"I've made this dozens of times and the family cannot get enough! The sauce is just incredible, I sometimes double it! Otherwise, I go by the recipe and I just couldn't recommend it more! Truly easy enough for any cook to tackle." Full Recipe 💬👇

 

Why This Recipe Works

The idea behind this sandwich is simple: take the flavor profile of a traditional Philly cheesesteak (onions, peppers, beef, melted cheese) and translate it into the sloppy joe format (ground meat, saucy, piled onto a bun). The result: all the comfort and gooeyness of a cheesesteak, but easier prep and a fun, messy sandwich format.

Key elements:

• Ground beef (instead of steak slices) keeps things quick and budget‑friendly. For example, several recipe sources use 1 lb ground beef and sautéed onions and green pepper. Gourmet Martha+2Chelsea's Messy Apron+2

• Onions + bell peppers give texture and classic cheesesteak flavor. Chelsea's Messy Apron+1

• A flavorful sauce (steak sauce, Worcestershire, beef broth, ketchup) brings depth and “sloppy” sauciness. Chelsea's Messy Apron+2Real Mom Kitchen+2

• Melted cheese (provolone or similar) gives that iconic cheesesteak finish. Gourmet Martha+1

• Served on toasted or buttered buns so the sandwich stays robust despite the juicy filling. Chelsea's Messy Apron

When done right, you’ll get a sandwich that’s luscious, flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a casual night in, game day, or feeding a crowd.

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📝 Ingredient List & What to Look For

Here’s a full ingredient list (for about 4‑6 servings) plus notes on each component and possible substitutions.

Ingredients

• ~1 lb (≈450 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner if you prefer less fat) — many recipes call for this amount. The Cookie Rookie®+1

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other neutral cooking oil) — for sautéing veggies. Gourmet Martha

• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped) — brings sweetness and texture. Chelsea's Messy Apron

• 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped) — classic cheesesteak flavor. Gourmet Martha+1

• Optional: mushrooms (sliced), if you like extra texture and earthiness. Some versions include mushrooms. LaaLoosh

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce — umami depth. Gourmet Martha

• 1 tablespoon ketchup — a touch of sweet tomato flavor to help mimic sloppy joe feel. Gourmet Martha+1

• ~½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1‑2 cloves minced garlic) — adds flavor. Chelsea's Messy Apron

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

• 4 slices provolone cheese (or similar melting cheese like Swiss, mozzarella, American) — to melt over the meat. Gourmet Martha+1

• 4 hamburger buns (or brioche buns/hoagie rolls) — toasted or buttered for sturdiness. Chelsea's Messy Apron

Optional Additional Ingredients / Variations

• Beef broth or beef stock (~½‑1 cup) to simulate liquid and produce a saucier consistency. Real Mom Kitchen+1

• Cornstarch (1 Tbsp) to thicken the liquid if you prefer a more cohesive filling. LaaLoosh+1

• Steak sauce (A1 or similar) in some variations for that classic cheesesteak tang. Chelsea's Messy Apron+1

• Toasted or buttered buns (spread butter and broil or toast) for better texture and to resist sogginess. Chelsea's Messy Apron

Why these choices matter

• Ground beef keeps things quick and allows for faster cook time and broken‑up texture for sloppy joe style.

• Onion + bell pepper are foundational for cheesesteak flavor — sweetness, crunch, color.

• Sauce (Worcestershire, ketchup, beef broth/steak sauce) gives the “sloppy” component and enhances flavor depth beyond just beef + veggies.

• Melting cheese makes it authentically cheesesteak‑like — gooey and satisfying.

• Toasted buns make the final sandwich easier to eat without falling apart.

• Optional mushrooms / thickener etc. allow you to adjust texture (mushrooms add bulk/veg; cornstarch thickens) so the filling doesn’t run off the bun.

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🔧 Equipment & Prep Before You Begin

• Large skillet (12″ or so) for sautéing veggies, browning beef, and finishing sauce.

• Spatula or wooden spoon for breaking up ground beef and stirring.

