There’s something magical about recipes that marry two comfort food classics into one. That’s exactly what happens with these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—the bold, cheesy flavors of a Philly sandwich meet the messy, nostalgic charm of sloppy joes. The result? A hearty, melty, flavor-packed sandwich that feels indulgent but comes together in just 20 minutes.
This is one of those quick dinner recipes that solves the age-old “what’s for dinner?” question in the best way. Got ground beef? A few veggies? Some cheese and buns? You’re halfway there. It’s a fun, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even game day spreads.
And let’s be honest—sloppy food just tastes better. There’s a reason we grab extra napkins before digging in. So pour yourself something cold, grab a plate, and get ready to enjoy this cheesy spin on a beloved American favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
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Dinner in 20 minutes—because weeknights don’t need to be complicated.
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A perfect mash-up of ground beef sandwiches and Philly cheesesteak flavors.
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Kid-approved and husband-approved (a rare double win).
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Cheesy, melty, messy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (3 g)
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½ cup low sodium beef broth (120 ml)
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2 teaspoons olive oil (10 ml)
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1 small sweet onion, diced (100 g)
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1 small green bell pepper, diced (120 g)
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4 ounces mushrooms, chopped (115 g)
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1 pound lean ground beef (450 g)
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2 tablespoons ketchup (30 g)
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (30 ml)
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2 teaspoons taco seasoning (6 g)
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¼ teaspoon salt (1 g)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
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1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (170 g)
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6 hamburger buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the broiler
Set your oven to broil so it’s ready when you’re ready to melt that cheese.
2. Make the thickener
Whisk together cornstarch and beef broth in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Sauté the veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
4. Cook the beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula and cook 3–4 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Season the mixture
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Add the broth mixture
Pour in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Assemble the sandwiches
Scoop beef mixture onto buns. Top each with shredded cheese. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until melted and bubbly (watch closely!).
8. Serve hot
Grab extra napkins and serve with chips, fries, or a crisp salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
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Keep an eye on the broiler. Cheese goes from melty perfection to burnt in seconds.
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Toast the buns before filling for extra flavor and to prevent sogginess.
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Swap the cheese. Provolone or mozzarella work just as well if you want a more traditional Philly vibe.
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Add spice. Toss in some hot sauce or jalapeños if your family likes a little kick.
And don’t stress if the mixture looks a little loose at first—it thickens as it cools slightly, making it the perfect texture for spooning onto buns.
A Personal Note
These sandwiches came to life one night when I was craving a Philly cheesesteak but had no steak in sight. Ground beef to the rescue! After a little tinkering, the result was a sloppy joe with big cheesesteak flavor, and my family was instantly hooked.
Now, my kids practically cheer when they see me pulling out buns and cheese for these. They love the gooey, cheesy bite, and I love that it’s a dinner I can whip up in 20 minutes flat. My husband says it’s the best thing to happen to sloppy joes since, well, sloppy joes.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These sandwiches are hearty enough on their own, but sides make them even more fun:
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French fries or sweet potato fries for classic diner vibes.
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Potato salad or coleslaw to keep it cool and crunchy.
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Pickles—because every messy sandwich needs something tangy on the side.
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Side salad if you want to lighten things up a bit.
If you’re serving a crowd, lay out chips and dips too—it turns dinner into a party without extra work.
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store the beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh cheese when serving.
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Freezer: Cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
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Meal prep hack: Make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready, just reheat, scoop into buns, top with cheese, and broil. Dinner in minutes!
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great—just note the flavour will be a bit lighter.
Do I have to use mushrooms?
Nope. If your crew isn’t into mushrooms, leave them out or replacethem with extra peppers.
What’s the best cheese for these sandwiches?
Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, but provolone or Monterey Jack are excellent too.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely. Make the beef mixture earlier in the day, then reheat and assemble just before serving.
The Final Scoop
If you’re looking for cheesy sloppy joes that put a fun twist on tradition, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are it. They’re quick, hearty, and packed with flavour, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Next time ground beef is on your dinner menu, give this recipe a try—you’ll have a cheesy, messy, totally satisfying sandwich that might just earn a permanent spot in your rotation of quick dinner recipes.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun mash-up of two comfort food classics: the cheesy, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak combined with the nostalgic messiness of sloppy joes. Ready in just 20 minutes, these hearty ground beef sandwiches are perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or game day meals.
Ingredients
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1 tsp cornstarch (3 g)
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½ cup low sodium beef broth (120 ml)
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2 tsp olive oil (10 ml)
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1 small sweet onion, diced (100 g)
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1 small green bell pepper, diced (120 g)
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4 oz mushrooms, chopped (115 g)
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1 lb lean ground beef (450 g)
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2 tbsp ketchup (30 g)
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (30 ml)
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2 tsp taco seasoning (6 g)
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¼ tsp salt (1 g)
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¼ tsp black pepper (1 g)
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1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (170 g)
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6 hamburger buns
Instructions
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Preheat oven broiler.
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Whisk cornstarch and beef broth in a small bowl; set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook 3 minutes until softened.
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Add ground beef. Cook 3–4 minutes, breaking apart until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Pour in cornstarch slurry. Simmer 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Scoop mixture onto buns, top with shredded cheese, and broil 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot with extra napkins.
Notes
Toast buns before filling to prevent sogginess.
Sharp cheddar = bold flavor; provolone or mozzarella = more traditional Philly taste.
Keep a close eye on broiler—cheese melts quickly.
Add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra kick.
Filling thickens as it cools slightly—perfect for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: American