Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

I first came across a version of these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes while scrolling through Pinterest one night, and I couldn’t resist the idea of combining two classic comfort foods into one. After trying it a few times in my kitchen, I added my own little twist — extra caramelized veggies, a bit more sauce, and just the right amount of melty provolone. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make, yet it feels like something special every time. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with cozy, savory aromas and brings everyone running to the table. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, these sandwiches always hit the spot — warm, cheesy, and full of that nostalgic comfort we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s fast — ready in just half an hour.
It’s budget-friendly — uses simple pantry ingredients.
It’s cheesy, hearty, and family-approved.
It’s easy to adapt — you can make it in a skillet or slow cooker.
Perfect for meal prep or game-day sandwiches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 ounces provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6 ounces for less cheesiness)
• 6 brioche hamburger buns

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown without stirring for a few minutes to form a deep crust. Break apart and continue cooking until about half the beef has a nice sear. Remove the beef and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to get some color, then stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce
Return the browned beef to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan, then add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and most of the liquid has reduced.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped provolone cheese. Start with half, stirring until melted, then add more until it’s as gooey and cheesy as you like.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted brioche buns. Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate comfort sandwich experience.

Chef’s Notes

For the best flavor, use lean ground beef — around 85/15 — so the filling stays juicy without being greasy. If you prefer, swap the provolone for mozzarella, white American, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Toasting the buns adds a nice crisp contrast to the creamy filling.

Alternative Cooking Techniques

Slow Cooker Version:
Combine all ingredients except the cheese and buns in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Use half the beef broth to prevent the mixture from getting too thin. If the sauce needs thickening, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook an additional 30 minutes on low. Add the cheese just before serving and stir until melted.

Variations

Hamburger Helper Style: Double the beef broth (keep cornstarch the same). Add uncooked macaroni instead of buns. Do not rinse the pasta — its starch helps thicken the sauce. Once the noodles are tender, stir in the cheese and serve immediately.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a kick.
Chicken or Turkey Variation: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, diced zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes with sides like crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. They’re also great with roasted potatoes or coleslaw. For parties, serve the filling in mini slider buns for an easy grab-and-go snack.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled filling (without buns) in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use another type of cheese?
A1: Yes! Provolone gives that classic Philly flavor, but mozzarella, Swiss, or American cheese work great too.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
A2: Substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely. Prepare the beef filling, cool it, and refrigerate. Reheat just before serving and add cheese fresh.
Q4: What type of bun works best?
A4: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, but hoagie rolls or sandwich rolls also work well.
Q5: How can I make it healthier?
A5: Use lean beef, less cheese, and serve on whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps.
Q6: Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
A6: Yes, but you may need to add a splash more beef broth or olive oil to keep it moist.
Q7: Can I make this spicy?
A7: Definitely! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Q8: How do I keep the filling from getting soggy?
A8: Toast the buns lightly before assembling to create a barrier and prevent sogginess.
Q9: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A9: Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Q10: What sides go best with it?
A10: Fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a creamy mac and cheese make perfect pairings.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up — a little messy, a lot cheesy, and absolutely delicious. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and full of that savory Philly flavor you love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a game day crowd, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe hits the spot every single time. Once you try these, you might never go back to regular sloppy joes again.