Name: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef (lean or 80/20, room temperature); 1 medium Onion (diced small); 1 any color Bell pepper (diced small); 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced thin); 1 cup Beef broth (low-sodium preferred); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (regular); 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; to taste Salt (freshly ground black pepper recommended); 4 slices Provolone cheese (regular slices, room temperature for easy melting); 4 Brioche buns (toasted lightly in a pan or oven)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and irresistibly savory — these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are the comfort sandwich you didn’t know you needed. Imagine the melting provolone, the caramelized veggies, and a rich, savory sauce all piled onto a toasted brioche bun. Fun fact: sloppy joe-style sandwiches have been reinvented across cuisines for decades, and this Philly-inspired version brings the classic cheesesteak flavors into an easy weeknight meal. If you love quick, family-friendly dinners that feel indulgent without the fuss, this recipe delivers.

If you want to see another take on a similar sandwich-style favorite, check out this chewy, cheesy twist on the idea with a different flavor profile at Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. Ready to make something everyone at the table will ask for seconds of? Let’s get cooking!

What is Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?

What’s in a name — Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes? Think of it as a mashup between the beloved Philly cheesesteak and the classic sloppy joe, with a playful personality. Who decided to put cheesesteak on a softer, saucier base? Maybe a hungry cook who loved comfort food and wanted something less formal than slicing steak. Could this be the food version of saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”? Absolutely — and everyone else’s heart too. This friendly hybrid keeps all the best parts: beefy flavor, melty cheese, and that messy, satisfying bite. Try it and see why it might just become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is irresistible for three big reasons:

Bold, meaty flavor and melty cheese: The ground beef browned well and combined with sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms creates a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with provolone for a gooey finish.
Budget-friendly and easy to scale: Ground beef is affordable and cooks quickly; you can stretch this into extra portions for lunches or double the batch for a crowd without breaking the bank.
Topping-friendly and customizable: Add pickled jalapeños, extra caramelized onions, or a smear of garlic butter on the buns for an elevated bite.

If you like creative spins on classic sandwiches, you might also enjoy the crunchy, handheld twist found in our Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls recipe. Give this a try tonight — your family will thank you.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe comes together fast and rewards you with a satisfying mix of textures: tender beef, soft sautéed vegetables, and melty cheese on a toasted brioche bun. Prep time is minimal, cooking time is short, and the standout element is the sauce that ties everything together for that sloppy, savory finish.

Approximate time: 10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook, total 25 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, room temperature, lean or 80/20
1 onion, medium, diced small
1 bell pepper, any color, diced small
1 cup mushrooms, sliced thin
1 cup beef broth, low-sodium preferred
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, regular
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste, freshly ground black pepper recommended
4 slices provolone cheese, regular slices, room temperature for easy melting
4 brioche buns, toasted lightly in a pan or oven

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat if vegetables begin to stick.
Pour in the beef broth and stir in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef, about 4 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning. If you prefer a thicker filling, simmer a minute or two longer; for a saucier version, add a splash more beef broth.
Divide the mixture onto the toasted brioche buns, mounding it in the center. Top each portion with one slice of provolone cheese and cover the skillet briefly or pop under the oven broiler for 30 to 60 seconds to melt the cheese.
Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes immediately with your favorite sides.

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

What to Serve With

Pair these sloppy joes with crispy oven fries or air-fried potato wedges for a classic combo. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Pickles, banana peppers, or a side of quick-pickled red onions add bright acidity. For drinks, a cold beer, iced tea, or a lemon soda balances the savory flavors nicely.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version; increase Worcestershire and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to boost flavor.
For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce before simmering.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meat and vegetables — give them room to caramelize for better flavor.
If you like it creamier, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a few tablespoons of shredded cheddar before serving.
Avoid soggy buns by toasting them well and serving immediately.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Freeze the cooled filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between. Toast buns fresh before assembling to restore texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well; add extra seasoning like smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce to deepen the flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use cooked lentils, crumbled firm tofu, or a plant-based ground meat substitute and follow the same steps for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly and assemble just before serving. You can also spread a thin layer of softened butter or garlic butter on the cut sides before toasting to create a moisture barrier.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove with a little broth before assembling.

What cheese melts best for this recipe if I don’t have provolone?
American cheese, mozzarella, or even a mild cheddar will melt nicely and give you that gooey, cheesy finish.

Conclusion

These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a fast, comforting meal that brings together the best parts of a cheesesteak and a sloppy joe in one handheld bite. They’re simple to make, easy to scale, and packed with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. If you want another take on the concept with slightly different flavors and presentation, check out this vibrant take at Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert, or compare techniques and tips in this well-loved version at Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe – Simply Recipes. Give this one a try and share it with family — it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s worth repeating.