Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich that blends the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the messy, comforting charm of sloppy joes, you are in the right place. This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe takes the best of both worlds—tender ground beef seared to perfection, savory sautéed veggies, melty provolone cheese, and rich, thick sauce—all piled onto a soft brioche bun for a satisfyingly delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component has a purpose—from the savory depth of Worcestershire sauce to the tender bite of sautéed mushrooms and peppers, and of course, the creamy, melty goodness of provolone cheese.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the juicy, meaty base that’s lightly crisped for amazing texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the veggies beautifully.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and crunch when sautéed.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced: Offers fresh, slightly bitter contrast to balance the richness.
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced: Adds earthiness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives a tangy sweet base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Adds just the right spice kick.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that sloppy joe consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the mixture juicy and infuses savory depth.
- 6 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped: Melts into creamy pockets of flavor throughout.
- 6 brioche hamburger buns: Soft, buttery buns to cradle the filling with a slight sweetness.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the lean ground beef. Cook it without stirring too much until a deep crust forms on the bottom—this caramelization is key for building incredible flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. This step creates that rich, savory base that you’ll savor in every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the butter and toss in the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced brown mushrooms. Sauté these until they soften and develop a gorgeous golden color. This mix brings freshness as well as that classic Philly cheesesteak veggie combo everyone loves, with mushrooms lending a meaty, earthy note.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Sauce Ingredients
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth until dissolved, then pour it into the skillet. This step adds a rich, tangy, and slightly thickened sauce that perfectly coats the beef and veggies, capturing all those beautiful flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Cheese
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Now for the best part—fold in the chopped provolone cheese. The cheese melts into little pockets of creamy indulgence that make every mouthful dreamy and gooey, bringing the Philly cheesesteak element full circle.
Step 5: Serve on Toasted Brioche Buns
Lightly toast your brioche hamburger buns to add a slight crunch and prevent sogginess. Pile the cheesy meat mixture generously onto each bun and get ready to dive in. The soft, buttery brioche perfectly complements the robust flavors and velvety texture of the filling—absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe

Garnishes
Add a personal touch to your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe with fresh garnishes like sliced pickles, chopped parsley, or a splash of hot sauce. These brighten up the plate and provide a subtle contrast to the savory richness.
Side Dishes
Serve with crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to balance out the hearty sandwiches. These sides add texture variety and keep the meal feeling fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the filling as a dip with toasted baguette slices or use slider-sized buns for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Layering the sloppy joe mix inside a baked potato or over nachos can also make an exciting variation that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes filling to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully without losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked filling in a freezer-safe container or sturdy zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When freezing, make sure to label it with the date so you can enjoy your Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe anytime you want with minimal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and the cheese melts again. Toast fresh buns to keep that delightful soft-yet-crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic for this recipe, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder melt or even cheddar for a sharper bite. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain that creamy texture we love.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The mushrooms and veggies will keep the flavor hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe?
This recipe is mild and perfect for all palates, but you can always spice it up with the addition of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a bit of kick.
Can I prepare the filling ahead and assemble later?
Definitely! Make the filling a day ahead and store it refrigerated. Reheat it just before serving and assemble the sandwiches to keep the buns from getting soggy.
What’s the best way to toast the brioche buns?
Lightly butter the insides and toast them in a hot skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden. This adds flavor and a slight crunch that holds up to the juicy filling wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and downright tasty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a decadent lunch, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction with every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your new favorites!
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting, saucy goodness of sloppy joes. Ground beef is browned to a savory crust, then simmered with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms in a rich sauce thickened with beef broth and cornstarch. Melted provolone cheese adds a creamy, cheesy finish, all served on toasted brioche buns for a deliciously messy and satisfying sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 ounces Provolone cheese slices, chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
Buns
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until a deep crust forms on the beef, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced mushrooms until they are softened and lightly caramelized, around 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Add Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with beef broth to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables evenly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the chopped provolone cheese until it is melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy texture throughout the mixture.
- Serve: Toast the brioche hamburger buns lightly. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the buns and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute brioche buns with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.
- Keep the skillet ingredients well stirred to prevent sticking and burning.
- Cheese amount can be adjusted according to preference — use less for a milder taste or more for extra cheesiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American