Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes isn’t just a recipe—it’s a flavor-packed collision of two beloved American classics that transforms your dinner table into something unforgettable. Juicy ground beef, melted provolone, sautéed peppers, and onions tucked into buttery brioche buns deliver all the cheesy richness of a Philly cheesesteak, blended with the saucy comfort of a sloppy joe.
This idea was born from our own story here at Cooking Flash, where family meals are at the heart of every day. Our About Page shares how a single passion for reinventing nostalgic recipes turned into a full-blown cooking movement. Recipes like this one reflect that mission: taking what you love and giving it a new twist you didn’t know you needed.
So whether you’re looking to impress at your next weeknight dinner or just want to switch up your usual routine, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—savory, satisfying, and absolutely crave-worthy. In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, and everything you need to turn this hybrid sandwich into a go-to favorite.
Along the way, we’ll explore what makes a sloppy joe special, how it compares to the classic Philly cheesesteak, and how this mashup balances the best of both. We’ll even share the best ways to store, reheat, and serve leftovers—if there are any left. And yes, if you saw “Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Carlsbad Cravings” or searched on Pinterest for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: A Flavor Fusion Like No Other
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes bring together two iconic American sandwiches and blend them into one seriously unforgettable bite. Picture this: seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce, tossed with sweet sautéed onions and green peppers, then layered with gooey provolone cheese—all served on soft, toasted brioche buns. It’s the flavor of Philly, the feel of a sloppy joe, and the comfort of home cooking rolled into one messy, mouthwatering sandwich.
What makes this dish special is how it reimagines familiar favorites. Instead of thinly sliced steak, like in a traditional cheesesteak, it uses crumbled lean ground beef to absorb every drop of flavor. Then it borrows the soul of a sloppy joe—sweet, tangy, and rich—and gives it an upgraded, savory twist. You still get all that hearty, cheesy satisfaction, just in a new format.
It’s no surprise that searches like Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with A1, and Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Pinterest are popping up across foodie communities and family kitchens. This combo’s buzzworthy status is well earned.
Why This Recipe Works
The reason Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes have exploded in popularity is simple: they deliver on flavor, ease, and nostalgia. In about 30 minutes, you’ve got something that feels indulgent without being fussy. Melting provolone cheese into the beef right before serving gives the dish its signature creaminess. Toasted brioche buns add a light crunch and buttery finish, balancing the bold filling.
And it’s versatile. You can go classic or modern. Want something extra bold? Add a splash of A1 sauce or top it with jalapeños. Want to keep it traditional? Stick to the base recipe and let the flavors shine. Plus, if you own a griddle or Blackstone, this is the perfect recipe to cook up outdoors, caramelizing those veggies to perfection.
For anyone who’s ever loved a Carl’s Jr. cheesesteak burger or shared a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Facebook recipe, this dish is like comfort food nostalgia leveled up. It’s warm, messy in the best way, and satisfying to the core.
Everyday Meal or Crowd-Pleaser? It’s Both
These sandwiches aren’t just a fun twist—they’re made for real life. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and even easier to devour, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are perfect for busy weeknights or game-day get-togethers. Kids love them. Adults crave them. And they hold up like champs in the fridge for 4–5 days, meaning leftovers become tomorrow’s lunch with zero stress.
You can even freeze the beef mixture for up to three months. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy. It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.
Don’t miss our hearty One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni—it delivers the same bold beef-and-cheese flavor combo, all in one pot.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – Irresistible, Cheesy, and Easy to Love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a cheesy, savory twist on the classic sloppy joe. Made with lean ground beef, peppers, onions, and melted provolone, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, this is comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slices provolone cheese, divided
- 6 brioche buns, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring often, for 6–7 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned.
- Stir in the beef stock, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stack 6 slices of provolone cheese and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Stir into the beef mixture just before serving until melted and well combined.
- Toast brioche buns. Lay remaining provolone slices on each bottom bun half.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese on each bun. Top with the other half of the bun and serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in the fridge for 4–5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or stock.
- Use a mix of bell peppers for a colorful twist.
- Swap provolone with mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What makes Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes so ridiculously crave-worthy? It all starts with a small handful of everyday ingredients—each one chosen for a reason. This isn’t one of those throw-it-together meals that tastes flat. Nope. Every component here plays a key role in turning basic ground beef into a cheesy, saucy sandwich masterpiece.
Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why it works.
The Core of the Dish: Lean Ground Beef (90/10)
At the heart of any sloppy joe-style dish is the meat, and in this case, lean ground beef does the heavy lifting. The 90/10 blend keeps things juicy without being greasy, which is crucial since you’ll be building in a sauce and folding in melted cheese later. Ground beef is also a practical twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak’s sliced ribeye—it’s faster to cook, easier to find, and budget-friendly.
Pro Tip: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can swap in ground chicken or turkey for a lighter spin without losing that savory depth.
Onions and Green Bell Peppers – The Classic Cheesesteak Base
No Philly-style anything is complete without sautéed onions and peppers. These two ingredients build the savory-sweet backbone of the flavor. When chopped and softened in butter, they release their sugars and transform into golden, aromatic perfection.
The green bell pepper brings mild bitterness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Want a sweeter touch? Swap in red or yellow peppers—or use all three for a colorful twist.
Looking for more comfort food with hearty veggies? Check out our Tex-Mex Taco Chicken Chopped Salad for a fresh take on bold flavors.
The Liquid Gold: Beef Stock and Worcestershire Sauce
This duo gives the meat mixture its deep, meaty, umami-rich punch. A splash of beef stock brings moisture, while Worcestershire sauce delivers that slightly tangy, savory, almost mysterious complexity. Together, they elevate the dish from “just beef” to full-on cheesesteak territory.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of A1 sauce—yes, as in Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with A1—adds an even deeper kick of smoky, steakhouse flavor.
The Sweet Tang: Ketchup
Now, here’s where the sloppy joe element kicks in. Ketchup adds both sweetness and acidity, balancing out the salt and fat in the beef and cheese. It also thickens the sauce as it simmers, making sure each bite holds together without being too dry or too soupy.
Wondering what do sloppy joes taste like? This right here—the sweet and tangy combo—is your answer.
Seasonings: Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper
A little seasoning goes a long way. Garlic powder brings a mellow, roasted flavor that doesn’t overpower. Kosher salt enhances everything, and freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat. You don’t need fancy spices here—just the basics, used with purpose.
For a spicy kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce won’t hurt. Just sayin’.
Cheese, Glorious Cheese: Provolone
You’ll want 12 slices of provolone—6 melted right into the meat, and 6 laid across each bun for that irresistible cheesy pull. Provolone is the go-to cheese for Philly cheesesteaks for a reason. It’s mild, melty, and creamy without stealing the spotlight.
If you can’t find provolone, white American or even mozzarella can pinch-hit, but nothing beats that authentic provolone melt.
Discover great ideas like Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef for more creamy, cheese-loaded weeknight winners.
Brioche Buns – The Final Touch
Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, brioche buns are the perfect vessel for sloppy joes. Their airy structure soaks up just enough sauce without turning to mush, and they toast like a dream. Store-bought works fine, but homemade is next-level if you’re up for it.
Want to make these mini? Slider buns do the trick. Craving crunch? Try garlic bread buns for a savory twist.