You guys know I love a good mash-up recipe—especially when it involves two all-time favorite sandwiches. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are exactly that kind of comfort food magic. They’ve got all the savory, cheesy flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but with the saucy, hearty vibe of a traditional sloppy joe. Basically, this is one of those meals that hits the spot every single time.
I first whipped these up on a whim during a football night at our house, and let me tell you, they disappeared fast. I mean, there were no leftovers, and that’s saying something in my house. The best part? They’re super easy to make and come together in just about 30 minutes—so they’ve earned a permanent spot on my busy weeknight dinner rotation.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want something cozy and satisfying without a lot of fuss, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes check all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the gooey, cheesy goodness.
Customizable: Swap the cheese, change up the veggies, or make it low-carb with lettuce wraps.
Let’s get into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the filling:
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
For the cheese sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
For serving:
4 sandwich buns, toasted
STEP 1: Start With the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. You’ll want to sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
Tip: Don’t skip the garlic here—it’s a small ingredient, but it brings a ton of depth to the flavor.
STEP 2: Brown the Beef
Next up, add your ground beef directly into the skillet with the cooked veggies. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown fully—this should take about 6–8 minutes. If your beef releases a lot of grease, go ahead and drain the excess fat at this point.
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. These two ingredients are what give it that classic sloppy joe flavor with a slightly tangy twist. Season it all with salt and pepper.
STEP 3: Make It Saucy
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour evenly over the beef mixture. This is going to help thicken things up. Stir it well to make sure the flour gets distributed and coats everything. Then pour in the beef broth and stir again. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes until it thickens into a rich, meaty sauce.
And that’s it for the filling—you’ve got a savory, saucy beef mixture that’s practically begging to be piled onto a toasted bun.
Melty Cheese Sauce and Pro Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Alright, now that we’ve got that rich, flavorful beef mixture simmered and ready to go, it’s time for what might be my favorite part—the cheese sauce. And let me just say, this part is essential. It brings everything together in the most glorious, creamy, melty way that makes these sloppy joes totally irresistible.
Even if you’ve never made a cheese sauce from scratch before, don’t worry. This one is super simple, and once you learn it, you’ll want to use it for way more than just this recipe (hello, homemade mac and cheese!).
STEP 4: Whip Up the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk it together. This is your roux, and it only needs about 1 minute to cook—just enough to get rid of that raw flour taste.
Next, slowly pour in the ¾ cup of milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking as the mixture heats up and begins to thicken. This should take about 3–4 minutes.
Now comes the best part: stir in 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella, if that’s what you’ve got on hand). Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and you’ve got a smooth, creamy sauce that’s ready to pour.
Tip: If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, just reduce the milk slightly. If you want it extra cheesy, you can even mix in a little more shredded cheese at the end. You do you!
STEP 5: Toast the Buns
This step might seem minor, but trust me—it makes a big difference. Lightly toasting your sandwich buns keeps them from getting soggy once you pile on that juicy filling and rich cheese sauce.
Just pop them in a toaster oven or on a hot skillet for a minute or two until they’re golden and slightly crisp. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even brush them with a little melted butter first for an extra hit of flavor.
Bonus Tip: If you want to level it up, add a slice of provolone or white American cheese directly onto the toasted bun before spooning on the beef mixture. It melts right into everything and adds another layer of cheesy goodness.
STEP 6: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together.
Take a toasted sandwich bun and pile it high with a generous scoop of the beef mixture. Then, grab a spoon and pour that creamy cheese sauce right over the top. Don’t hold back here—this is a sloppy joe after all, so the messier, the better.
Top with the other half of the bun and you’re done. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.
Variations to Try
While this classic version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, here are a few quick twists you can try depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences:
Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the beef mixture over a bed of shredded lettuce or in a lettuce wrap.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the sautéed peppers or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce with the ketchup.
Different Cheeses: Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, white American, or even cheddar work well too. Just use what you love!
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe.
Make it a Meal: Serve with oven fries, a pickle spear, or even a quick side salad to round things out.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it reheats like a dream. You can easily make the beef filling and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, just warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until hot. For the cheese sauce, a quick zap in the microwave or a warm-up on the stovetop with a splash of milk will do the trick. Toast your buns fresh when you’re ready to serve, and you’ve got dinner on the table in minutes.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: FAQs and Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered how to make these ridiculously satisfying Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, let’s take a minute to answer a few common questions I’ve gotten over the years. Whether you’re prepping for a party, looking for substitutions, or just want to tweak the recipe to fit your taste, this section should have you covered.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works really well in this recipe and makes it a little lighter. Just keep in mind that turkey has less fat than beef, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
2. What’s the best cheese to use for that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor?
Provolone is the most traditional choice and melts beautifully. That said, white American cheese and even Cheese Whiz are used in classic Philly sandwiches, so feel free to go with what you like. Mozzarella also works if you’re going for mild and melty.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make both the beef mixture and the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, and toast fresh buns right before serving.
4. How do I make these less messy for kids?
Try serving the beef and cheese mixture over slider buns or in a hot dog bun—it holds everything together a little better for smaller hands. You can also mix the cheese sauce directly into the beef mixture to cut down on drips.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The beef mixture freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. I recommend making the cheese sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve, as dairy-based sauces don’t always reheat well from frozen.
6. Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Definitely! Mushrooms are a great addition and make the filling taste even more like a classic cheesesteak. You can sauté them with the onions and peppers. Other tasty add-ins: red bell pepper, jalapeños, or even some spinach for a veggie boost.
7. What sides go well with these sloppy joes?
Classic pairings include oven fries, kettle chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a game day vibe, serve with pickles and potato wedges. For a more comfort food feel, try them with mac and cheese or roasted veggies.
Final Thoughts: Give This Recipe a Spot in Your Weekly Lineup
There’s something so comforting about a sandwich that’s both familiar and fun, and that’s exactly what these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are. They’ve got the bold, savory flavor of a cheesesteak and the nostalgic, saucy heartiness of a sloppy joe—all wrapped up in one easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe.
What I love most is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re using different proteins, swapping in new cheeses, or adjusting the spice level, this recipe gives you room to make it your own. And the best part? It’s done in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights, game nights, or even casual entertaining.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on two beloved sandwiches. This dish combines the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the saucy comfort of a sloppy joe. Ground beef is cooked with onions, peppers, and garlic, then smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and piled high on toasted buns. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
For the cheese sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
For serving:
4 sandwich buns, toasted
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
Pour in the beef broth and stir, letting the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened and saucy.
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk while whisking, then continue to stir until the sauce thickens. Add shredded cheese and stir until smooth and melted.
Spoon the beef mixture onto toasted sandwich buns, then pour the cheese sauce generously over the top.
Notes
Provolone is traditional for Philly flavor, but mozzarella or white American cheese work well too. For extra richness, add a slice of cheese directly to the bun before adding the filling. This recipe is also great served over rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
