If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal that fuses two all-American favorites—Philly Cheese Steak and Sloppy Joes—then this Fast & Flavourful Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a casual weeknight dinner, or just craving comfort food with a twist, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare this recipe from scratch, the key ingredients that bring it to life, tips for customization, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious and hearty meal in under 30 minutes. Here’s why it stands out:
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Combines the beefy, cheesy flavors of a Philly Cheese Steak with the saucy satisfaction of a Sloppy Joe.
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Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
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It’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different cheeses, breads, and add-ons.
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Great for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
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1 lb ground beef (preferably 85/15 for juiciness)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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4–6 brioche buns (or hamburger buns)
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6 slices provolone cheese (or any melting cheese of choice)
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, ketchup, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low for about 5–8 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Layer slices of provolone cheese over the beef mixture and let it melt. Gently fold it into the beef for a creamy, cheesy texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Toast your buns lightly if desired. Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with extra cheese if you like, then place the top bun.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
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Use brioche buns for a soft, slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling.
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Customize your cheese—American, cheddar, or mozzarella are great options if you don’t have provolone.
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Toast the buns to prevent sogginess.
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Add mushrooms if you want a heartier texture and earthy flavor.
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Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
These Sloppy Joes are a meal in themselves, but you can make it more exciting with sides like:
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Crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges
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A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
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Classic coleslaw
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Pickles for a tangy bite
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Corn on the cob or grilled veggies
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the meat mixture separately from the buns to avoid sogginess.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze the meat mixture for up to 2 months.
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To Reheat: Microwave or heat in a skillet until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
15 Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between this and a traditional Sloppy Joe?
Traditional Sloppy Joes use tomato-based sauce with a sweet and tangy profile. This version includes sautéed bell peppers, onions, and cheese, inspired by Philly Cheese Steak flavors.
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Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Yes. Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin can be used for a more authentic Philly Cheese Steak texture.
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What cheese works best?
Provolone is classic, but you can use American, cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
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Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
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What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche buns, hoagie rolls, or hamburger buns all work well. Toasting them enhances flavor and texture.
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Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add heat. For spice, include hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
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Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filling in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Ideal for meal prep.
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How can I thicken the filling?
Let it simmer uncovered until the liquid reduces. A small amount of cornstarch slurry can also help.
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Can I make it without ketchup or tomato paste?
Yes, but the flavor profile will shift. Try BBQ sauce or just increase Worcestershire and broth.
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What veggies can I add?
Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even shredded carrots can be added for extra nutrition.
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How many servings does this make?
This recipe typically makes 4–6 sandwiches depending on bun size and filling quantity.
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Can I use chicken or turkey?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner but still delicious alternative.
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How do I prevent soggy buns?
Toast your buns and serve immediately after adding the filling to keep them intact.
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Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze the cooked filling in airtight containers. Thaw and reheat before serving.
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Can kids eat this?
Definitely. It’s flavorful but not spicy, and kids usually love the cheesy, beefy taste.
Final Thoughts
This Fast & Flavourful Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, quick meals, and satisfying bites. It’s a fun twist on two beloved classics, bringing cheesy, saucy, and savory goodness to your plate in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend comfort food, or even casual get-togethers.
By following the simple steps above and customizing it to your taste, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.