Name: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 fresh ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup beef broth; 8 ounces provolone cheese slices, chopped (use 6 oz if you prefer less cheese); 6 brioche hamburger buns

I absolutely love sharing this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe because it transforms a classic comfort food into something truly extraordinary. When I first made it, the combination of tender ground beef with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melty provolone cheese instantly became a family favorite. This dish brings the iconic flavors of Philly cheese steak into a messy, saucy sandwich that's perfect for any casual dinner or gathering. I promise, once you try this, you’ll fall in love with sloppy joes all over again, just like I did.

Why You'll Love This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

What excites me the most about this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is the incredible flavor explosion in every bite. The sweetness of the sautéed onions and bell peppers blends seamlessly with the savory, rich ground beef, while the mushrooms add a subtle earthiness that rounds out the taste perfectly. Then, the melty provolone cheese on top just brings that classic Philly cheese steak vibe, giving the whole sandwich a luscious creaminess that takes it over the top.

I also love how straightforward and quick this recipe is to prepare. If you’re like me and appreciate meals you can throw together in about 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor, this one is a total winner. The layering of textures—from the crisp-tender vegetables to the juicy meat mixture—makes it a satisfying meal that feels special but isn’t complicated.

Whether I’m making this for a weeknight family dinner, casual dinner parties, or even game day celebrations, it never fails to impress. It’s hearty and comforting yet packed with fresh veggie bites and a rich sauce that clings deliciously to the toasted brioche buns. This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe really stands out because it elevates a childhood favorite into something memorable and crave-worthy every single time.

Ingredients You'll Need

A blue cast iron pan filled with cooked ground beef mixed with diced green bell peppers and onions, with a wooden spoon resting inside. To the left, a wooden bowl holds three golden brown sandwich buns, placed on a folded grey and white striped cloth. To the right, there is a white round plate stacked with slices of pale yellow cheese, and next to it are three small round wooden and white dishes holding salt, pepper, and a yellow powder. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. Each item plays its part—from the juiciness of the beef to the vibrancy of the fresh vegetables and the creamy, melty provolone cheese.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the rich and savory foundation with a nice balance of fat for flavor without heaviness.
2 tablespoons butter: Helps caramelize your onions, peppers, and mushrooms for that perfect golden brown flavor.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture to every bite.
1 small green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh crispness and vibrant color.
8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced: Infuses an earthy depth and meaty texture.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet base to the sauce.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami.
½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the meat.
1 cup beef broth: Builds a rich and flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
8 ounces provolone cheese slices, chopped: Melts into creamy pockets that make this a true Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe. (Use 6 ounces if you prefer it less cheesy.)
6 brioche hamburger buns: Buttery and soft, the perfect vessel to hold this juicy, cheesy filling.

Directions

Step 1: Start by adding the ground beef to a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. This skillet browns the beef beautifully, developing a deep brown crust. Be patient and resist the urge to break it apart immediately—allow chunks to sear and caramelize first.

Step 2: Give the beef a good stir as it begins to brown. You'll want about half the surface to develop a crispy crust—this adds tons of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Remove the beef from the skillet but leave the flavorful fat behind. Then add the butter along with the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced mushrooms.

Step 4: Let the vegetables brown undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes before stirring, then allow another 1 to 2 minutes without stirring. This technique caramelizes the veggies perfectly, deepening their flavor.

Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small cup, mix the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth.

Step 6: Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and the beef broth-cornstarch mixture into the pan. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 7: Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, until it thickens and the sauce becomes slightly less liquidy—about 75% of the mixture should be above liquid level.

Step 8: Turn off the heat and start adding your provolone cheese slices. Begin with half the cheese and gradually add more until it’s as cheesy as you like, stirring gently to melt it into the sauce.

Step 9: Serve the cheesy, savory mixture on toasted brioche buns for the perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes sandwich experience.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 hearty sandwiches, which is perfect for a family dinner or to share with friends. The prep time is quick and straightforward, taking about 15 minutes, and the cook time is equally fast at 15 minutes, making a total ready-to-eat time of roughly 30 minutes. There’s no additional resting or cooling time required, so you can go straight from skillet to table and enjoy your creation while it’s warm and melty.

How to Serve This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

A close-up sandwich with a soft, light brown top bun that looks fluffy and smooth. Below it, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of green bell peppers and cooked onions, some melted cheese is seen oozing over the meat. The bottom bun is white and slightly cushy, holding the juicy meat filling. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a slight ridged texture, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe, I love pairing it with classic sides that complement its bold flavors. Creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad provides a refreshing crunch and bright contrast to the rich, cheesy beef. For something heartier, crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries are fantastic companions, soaking up any extra sauce from your sandwich.

Presentation-wise, I like to garnish these sloppy joes with an extra slice of provolone or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Toasting the brioche buns lightly gives an appealing golden crust that helps keep everything together and adds a buttery flavor. This dish shines best served hot, right off the pan, when the cheese is gooey and the sandwich is steaming.

Beverage pairings are very fun to play around with: a crisp lager or IPA beer balances the richness wonderfully, but if you prefer wine, a light red like Pinot Noir or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea with a slice of lemon refreshes the palate and keeps the meal feeling lively. This recipe really fits any casual occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings or game day celebrations—its irresistible flavor makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to lighten it up, swapping the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully and keeps the dish flavorful but a little less rich. For vegetarian versions, I’ve successfully substituted the beef with crumbled tempeh or lentils, with extra mushrooms to give that meaty texture. Adding vegan cheese in place of provolone can make it vegan-friendly with ease.

If you’re watching gluten, swapping the brioche buns for gluten-free buns or even serving the sloppy joes over a bed of steamed greens or cauliflower rice can be delightful alternatives. Flavor-wise, mixing in some smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a touch of hot sauce adds a spice kick that I often like for a fun twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a new flavor dimension.

In terms of cooking methods, while I love the cast iron skillet browning step for maximum flavor, you could also prepare the meat and veggies in a non-stick pan or even a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. Just remember to brown the beef first to get that satisfying crust if you choose the slow cooker route!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe store beautifully. I like to transfer the sandwich filling to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Keeping the buns separate ensures they don’t get soggy—just toast them again when you’re ready to eat. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids or BPA-free plastic containers work great for maintaining freshness.

Freezing

This sloppy joe filling freezes quite well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. I portion the filling into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture and flavor when reheating, I recommend warming the filling gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly melt any cheese clumps. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen if possible, as it can make the sauce separate or the meat rubbery. If you do microwave, use short bursts with stirring in between. Toast your buns fresh to bring back that delightful crunch and softness, then assemble and serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?

Absolutely! While provolone provides that signature Philly cheese steak creaminess, other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar can all work well depending on the flavor profile you prefer. Just use a cheese that melts easily for that gooey, satisfying texture.

Is it necessary to brown the beef in a cast iron skillet?

It's not mandatory, but I highly recommend it. A cast iron skillet browns the meat more evenly and develops that deep, savory crust that really enhances the flavor. If you don’t have cast iron, a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan will work, but take care to avoid overcrowding so the meat can brown instead of steam.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stovetop and toast the buns fresh. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

How spicy is this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe?

This recipe is mild and focused on savory, cheesy flavors, making it suitable for most palates. However, if you want some heat, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of brioche?

You can, but brioche buns really elevate this dish. Their buttery, tender texture holds up well to the juicy sloppy joe filling without falling apart. If using regular buns, I recommend toasting them to add sturdiness and flavor.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe a try because it has become one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit special. The way the flavors come together is pure magic, and it’s so satisfying to make from start to finish. Trust me, this will change the way you think about sloppy joes forever and soon become a fast favorite in your own kitchen, just like it has in mine.