Some nights, you need a meal that delivers big flavor without chaining you to the stove for hours. Enter: Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes—the love child of two comfort food classics. You get the juicy, savory goodness of a traditional cheesesteak, but with the laid-back, messy charm of a sloppy joe.
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, since it comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s hearty enough to keep the whole family full, yet simple enough for even the most hectic schedules. Plus, who can resist the combo of tender ground beef, sautéed peppers, melty provolone, and toasty buns? It’s a cheesy sandwich that feels like a little hug after a long day.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or just craving a nostalgic throwback with a twist, this ground beef recipe has you covered. So grab your skillet, toast those buns, and let’s whip up some sloppy joes that are messy, cheesy, and downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
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Quick 30-minute dinner for busy nights
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A fun spin on two classic comfort food favorites
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Family-friendly and budget-friendly
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Loaded with melty provolone for the perfect cheesy sandwich
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (450 g)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
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1 medium onion, diced (150 g)
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1 green bell pepper, diced (120 g)
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1 red bell pepper, diced (120 g)
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2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
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1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
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2 tablespoons A-1 steak sauce (30 ml)
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1 teaspoon steak seasoning (3 g)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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6 hamburger buns, toasted
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6 slices provolone cheese (about 120 g)
Steps
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Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles (6–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add veggies: Stir in onions, green pepper, and red pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
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Make the sauce: Pour in beef broth, A-1, and steak seasoning. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
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Thicken (optional): If you want a thicker mixture, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
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Toast buns: Lightly toast hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet for sturdier sandwiches.
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Assemble: Spoon beef mixture onto buns, top with a slice of provolone, and finish with the bun top. Serve warm.
Cooking Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Want to keep your buns from going soggy? Toasting is key! That little extra step adds flavor and makes them sturdy enough to hold all that juicy filling.
If provolone isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in mozzarella, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar for extra bite. And don’t skip the peppers and onions—they bring that true Philly cheesesteak vibe.
Finally, if you want to get a little extra, melt the provolone over the beef mixture in the skillet before spooning onto buns. It turns into gooey, melty magic.
A Personal Kitchen Story
The first time I made these Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, it was a total experiment. I had ground beef thawing, but my kids gave me “the look” when I suggested regular sloppy joes. So I rummaged through the fridge, spotted a pack of provolone and a couple of bell peppers, and thought—why not mash up two classics?
By the time dinner hit the table, no one was complaining. In fact, there was a chorus of “Can we have this again tomorrow?” That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a one-time fluke—it was a keeper. Now, it’s one of those recipes I lean on when I need a quick dinner that feels like comfort food, but with a little twist.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These sandwiches are hearty enough to stand alone, but the right sides make them shine. Classic choices like crispy fries, onion rings, or tater tots turn this into a diner-style meal.
If you want something lighter, a simple coleslaw or green salad balances the richness perfectly. Roasted veggies or sweet potato fries are also great if you’re leaning toward healthier pairings.
For drinks, a cold soda or iced tea keeps it casual, but if it’s date night in disguise, a cold beer or a glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the savory beef and melted cheese.
How to Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store the beef mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if it looks too thick.
To freeze, let the beef mixture cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove when ready. Just add fresh buns and cheese, and dinner is served!
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The beef mixture reheats beautifully—just store separately from the buns.
What cheese works best?
Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella or Swiss are delicious alternatives.
How can I make this a healthier version?
Use whole wheat buns, lean ground beef (or turkey), and pair with a side salad instead of fries.
Bringing It All Together
These Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes prove that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With juicy beef, sautéed peppers, melty provolone, and soft toasted buns, they’re the perfect blend of quick, hearty, and delicious.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels indulgent but fits into your busy schedule. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself to a cheesy sandwich that hits all the right notes, this recipe will become a regular in your rotation.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine two comfort food classics into one irresistible 30-minute dinner. Juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone are piled onto toasted buns for a cheesy, hearty sandwich that’s messy in the best way. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game-day meals.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced (150 g)
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1 green bell pepper, diced (120 g)
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1 red bell pepper, diced (120 g)
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2 garlic cloves, minced (6 g)
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1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
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2 tbsp (30 ml) A-1 steak sauce
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1 tsp (3 g) steak seasoning
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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6 hamburger buns, toasted
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6 slices provolone cheese (≈120 g)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, cook 6–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in onion, green pepper, and red pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
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Add beef broth, A-1 sauce, and steak seasoning. Stir and simmer 5–7 minutes.
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Optional: mix cornstarch with water, stir in, and cook 1–2 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
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Toast buns lightly for sturdier sandwiches.
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Assemble sandwiches: spoon beef mixture onto buns, top with provolone, and close. Serve warm.
Notes
Toast buns to prevent sogginess.
Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar can replace provolone.
For extra gooeyness, melt cheese directly into the beef mixture before serving.
Store beef mixture separately from buns to keep leftovers fresh.
Works great with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American