These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the traditional Philly cheesesteak, made with juicy ground beef, onions, melty provolone cheese, and bell peppers. If you're looking for an easy lunch or dinner recipe, these are it. 

In this article:

Looking for the perfect sloppy Joe recipe?

Then, you'll love our Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe! Philly cheese steaks meet the traditional sloppy Joe for a fun twist on a classic sandwich. 

When it comes to comfort food, we like to think of ourselves as pros. We've made everything from Big Batch Crock Pot Chili to Taco Mac and Cheese, and now this Sloppy Joe Philly Cheesesteak recipe! Transform your regular sloppy joes with this Philly version that will become a family favorite. This easy recipe consists of juicy ground beef cooked to perfection, mingling with sautéed onions and peppers, all hugged by a savory steak sauce reduction. Then, this flavorful mix is generously piled onto toasted rolls and crowned with gooey melted cheese. 

What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

The iconic Philly cheesesteak traces its roots back to Philadelphia in the early 20th century. Legend has it that Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, invented the sandwich in the 1930s by placing thinly sliced beefsteak on a roll. Over the years, it evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with variations featuring cheese, onions, and peppers. Today, it stands as a symbol of Philadelphia's culinary identity.

On the other hand, the origins of sloppy joes are a bit more contested. One popular theory attributes the creation of this messy yet delicious sandwich to a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, during the 1930s. Another story suggests that the dish originated at a tavern in Key West, Florida, under the name "sloppy joe." Regardless of its exact origin, sloppy joes have become a beloved comfort food staple. 

This recipe combines two iconic dishes for the ultimate easy meal the whole family will love! 

Why you'll love this recipe

It's like enjoying the iconic Philly Cheese Steak in a more casual, convenient Sloppy Joe form. Plus, it's a breeze to make, making it perfect for busy days when you crave something both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Used for cooking and sautéing, providing a flavorful base for the ground beef.
  • Ground beef: The main protein source, forming the base of the dish.
  • Medium onion, sliced: Adds a savory and aromatic element to the dish, enhancing flavor. Use white or yellow onion. 
  • Green peppers: Add a fresh and slightly sweet taste to the Philly cheese steak sandwiches. 
  • Steak sauce: Infuses a bold and tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional Philly cheesesteaks. Worcestershire sauce works as well. 
  • Beef stock: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish. Beef broth works, too.
  • Salt and pepper
  • Butter: Used for toasting the hamburger rolls, adding richness and a subtle buttery flavor. Use unsalted butter. 
  • Hamburger rolls: Serve as the base for the sandwich, providing a vessel for the flavorful filling. You can also use brioche buns. 
  • Provolone Cheese or American cheese slices: Melted over the beef mixture for a gooey and cheesy finish, reminiscent of a classic Philly cheesesteak. Mozzarella cheese or white American cheese would also work here. 

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Begin by preheating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes.

Toss in the onions and pepper, sautéing for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Slowly introduce the steak sauce and beef stock, allowing the sauce to simmer until it reduces by half, approximately 5-10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.

In a separate medium skillet or on a flat griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

Toast the rolls on the griddle until they are golden brown. 

Serve the prepared beef mixture over the toasted rolls, ensuring a slice of cheese melts on top for added deliciousness.

Expert Recipe Tip 

  • Add an extra kick by adding some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy Joe mixture!

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat

Store the leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. 

Before reheating, make sure the meat mixture comes to room temperature. 

To reheat:

  1. Place a saucepan on the stovetop on medium heat. Pop the meat mixture into the pan and reheat until warm.
  2. Toast up some buns and slap the mixture on top.

What to Serve With Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Serve up your cheesesteak sandwich with some Baked French Fries, Warm Summer Potato Herb Salad, or potato chips!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of meat for these sandwiches?

Yes! While ground beef is a popular choice for this recipe, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken to make it a little leaner! If you still want to use ground beef but keep things lean, feel freer to use lean ground beef. 

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this recipe more hands-off, feel free to throw the first seven ingredients into a crock pot. Cook on LOW for 2 hours and HIGH for 3 hours.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep 1-2 days before and warm up on the stovetop in a skillet. Toast the buns, add the cheese, and enjoy!

More Sandwich Recipes

This delicious recipe is the perfect solution to your comfort food cravings! Savory beef and melty cheese bathed in a savory sauce. What's not to love? If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below for the next reader! 

 

📖 Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Author: Kita

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion - sliced
  • 1 green pepper - sliced
  • 2 tbs steak sauce
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tbs butter
  • 4 hamburger rolls
  • 4 slices provolone or American cheese.

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and brown 5 minutes, breaking into chunks. Toss in the onions and pepper and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Slowly add the steak sauce and beef stock. Simmer until sauce reduces by half, about 5-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • In another medium skillet, or on a flat griddle, melt 1 tbs butter over medium heat. Toast rolls.
  • Serve mixture over rolls with a slice of cheese melting on top.

Notes

A Taste of Home Cooking , Adapted from Rachael Ray

Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.

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29 Comments

  1. Belinda @zomppa says:

    Wow - you guys are still hard core! This is one of those meals I'd rush home to get to!

  2. Blog is the New Black says:

    You are so smart! Love this idea.

  3. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says:

    Kita I want this in the worst way right now. For second breakfast.

  4. nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says:

    ooo this sounds so good. I love sandwiches like this. I love something simple but so filling on a crazy busy week night or to enjoy on a slow sunday for lunch + dinner combo meal

  5. Cookin' Cowgirl says:

    Awesome!! You have made another meal that my husband would love! BUZZ!

  6. Huh - I've never had a sloppy joe, but I do love me some philly cheese steak. Looks yummy!

  7. claire @ the realistic nutritionist says:

    I would bathe in this. Is that weird? It looks utterly perfect. Heavenly. NOM.

  8. Julia {The Roasted Root} says:

    The second I read the title of your post, my brain jumped out of my skull - this is just a fantastic idea! I empathize with you and the horse poo issue on mountain biking trails - no fun at all. If you are ever in the Lake Tahoe/California area, you should let me know - we have some amazing trails out here....the vast majority of which are poo-free! Thanks for a delightful recipe and have fun on your mountain biking adventures!

  9. amanda @ fake ginger says:

    Yum! I made these awhile ago and my boys loved them!

  10. You are so cool! I really love to try mountain biking, too... at least once 🙂 Sloppy Joes is always our fav dish here 🙂

  11. The Harried Cook says:

    That looks like my kind of comfort food! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  12. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says:

    I need these in my life! I am a huge fan of philly cheesesteaks! I am printing and putting on the menu next week.
    My bike needs air in the tires. I think the pump is in a box in the basement, and we only have to sedans, so it isn't getting loaded up to take somewhere for air. Not sure what to do....

  13. Off topic, but that Mac n cheese looks amazing! What kind is it/do you have a recipe??

    Jaimie

  14. What kind of steak sauce do you use? Thanks!

  15. Laura@live-love-scrap says:

    These look delicious!! Trying this recipe this week- thanks for sharing!!

  16. Kim Tyson says:

    I am making these for dinner tonight. My boyfriend was looking at my Pinterest page and was like can we have this today? Only thing different is that I will be severing French fries with these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Will come back and let you know how they came out.

    1. True story! We are making these again tonight too. <3 Enjoy

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