If you love a classic Philly cheese steak but also crave the messy, saucy joy of a sloppy joe, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are hearty, cheesy, savory, and unbelievably satisfying — a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in one pan and tastes like a warm hug between toasted buns. Every bite is packed with seasoned ground beef, tender sautéed peppers and onions, melty provolone, and a rich, flavorful sauce that brings everything together.
It’s fast, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. And trust me people will ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sloppy joes bring all the iconic flavors of a Philly cheese steak into a simpler, quicker, more budget-friendly recipe. You still get the tenderness, the peppers, the onions, the richness — but it’s easier, creamier, and wonderfully comforting.
You’ll love this because:
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses one pan for easy cleanup
- Perfect for families, game nights, and weeknight dinners
- The sauce is rich, savory, and slightly creamy
- You can use ground beef or ground turkey
- The melted provolone makes every bite dreamy
It tastes like a classic cheese steak but even cozier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that turn into something truly delicious.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Toasted brioche or hoagie buns
- Optional add-ins: mushrooms, banana peppers, mozzarella, or American cheese
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant. This step builds the base of your flavor.
2. Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up well and cook until browned. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add seasoning and sauce
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. These seasonings give the beef that rich, slightly tangy sloppy joe flavor.
4. Create the sauce
Mix cornstarch into the beef broth and pour it into the skillet. Let everything simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef mixture.
5. Melt the cheese
Lay slices of provolone directly on top of the beef. Let them melt slowly, then stir everything together so the cheese becomes part of the creamy, savory sauce.
6. Assemble the sloppy joes
Spoon the cheese-steak mixture onto toasted buns. Add extra cheese on top if you want a gooier bite — no one ever regrets more cheese.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Serve these sandwiches warm on toasted buns for the ultimate comfort meal. Pair them with:
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- A simple salad
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
They also make great sliders for parties or game days.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Toast the buns — this keeps them from getting soggy.
- Use provolone for authentic Philly flavor.
- Add mushrooms if you want a true cheese-steak taste.
- Simmer longer for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Double the recipe if feeding a crowd — these disappear fast.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: add jalapeños or crushed red pepper
- BBQ Philly Joes: stir in a touch of BBQ sauce
- Creamy Version: add a spoonful of cream cheese
- Extra Cheesy: top with mozzarella or American along with provolone
- Mushroom Swiss: swap provolone for Swiss + sautéed mushrooms
This recipe is super customizable and tastes amazing any way you make it.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked meat mixture for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave; add a splash of broth if needed
Store the meat mixture separately from the buns for best results.
Final Thoughts
These Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are everything you love about comfort food — rich, meaty, cheesy, saucy, and incredibly satisfying. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for weeknights, game days, or whenever you crave something warm and cozy. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation — and everyone will be asking for the recipe.