A delicious mashup of two American comfort food icons, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring together the bold, savory flavors of classic cheesesteaks with the casual ease of Sloppy Joes. Juicy ground beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese are piled high on toasted hoagie rolls for a sandwich that’s satisfying, cheesy, and incredibly quick to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a perfect weeknight solution—ready in under 30 minutes, made in a single skillet, and packed with flavor. This recipe is easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and far less expensive than takeout. The gooey cheese, flavorful beef, and buttery toasted buns come together for a comforting meal that’s both hearty and family-friendly. Whether for lunch, dinner, or game day, these sandwiches are sure to please.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground beef
- olive oil
- small onion, finely chopped
- green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- ketchup
- salt
- black pepper
- cheddar or provolone cheese slices
- hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- butter for toasting buns
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, lightly butter the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
- Lay the cheese slices over the hot beef mixture and let them melt, then stir the cheese into the beef until combined.
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into the toasted rolls and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 435 kcal per sandwich
Variations
- Different cheese: Swap in American, mozzarella, or a cheese sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef.
- Low-carb option: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over a bed of sautéed vegetables.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute with plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms make a great addition for added texture and umami.
Storage/Reheating
Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent soggy buns. The beef mixture also freezes well—cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Toast the buns and assemble when ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone offers an authentic cheesesteak flavor, but cheddar, mozzarella, or American cheese all melt well and taste great.
Can I freeze the meat filling?
Yes, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toast them well and serve immediately after assembling. You can also spoon the meat onto the buns at the table.
Are these sandwiches spicy?
Not as written, but you can easily add spice with chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy cheese.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are lean alternatives and work just as well.
What kind of buns are best?
Hoagie rolls, sandwich buns, or sub rolls all work well. A crustier roll will hold up better.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s savory and cheesy with mild seasoning, making it appealing to kids and adults alike.
Can I use leftover roast beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, finely chop or shred the roast beef and sauté with the onions and seasoning mixture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily—just use a large enough skillet and double all ingredients accordingly.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the rich, melty comfort of a cheesesteak with the simple, saucy charm of a Sloppy Joe—all in one sandwich. With quick preparation, flexible ingredients, and irresistible flavor, it’s a dependable go-to meal for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Whether served with fries, salad, or chips, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
A delicious mashup of two comfort food classics, these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are stuffed with juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese on toasted hoagie rolls—quick to make and impossible to resist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices cheddar or provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- Butter for toasting buns
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions (and bell pepper if using) and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- While the meat simmers, lightly butter the hoagie rolls and toast in a skillet or oven until golden.
- Lay cheese slices over the hot beef mixture and let melt, then stir to incorporate.
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into the toasted rolls and serve warm.
Notes
- Use provolone for a more classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and texture.
- Great for meal prep—store meat mixture separately and assemble sandwiches fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg