Creamy, juicy, and full of melty cheese, these Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes take the classic Philly comfort and turn it into a weeknight-friendly sandwich everyone will race to the table for. Imagine all the savory goodness of a cheesesteak — caramelized onions, tender peppers, earthy mushrooms, and provolone — folded into a saucy, spoonable mixture that hugs a toasted brioche bun. Fun fact: sloppy joes are believed to have originated from a Cuban sandwich adapted in the United States, so this mashup is really just doing what sandwiches do best — evolve and get tastier.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick, and perfect for families or for entertaining a hungry crowd. It’s a great alternative to our baked casserole twists; if you like hearty, spoonable comfort, check out a similar layered comfort at Philly Cheese Steak Casserole for another way to enjoy these flavors. Ready to make a messy, cozy dinner that everyone will love? Let’s dig in.

What is Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes?

Ever wonder how a sloppy joe got a Philly makeover? Think of it as the lovechild of two American comfort-food classics: the messy, saucy sloppy joe and the iconic Philly cheesesteak. Why the name? Maybe someone looked at that saucy, cheesed-up filling and said, why not call it Philly and skip the knife and fork. Who wouldn’t want to argue that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” when hands are covered in melted provolone and tangy Worcestershire sauce? Give it a try and see why this playful name stuck — it’s a fun, delicious twist that begs to be eaten with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Melty, savory, and wildly satisfying: The main highlight is the rich, cheesy, beefy filling that combines tender ground beef with sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms for depth and texture.
• Budget-friendly comfort: Making this at home is cheaper than ordering restaurant cheesesteaks and stretches nicely to feed a family when served with sides.
• Flavor-forward toppings: A hit of Worcestershire, a little beef broth to deepen the sauce, and gooey provolone on top make these unforgettable.

If you enjoy the handheld convenience here, you might also like the crunchy twist in our Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls — another fun way to serve cheesesteak flavors. Now grab a skillet and let’s make something delicious.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, satisfying, and built on basic techniques: browning, sautéing, simmering, and melting. It yields a saucy, slightly thickened filling that clings to toasted brioche buns and is ready in about 25–30 minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15–20 minutes Total: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, raw

1 onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 cup beef broth, room temperature

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 slices provolone cheese

4 brioche buns, toasted

Directions

1. Prepare ingredients: Dice the onion and bell pepper, slice the mushrooms, and set the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce near the stove so everything is ready.
2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until no pink remains and the beef is nicely browned. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers and mushrooms are softened.
4. Build the sauce: Pour in 1 cup beef broth and stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Scrape any browned bits from the pan — that’s flavor.
5. Simmer to thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and the mixture thickens but remains saucy.
6. Toast buns: While the mixture simmers, toast the 4 brioche buns until golden. This prevents sogginess and adds crunch.
7. Assemble and melt cheese: Spoon the hot beef mixture onto each toasted bun. Top each portion with a slice of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet briefly with a lid or place under a preheated broiler for 30–60 seconds until the cheese melts.
8. Serve: Slide the assembled sloppy joes onto plates and serve immediately while warm and melty.

 

What to Serve With:

• Classic coleslaw or a simple green salad for freshness and crunch
• Crispy oven fries, sweet potato fries, or kettle chips for texture
• Pickles or pickled jalapeños to cut the richness with acidity
• A cold beer, iced tea, or a fizzy lemonade to balance the savory flavors

Top Tips for Perfecting:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork to change the flavor and cost.
• For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the beef broth.
• If you like it saucier, add another 1/4 cup beef broth; for thicker, simmer longer until reduced.
• Toasting the brioche is important — it keeps buns from getting soggy and adds a caramelized note.
• Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be softened but still have some bite to contrast the meat.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing: Portion the cooled filling into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Buns are best stored separately and frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating: Reheat filling on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth to loosen, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between. Re-melt cheese under a broiler or in the microwave briefly just before serving. Toast buns fresh for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth before assembling and melting the cheese.

Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone is classic, but American, Swiss, or provolone’s milder cousin, mozzarella, will all melt nicely.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes — substitute a plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for the beef. Adjust seasonings and add a bit more Worcestershire or soy sauce for savory depth.

How can I make this less salty?

Start with low-sodium beef broth and taste before adding more salt. Worcestershire adds savory saltiness, so add that gradually.

Will the buns get soggy?

Toast the brioche until golden; this creates a barrier. Also, serve immediately after assembly to keep the bun texture pleasant.

Conclusion

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a fast, flavorful mashup that brings melty cheesesteak charm to a handheld, family-friendly sandwich. They’re easy to prepare, budget-conscious, and endlessly customizable — perfect for weeknights, game-day spreads, or casual get-togethers. If you love a saucy sandwich that satisfies everyone at the table, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

For another take on this comfort-food mashup, check out this detailed Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert and for more classic variations try the collection at Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe – Simply Recipes.