds the saucy texture that makes every bite juicy.
6 slices provolone cheese (or more if you love extra cheese) – Melts beautifully and delivers that signature Philly cheesesteak vibe.
6 hamburger buns, toasted – Toasting prevents sogginess and adds a slight crunch.

Note: This recipe serves about 6 sandwiches. You can easily double it if you’re feeding a crowd!

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! You can switch things up to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese slices or shredded vegan mozzarella.
To make it low-carb, serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over zucchini noodles instead of buns.
Add a kick of flavor with hot sauce or diced jalapeños for spice lovers.
Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter, leaner twist.
Try Cheez Whiz or white American cheese instead of provolone for a more authentic Philly-style taste.

If you enjoy unique flavor fusions, you’ll love this Chile Relleno Quesadilla Recipe — it’s another cheesy favorite worth making.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or frying pan – For cooking the beef and veggies evenly.
Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for breaking up the beef and mixing ingredients.
Measuring spoons and cups – To get those sauce ratios just right.
Toaster or oven tray – For toasting buns before assembling the sandwiches.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Making these Sloppy Joes is super easy and doesn’t take much time. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have cheesy perfection on your plate in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat but leave a little for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add butter, onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using) to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the filling.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients balance out the savory beef with a subtle tang and richness. Mix everything well so the flavors combine beautifully.

Step 4: Make It Saucy

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring as it thickens. Within a few minutes, you’ll have a perfectly rich and slightly creamy sauce coating your beef and veggies.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and place slices of provolone cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for about a minute until the cheese melts completely. Once it’s gooey and smooth, give everything a gentle stir so the cheese blends in.

Step 6: Toast and Assemble

Toast your hamburger buns lightly. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half, top with the other bun, and get ready for that first mouthwatering bite!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, here are some personal tips that make it even more amazing:

Always toast the buns — it keeps them from getting soggy and adds crunch.
I like to grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-sliced because it melts faster and smoother.
Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce — it gives that classic “steak” flavor that sets this apart from regular Sloppy Joes.
If you have time, caramelize the onions longer for extra sweetness and depth.
I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little heat boost.

How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Serve these sandwiches warm, piled high with cheesy beef filling. They pair perfectly with crispy fries, onion rings, or even a fresh green salad for balance. I love adding a few pickle chips or a drizzle of cheese sauce on top for extra indulgence. For presentation, wrap them in parchment paper for that classic diner-style feel!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (one sandwich):

Calories: ~410
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 20g

These numbers can vary depending on your choice of beef, cheese, and buns.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can cook the beef filling a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before serving. Toast the buns fresh for the best texture.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in a sealed container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This filling freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one. Add a splash of beef broth if it looks too thick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love easy weeknight dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe is for you! Here’s why:

Quick and easy: From start to finish, it’s on the table in 25 minutes.
Crowd-pleasing: It’s rich, cheesy, and comforting — everyone from kids to adults loves it.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Versatile: You can adjust the cheese, meat, or spice level to your taste.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead for meal prep or busy nights — reheats like a dream.

If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are the perfect pick. It’s the best of both worlds — the heartiness of a cheesesteak and the convenience of a sloppy joe. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I was!

Ben Carraoli