Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are messy in the best way possible and loaded with Philly cheesesteak flavor! Perfect for game days, family dinners, or a casual gathering, this dish combines the classic taste of a cheesesteak with the ease of a sloppy joe. You’ll love how quickly you can whip these up, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or satisfying evening meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with savory beef, sautéed veggies, and melted provolone cheese that truly captures the essence of a traditional Philly cheesesteak.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun twist on a classic favorite. It’s easy to customize with your preferred toppings.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve these sloppy joes alone or with sides like fries, salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Messy Goodness: The messy nature makes eating more enjoyable! Embrace the chaos of flavors and textures.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking your Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the meat and vegetables.
- Spatula: This tool helps you stir ingredients easily without damaging them while ensuring everything mixes well.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
- Cutting Board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for cutting.
Ingredients
These Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are messy in the best way possible and loaded with Philly cheesesteak flavor!
For the Filling
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Better than Bouillon beef base
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 ounces shredded provolone cheese (we used smoked provolone)
For Serving
- 8 sandwich buns
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Saute the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Add the red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Saute until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Remove cooked vegetables to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Brown Ground Sirloin
Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add ground sirloin along with chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brown the meat with the seasonings. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
CHEF’S NOTE: We used ground sirloin as it’s leaner and we don’t need to drain it.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add beef bouillon base and tomato paste into the cooked meat. Stir well before adding back in the reserved vegetables from earlier.
Step 6: Simmer Mixture
Add water into the mixture and stir everything together. Bring to a boil; then lower the heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows seasonings to blend while letting the sauce thicken.
Step 7: Melt Cheese
Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve on sandwich buns for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a casual night in. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Classic Pairings
- Potato Chips: Crunchy and salty chips provide a great contrast to the saucy sloppy joes.
- Pickles: Add a tangy crunch that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Gourmet Touches
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Enhance the umami flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms on top.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions add depth and sweetness to each bite.
Creative Twists
- Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce can take these sloppy joes to another level.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw on top adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the cheese.

How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
To make your Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Meat: Choosing lean ground sirloin ensures a flavorful yet healthier dish without excess fat.
- Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Fresh Vegetables Matter: Using fresh bell peppers and onions enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the mixture to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting your sandwich buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoying them fresh off the stove ensures maximum flavor and warmth.
Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Pairing sides with your Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic choice, perfect for dipping into any extra sauce.
- Onion Rings: Golden-battered onion rings provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft sloppy joes.
- Side Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balance to this hearty dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn can bring a burst of sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin the flavor. Always opt for fresh veggies and quality beef for the best taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Sautéing vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp to maintain texture.
- Not draining excess fat: Leaving too much fat in the skillet can lead to greasy sloppy joes. Drain any excess fat from the cooked meat before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring seasoning balance: Under-seasoning can leave your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to enhance flavor.
- Using the wrong cheese: Choosing a cheese that doesn’t melt well may affect texture. Provolone is ideal for that gooey cheesesteak experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating until warm.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes:
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat before serving.
What kind of ground beef should I use?
Ground sirloin is recommended for its lean quality, but you can use any ground beef you prefer.
Can I customize these sloppy joes?
Absolutely! You can add different spices or toppings like mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor.
How do I serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
Serve them on sandwich buns with your choice of toppings like sautéed onions or extra cheese.
Final Thoughts
Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. With endless customization options, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try and enjoy the messy goodness!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic cheesesteak, combining the savory taste of ground sirloin with sautéed vegetables and melted provolone cheese—all served on a soft sandwich bun. In just under an hour, you can whip up this easy recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game day gatherings. The deliciously messy nature of these sloppy joes makes eating them a delightful experience. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 5 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- 8 sandwich buns
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add red onion and bell peppers; sauté until tender-crisp. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and ground sirloin with spices. Brown the meat and drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in beef bouillon base and tomato paste, then return sautéed vegetables to the skillet.
- Add water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Mix in shredded cheese until melted and serve on sandwich buns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg








