If you’re craving all the savory, melty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but want something a little easier to throw together, this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is going to be a game changer for your weeknight dinners. It captures those familiar flavors – tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melty provolone – but in the form of a juicy, flavorful sloppy joe that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and flexible. It’s great for casual meals, game days, or whenever you want a quick, satisfying sandwich that packs a punch. Plus, the combination of mushrooms, Worcestershire, and cheese takes it straight to the next level, making it a special twist on the traditional sloppy joe. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe in your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is there for a delicious reason. The balance of fresh veggies, umami-rich mushrooms, and sharp provolone cheese helps create that signature Philly flavor we all love, while easy pantry staples keep it simple.

Lean ground beef: Using lean beef keeps this sandwich hearty without being too greasy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
Yellow onion: Sweet and mellow once cooked down, it’s essential for that classic cheesesteak vibe.
Green bell pepper: Adds a slight crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
Brown mushrooms: Minced finely to mimic the texture of shaved steak and add savory depth.
Ketchup: Brings a touch of sweetness and ties together the sloppy joe sauce base.
Worcestershire sauce: That secret umami kick you don’t want to skip.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simply essential for seasoning.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so nothing slips out when you take a big bite.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor without heavy cream or extra fat.
Provolone cheese slices: Chopped into the mix, they melt beautifully and bring that Philly cheesesteak authenticity.
Brioche hamburger buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns are the perfect vehicle to hold all that melty goodness.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs – that’s what cooking should be about!

Variation: For a lighter version, I sometimes swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken – it still works great with the bold flavors.
Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth; add extra mushrooms for heartiness.
Spicy kick: I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or mixing in some hot sauce to give it a bit of heat.
Cheese choices: While provolone is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Seasonal twists: Swap the green bell pepper for sautéed red or yellow peppers when in season for natural sweetness.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion, green pepper, and minced mushrooms. The key here is to cook everything slowly until the onions become translucent, the peppers soften up, and mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown – this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or burns and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Add the ground beef directly to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary for a leaner result. Now stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This is where your sloppy joe hits its stride with classic tang and savory depth.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Add Cheese

Mix cornstarch with the beef broth until smooth, then pour it into the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly until thickened to a saucy consistency. Now fold in the chopped provolone cheese, stirring until melted and gooey throughout the mixture. This step is so important – it’s what truly gives this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe that irresistibly cheesy finish.

Step 4: Toast and Assemble

While the filling thickens, lightly toast your brioche buns in the oven or on a skillet — I love that little crisp edge on the buns to contrast the rich filling. Scoop a generous amount of your sloppy joe mixture onto each bun, top with any extra cheese slices if you want, and get ready for a messy, delicious bite.

How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a few fresh garnishes. Thinly sliced pickles or banana peppers add a bright tang that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I throw on a bit of chopped fresh parsley or even a few sliced green onions for some fresh crunch and color.

Side Dishes

Personally, I often serve these sloppy joes with classic potato chips or crispy oven-baked fries. Coleslaw or a crisp green salad works well if you want to round out the meal with something fresh and crunchy. Oh, and don’t underestimate the power of simple pickled veggies on the side for that extra zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or casual get-togethers, I’ve served this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe mini-style on slider buns. They’re the perfect finger food and tend to disappear quickly! You can also present the filling in small skillet dishes as a dip with toasted bread on the side – that’s an unfussy, crowd-pleasing platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sloppy joe filling keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just give it a good stir and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. I find covering the pan while reheating helps maintain moisture and keeps that cheesy texture nice and smooth.

Freezing

This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe freezes beautifully if you want to prep in advance. Portion the filling into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a quick, tasty meal ready in minutes.

Reheating

When reheating, the stovetop is my go-to for best results. Warm the filling over medium-low heat, stirring often so it heats evenly and the cheese stays melty rather than clumping. If you’re using a microwave, reheat in short bursts and stir in between to maintain that perfect cheesy texture without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day or two ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Just reheat gently, and it tastes just as good as freshly made!
What kind of cheese works best for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?

Provolone cheese is the classic choice and melts beautifully in this recipe, giving that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. However, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder taste or sharp cheddar for a bit more bite, depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?

Yes, you can omit the mushrooms if you’re not a fan or have dietary restrictions. The mushrooms add great umami and texture, but the recipe will still be delicious with just beef, peppers, and onions.
How do I prevent the sloppy joe filling from being too runny?

The cornstarch mixed with beef broth thickens the sauce nicely. Be sure to simmer and stir until it reaches a thick, saucy consistency. If it’s still too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry in small amounts.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is one of those meals that feels indulgent and nostalgic but without any fuss or long waits. It’s perfect when you want to share something comforting with friends or family, and I’ve seen it quickly become a household favorite in my own kitchen. If you want a fun twist on sloppy joes with that unmistakable Philly flavor, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!