Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are what happen when comfort food meets a happy accident. I went to make our classic sloppy joes one night and realized I was missing a few ingredients so we turned them into a Philly-style version instead. One bite and we were completely sold.

These Philly sloppy joes are meaty, flavor-packed, and loaded with melty cheese, all piled onto a toasted brioche bun. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will devour, make this Philly version and thank me later.

What is a Sloppy Joe?

A traditional sloppy joe is a type of sandwich that is made with ground beef or pork and onions with the addition of tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other simple seasonings like salt and pepper. They are served on a hamburger bun. This is a United States original dish. We’ve taken that dish and given it a Philly cheesesteak twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesesteak sloppy joes are even easier than a traditional cheesesteak and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of these Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes. Using 80–85% lean ground beef delivers rich flavor while still keeping the mixture juicy and tender.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the onions and peppers caramelize, creating that classic cheesesteak depth of flavor.
• Onion: Thinly sliced onions bring natural sweetness and a savory backbone once softened and lightly browned.
• Green Bell Pepper: A traditional cheesesteak ingredient that adds mild sweetness, subtle crunch, and that unmistakable Philly flavor.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the savory beefy flavor while helping create a saucy, cohesive sloppy joe mixture.
• Ketchup: Provides gentle sweetness and tang, giving the sloppy joes their classic comfort-food flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth with its bold, umami-rich flavor that amplifies the beef and balances the sauce.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them. Kosher salt dissolves evenly for consistent seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a bit of bite to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce quickly, giving the sloppy joes the perfect hearty, scoopable texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the meat mixture for a rich, cheesy finish that complements the savory beef and veggies.
• Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery, and sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness and perfect for soaking up every last bite without falling apart.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes start the same way great sloppy joes always do, by browning the beef.

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, letting it sit undisturbed for a few minutes so a rich brown crust forms. This step adds depth and boosts flavor. Once browned, break up the meat, then remove it from the pan, leaving the grease behind.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet, followed by the sliced onions and peppers. Let the vegetables sit and brown before stirring, then repeat once more to build flavor. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off before returning the beef to the pan.
3. Create a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. This will help thicken the sloppy joe mixture without making it heavy.
4. Make the Sauce: Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir everything together. Pour in the broth mixture and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened and no longer watery.
5. Finish the Meat Filling: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the meat, cover the pan, and let it melt into the mixture. Once the cheese melts into the beef mixture, you’ll have a rich, cheesy filling that tastes just like a Philly cheesesteak without the extra work.
6. Toast the Buns: While the meat simmers, butter the brioche buns and toast them under the broiler until golden.
7. Assemble: Spoon the cheesy Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve hot.

What to Eat with Philly Cheesesteak?

These Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes pair well with both light sides and classic comfort foods. Here are a few of our favorite options:

• Mexican Street Corn – Elote
• Roasted Garlic Veggies
• Mashed Potatoes
• Parmesan French Fries
• Grilled Lemon Pepper Asparagus
• Roasted Root Veggies

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes FAQs

Variations and Substitutions

Bun: Any good quality hamburger bun would be a great substitute for brioche buns in this recipe. Since they are sloppy joes, you want to avoid the cheap hamburger buns. They won’t hold up to the sloppiness.

Cheese: Provolone or American cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.

Meat: Ground turkey may be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.

Storing and Reheating

Make Ahead: The sloppy joe mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze the meat mixture (without buns) for up to 6 months.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add beef broth if it seems dry. Toast buns fresh before serving for the best texture.

Sometimes the very best recipes come from happy accidents, and these Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are proof of that. Juicy ground beef, caramelized peppers and onions, and melty cheese all come together in one flavor-packed sandwich.

If you’re craving a fun twist on classic sloppy joes or love the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

More Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes:

• Korean Ground Beef Recipe
• Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup
• Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
• Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

Watch How These Sloppy Joes are Made…