Juicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring all the boldness of a classic cheesesteak in the comfort of a toasted sandwich. With perfectly seasoned ground beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a buttery toasted bun, this is comfort food at its finest. It’s a weeknight dinner win that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table.
Unlike traditional Philly cheesesteaks, this version is made with ground beef for a budget-friendly, easy-to-make twist. It still hits all the familiar notes — rich beef, gooey cheese, savory onions, and that irresistible buttery toast. Perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers, these sloppy joes are seriously hard to resist.
What Kind of Bread Should I Use?
The bread makes a big difference! Go for soft hoagie rolls, brioche buns, or even thick Texas toast. Look for a sturdy bread that holds the juicy filling without getting soggy. A quick toast with butter gives it that golden crunch and keeps everything together.


Ingredients for the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Ground beef: The main protein base. Opt for 80/20 for a juicy bite.
- Yellow onion: Caramelized for sweetness and depth.
- Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and traditional Philly flair.
- Garlic: For that perfect aromatic foundation.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the meaty umami richness.
- Beef broth: Helps create the saucy texture.
- Provolone or American cheese: Melts beautifully into the beef for gooey goodness.
- Salted butter: Toasts the bread to golden perfection.
- Toasted buns: The vehicle that holds all that deliciousness together.
How To Make the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers. Cook until softened and the onions begin to caramelize, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until no longer pink. Combine everything in the pan and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Add Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes. This helps everything meld together and gives that saucy, juicy finish.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and lay slices of provolone or American cheese right over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for a minute or two to melt the cheese fully, then gently fold it into the meat mixture for even gooeyness.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the cheese melts, toast your buns! Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and place them face-down on a hot skillet or griddle. Toast until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous heap of the cheesy beef filling onto each toasted bun. Serve warm with a side of fries, chips, or a crisp salad for balance.
Serving and Storing Your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These sloppy joes are best enjoyed hot and melty right after assembling. Serve with kettle chips, seasoned fries, or a crunchy pickle spear for a true deli-style experience. For a lighter option, pair it with a green salad or roasted veggies.
If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. Toast fresh buns just before serving for that same delicious texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these sloppy joes spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Provolone and American are classic, but mozzarella or cheddar can also melt beautifully.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Butter the insides and toast them on a skillet until golden. For extra crispness, toast them in the oven.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! Make the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Cool the beef mixture completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Want More Sandwich & Comfort Food Ideas?
If these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes made your weeknight extra cozy, you’re going to love these other comforting, flavor-packed recipes from the blog:
- Try this hearty Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for another beefy pasta favorite.
- Craving more creamy twists? Don’t miss the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce.
- For a spicy kick, the One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is a game changer.
- Looking for another savory baked hit? The Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie is over-the-top delicious.
- And if you’re into classic mashups, the Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites will take you back to nostalgic comfort food dreams.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s just a click away next time the craving hits.
And I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go with provolone or American? Toasted hoagies or brioche buns? Drop a comment below with your twist or tips!
Looking for more cozy, cheesy dinner inspiration? Visit my Pinterest where I share daily new recipes: Life with Nina on Pinterest.


Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a savory mashup of two comfort food favorites—Philly cheesesteaks and sloppy joes. Ground beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and buttery toasted buns make this a quick, cheesy, and irresistible dinner option your whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
6 slices provolone cheese or American cheese
2 tablespoons salted butter (for toasting buns)
4 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls, split and ready to toast
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and green bell peppers until soft and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Push the veggies to one side and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add beef broth and simmer the mixture for 4–5 minutes until thickened and saucy.
4. Lower the heat and place the cheese slices over the beef. Cover until melted, then stir to incorporate into the mixture.
5. Meanwhile, butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them face-down in a skillet until golden and crisp.
6. Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto each toasted bun. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
Don’t skip toasting the buns—it adds a layer of crunch and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
Make the beef mixture ahead of time for meal prep and simply reheat before assembling.
If using American cheese, layer it in after the beef simmers, as it melts faster than provolone.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: philly cheesesteak, sloppy joes, ground beef sandwich