• Cutting board and knife for chopping onion, bell pepper (and mushrooms if used).

• Measuring spoons and cups for liquids and seasonings.

• Optional: Broiler or oven for toasting buns and melting cheese.

• Buns and cheese ready for final assembly.

• Optional: Colander or plate with paper towel to drain excess fat from beef.

• Prep time: about 10‑15 minutes; cook time: about 15‑20 minutes (total ~30 minutes) according to multiple sources. Chelsea's Messy Apron+1

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👣 Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed procedure including timing, tips, and explanations.

Step 1: Prep veggies & toast buns

• Chop the onion and bell pepper (and mushrooms if using) into small, uniform pieces (½″ dice is fine) so they cook evenly in ~4‑5 minutes.

• If you like, split the buns and lightly butter the cut sides; place them on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler or in the oven for ~2‑4 minutes until golden. This step improves texture and prevents sogginess. Chelsea's Messy Apron+1

• Preheat your skillet (medium‑high heat) and add olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies

• In the hot skillet with oil, add the chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté ~4‑5 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize (edges lightly golden). This develops extra flavor vs just plain soft. Some versions include mushrooms at this stage. LaaLoosh+1

• Season lightly with salt and pepper during sauté to help draw out moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Brown the ground beef

• Push veggies to the side or remove temporarily; add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula or spoon and cook until brown and no longer pink (≈5‑7 minutes depending on fat content).

• Drain excess fat if necessary (especially if using fattier beef) so the final mixture isn’t overly greasy. Many recipes suggest draining. Real Mom Kitchen+1

• Mix beef with veggies so flavors combine.

Step 4: Build the sauce & simmer

• Back in the skillet with beef + veggies, stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and if using, steak sauce. Mix well. Chelsea's Messy Apron+1

• Add beef broth (if using) for a slightly saucier consistency; bring mixture to a simmer. Some versions use cornstarch/thickener to give a slightly thickened sauce. LaaLoosh+1

• Let the mixture simmer ~3‑5 minutes so the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly—enough so the filling is saucy but not runny. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.

• If you like, you can stir in mushrooms here (if not sautéed earlier). They’ll add texture and bulk.

• Optional: If you prefer extra cheesy filling, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or cheddar cheese powder (as some recipes do) to give richness. Stay Fit Mom+1

Step 5: Melt Cheese & Finish the Filling

• Once the meat mixture is ready (saucy and flavorful), top the mixture in the skillet with slices of provolone (one per portion) and cover for 1‑2 minutes until cheese melts. Or you can scoop meat onto buns then top cheese on top and place under broiler. Reddit

• If using buns that haven’t been toasted yet, you can place the topped buns under broiler for ~1‑2 minutes to melt cheese and warm buns.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

• Spoon the cheesy beef‑veggie filling generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.

• Top with the melted‑cheese slice and then place the top bun.

• Serve immediately, hot and juicy. Because this is saucy, serve with napkins.

• Suggested sides: crisp fries, sweet potato fries, a simple green salad or pickles for contrast.

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✅ Timeline & Texture Expectations

• Prep time: ~10‑15 minutes (chopping, toasting buns)

• Cook time: ~15‑20 minutes

• Total time: ~25‑35 minutes from start to finish

• Texture: The filling should be hearty yet saucy — beef and veggies broken down but still present in pieces, sauce coating everything, and cheese melted over the top. The bun should be slightly toasted and able to hold the filling without collapsing.

• Flavor: Rich, beefy, oniony/peppery, tangy from the Worcestershire/steak sauce, slightly sweet tomato from ketchup, and gooey cheese finish.

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🎨 Variations & Customisations

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas:

• Veggie version: Use ground turkey, chicken or plant‑based meat substitute instead of beef. Add mushrooms or diced zucchini for bulk.

• Mushroom‑enhanced: Add a full 8 oz sliced mushrooms for extra texture (some versions include them). LaaLoosh

• Saucy vs dry: Reduce beef broth more for thicker dry filling; or add more broth/ketchup for extra sauciness (more typical sloppy‑joe style).

