Introduction
If you love the rich, bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but crave the comfort of a sloppy joe, this recipe is the perfect fusion of both! It’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all served on a soft, toasted bun.
This dish brings together tender ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, gooey melted cheese, and a flavorful sauce to create the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- ¾ cup beef broth
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns or brioche buns, toasted
- Butter (for toasting the buns, optional)
- Extra provolone or cheddar cheese slices (optional for extra cheesiness)

Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with beef broth (if using), then pour it into the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
- Lower the heat and stir in shredded provolone until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Toast the burger buns with a little butter in a pan (optional, but highly recommended!).
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the buns.
- Top with extra cheese slices if you want an even gooier bite!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Lovers: Toss in ½ cup sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey and swap out some cheese for Greek yogurt.
- Extra Cheesy: Melt a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese directly onto the buns before serving.

Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the meat mixture in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
10 FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
1. What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss work great too!
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
3. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well with the same seasonings.
4. How do I make this less messy?
Try using hoagie rolls instead of burger buns—they hold everything together better!
5. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers for extra flavor.
6. What are the best sides to serve with these?
Fries, coleslaw, sweet potato wedges, or even a simple side salad.
7. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the beef mixture separately and reheat before serving.
8. What can I do if my mixture is too thin?
Let it simmer longer, or add a little more cornstarch mixed with broth to thicken it.
9. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether!
10. What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Brush with butter and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
Conclusion
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re a Philly cheesesteak lover or just looking for a fun twist on sloppy joes, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Try them tonight and let me know—extra cheese or extra sauce? 🤔 Drop a comment below! 🌟🔥