The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes swap the sugary tomato sauce for a savory beef gravy, sautéed peppers, and melted provolone. This cheesy, 30-minute meal is the ultimate weeknight comfort-food mashup. Serve them on toasted buns with a side of crispy homemade potato chips for the perfect salty, golden crunch!

🧅 The Ingredients

This recipe transforms everyday kitchen staples and fresh produce into a rich, savory filling that tastes like an elevated deli classic. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.

📝 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef so the sandwiches aren’t overly greasy; however, ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives.
• The Veggies: Traditional Philly style uses green bell peppers, but you can use red or orange peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• The “Secret” Mushrooms: These provide the moisture and umami that mimic shaved ribeye; if you must skip them, simply add an extra ¼ pound of beef.
• Provolone Cheese: Mild Provolone is the classic choice for its meltability, but White American cheese or even a drizzle of Cheez Whiz will provide that authentic “Philly” experience.
• Steak Sauce: If you don’t have A.1. on hand, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or just an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• The Buns: Brioche buns add a lovely buttery sweetness, but toasted hoagie rolls or even slider buns work perfectly if you’re feeding a crowd.

📌 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

• Master the Caramelization: For the deepest flavor, sauté your diced onions in unsalted butter first. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant before adding your peppers and mushrooms. This creates a sweet, savory base that defines a great Philly cheesesteak.
• The Food Processor Hack: To make the mushrooms “invisible” to picky eaters, pulse 4 ounces of mushrooms in a food processor until they are finely crumbled. This small amount is the perfect secret weapon—it adds incredible moisture and umami to the beef without making the dish taste like mushrooms.
• Don’t Skip the Toast: To prevent the “sloppy” filling from making the bread soggy, always toast your buns. Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown and crisp.
• Control the Consistency: If you prefer a “saucier” sandwich, add an extra splash of beef broth. If you like it thicker, let the mixture simmer for an extra minute after adding the cornstarch slurry to allow it to fully tighten up.
• The Perfect Cheese Melt: For that iconic gooey texture, lay the provolone slices over the meat and cover the pan with a lid for about 60 seconds. Once melted, gently fold the cheese into the beef so you get cheesy ribbons in every single bite.
• The Ultimate Side: These sandwiches are rich and savory, so they pair perfectly with something crunchy. Serve them with a pile of crispy homemade potato chips to add a salty, golden contrast to the tender filling.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to Make Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

1. Step 1: Sauté the onions in melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the chopped bell pepper and mushrooms. Sauté until most of the liquid is gone.

2. Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook, stirring often, until no longer pink. Discard most of the rendered grease.

3. Step 3: Stir in the garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

4. Step 4: Mix together the cornstarch with the water (1 tbsp) to create a slurry. Pour into the meat mixture and stir and cook until thickened, about 1 to 2 more minutes.

5. Step 5: Turn the heat off, place the cheese slices over the meat, and cover the skillet.

6. Step 6: After 1 to 2 minutes, remove the lid and use two large wooden utensils to fold the cheese into the meat mixture.

7. Step 7: Butter the buns and toast them on a hot skillet, in a toaster oven, or on a grill.

8. Step 8: Pile the sloppy Joes onto the toasted bun bottoms, top with the top bun, and serve at once.

🍽️ How to Serve

• The Ultimate Side: For the perfect texture contrast, serve these Sloppy Joes with a generous pile of crispy homemade potato chips or sweet potato crosshatch fries. The salty, golden crunch of the chips is the ideal partner to the saucy, cheesy beef.
• Choose Your Bun: While toasted brioche buns offer a delicious buttery sweetness, you can also serve the filling on toasted hoagie rolls for a more traditional “sub” feel or on slider buns for a party-friendly appetizer.
• Add a Tangy Topping: If you like a bit of heat or acidity to cut through the rich cheese, top your sandwich with pickled jalapeños, banana peppers, or a spoonful of spicy giardiniera.
• Go Low-Carb: For a lighter option, skip the bun entirely and serve the Philly meat mixture inside roasted green bell pepper halves or over a bed of cauliflower rice.
• Balance the Plate: Since this is a hearty, savory meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a scoop of vinegar-based coleslaw makes for a refreshing side dish.

🙋🏽‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

🍔 More Amazing Beefy Sandwiches to Make!

Ready to make the best sandwiches this side of Philadelphia? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag #HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!