• Cheese options: Swap provolone with Swiss, mozzarella, American, or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist.

• Bun upgrade: Use brioche buns, hoagie rolls, or toasted ciabatta for a premium feel. Some blogs recommend brioche for best texture. Chelsea's Messy Apron

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for heat.

• Low‑carb/keto: Serve without the bun, or use lettuce wraps or low‑carb buns; some Reddit users note replacing bun to reduce carbs. Reddit

• Slow cooker version: Some sources adapt this recipe to a slow cooker for “set it and forget it” cooking. slowcookergourmet.net

• Cheesy sauce version: Instead of cheese slices, make a provolone/cream cheese sauce (butter + flour + milk + shredded cheese) and pour over meat mixture before serving. thecomfortofcooking.com

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🧠 Troubleshooting & Expert Tips

Here are common issues and how to fix them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Filling too runny / drippy	Too much liquid or insufficient thickening	Simmer longer to reduce liquid; add a little cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2‑3 Tbsp cold water) as some recipes suggest. LaaLoosh
Buns get soggy	Filling too wet; buns not toasted	Toast or butter buns before filling; drain excess fat from beef; reduce liquid; assemble just before serving.
Beef flavor bland	Not enough seasoning/sauce	Add more Worcestershire or steak sauce; taste before cheese; seasoning develops during simmering. Chelsea's Messy Apron
Cheese doesn’t melt nicely	Cheese slices too thick or not covered	Use standard melting cheese (provolone); cover pan or broil briefly; ensure mixture is hot when cheese is added.
Buns fall apart	Too much filling; bun poor quality	Use sturdier buns (brioche, hoagie rolls); toast; don’t overfill; serve with careful spooning.
Veggies under‑cooked	Dice too large or sauté time too short	Chop vegetables well; sauté ~4‑5 minutes before adding beef.

Pro Tip: Brown the beef thoroughly to get flavor from caramelization. Don’t skip toasting the bun — it makes a big difference in texture and helps with saucy fillings.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Sides: French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a crisp green salad to lighten the meal.

• Drinks: A cold beer, soda, iced tea, or even a milkshake for indulgence.

• Presentation: Serve on a platter with sandwiches piled high; optionally serve with pickled jalapeños or banana peppers on the side for guests to add heat.

• Garnish: Fresh parsley or chopped green onion on top adds color; a side of pickles or coleslaw also complements the richness.

• Make‑ahead & leftovers: The filling can be made ahead and reheated; keep buns separate and assemble just before serving so they stay firm.

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🖨 Printable Recipe Recap

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Servings: 4 – 6
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• (optional) 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 Tbsp ketchup

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 4 slices provolone cheese

• 4 hamburger buns (or brioche/hoagie rolls)

• For best results (optional): ½ cup beef broth (to loosen sauce); 1 Tbsp cornstarch (to thicken sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat skillet on medium‑high heat. Prepare buns (split & butter/toast if desired).

2. Heat olive oil, sauté onion + bell pepper (and mushrooms if using) ~4‑5 minutes until softened.

3. Add ground beef, break up, cook ~5‑7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.

4. Stir in Worcestershire, ketchup, garlic powder, salt & pepper. If using beef broth, add now; bring to simmer. If using cornstarch, mix with little cold water and stir in to thicken. Simmer ~3‑5 minutes until sauce is slightly reduced and coats the mixture.

5. Top mixture with provolone cheese slices, cover or broil until cheese melts.

6. Spoon the filling onto bottom halves of toasted buns. Top with cheese‑topped buns or place top bun over. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

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🧡 Final Thoughts

This recipe for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes gives you the best of both worlds: the flavor depth and gooey cheese goodness of a cheesesteak, and the easy, crowd‑friendly format of sloppy joes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, game‑day sandwiches, or when you want something comforting with character.

If you like, I can create a printable PDF version of this recipe (with metric conversions and nutrition estimates) and also provide an alternate version (slow cooker or keto‑friendly). Would you like me to pull that together?