Name: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 orange bell pepper, chopped; 1 white onion, chopped; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 lbs ground beef; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 ounces cream cheese; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese; 4 hamburger buns

If you’ve ever craved the savory charm of a Philly cheesesteak and the messy comfort of a classic sloppy joe, you’re in for a true treat: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes! This irresistible fusion is everything a weeknight meal should be—hearty, loaded with peppery flavor, topped with gooey cheese, and ready in about half an hour. Imagine golden, toasted buns loaded with succulent beef, vibrant peppers, and tangy creaminess in every bite. Dinner just got seriously exciting!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes is in their simplicity. Every ingredient is deliberately chosen for its taste, texture, or color. Let’s break down how each component transforms an everyday sandwich into pure crave-worthy comfort.

Green bell pepper: Brings authentic Philly flavor and lovely crunch with a hint of grassy freshness.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant sweetness and deeper color contrast to every bite.
Orange bell pepper: Boosts the dish’s color and a subtle fruity edge that rounds out the savory notes.
White onion: Lends mellow, slightly sweet depth that melds with the peppers beautifully.
Oil: Helps the veggies sauté perfectly and carries their flavors throughout the mix.
Ground beef: The star of the show; hearty, savory, and satisfying—choose 80/20 for the juiciest result.
Salt: Essential for making all the flavors pop—taste and adjust as you go.
Pepper: For a little zing and depth; freshly ground is always best.
Cream cheese: Delivers a dreamy, melty texture and slightly tangy flavor that hugs every morsel.
Ketchup: Provides subtle sweetness and helps bind the filling together.
Worcestershire sauce: A couple dashes add unexpected umami magic and savoriness.
Garlic powder: Rounds out each bite with cozy roasted notes.
Water: Prevents the filling from drying out and helps everything meld.
Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese: Your ticket to that essential cheesesteak pull—use your favorite, or mix both!
Hamburger buns: The foundation for all the goodness; toast lightly for best texture.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped green, red, and orange bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté everything, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly golden at the edges—usually about seven minutes. This quick sear releases their natural sweetness and really amps up the classic cheesesteak personality. Once they’re tender, scoop the mixture into a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In the same skillet (don’t worry about cleaning it out—the leftover veggie flavor is pure gold!), add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and there are no pink spots left, about five to six minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, but leave just enough to keep things moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine and Create the Sauce

Return your sautéed peppers and onion to the pan with the cooked beef. Add in the cream cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and water. Stir it all together and keep cooking over medium heat. As the cream cheese melts, you’ll notice the mixture turning irresistibly creamy—let it bubble until thickened to just the right sloppy joe consistency (about five minutes).

Step 4: Add the Cheese

With the heat off, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone over the beef mixture. Stir it in until the cheese completely melts, forming gorgeous, gooey strands that hold everything together. Taste for seasoning and add a final pinch of salt or pepper if you’d like that extra little kick.

Step 5: Serve on Toasted Buns

Toast the hamburger buns either in the oven or a skillet for maximum flavor and a little crunch. Then pile on a generous scoop (or two!) of your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes filling. Top with a little extra shredded cheese if you’re feeling bold. This is one meal that refuses to be anything less than over-the-top delicious.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

Finish each sandwich with extra shredded cheese, a pinch of chopped parsley, or even thinly sliced green onions for pop and freshness. For true Philly flair, try a few pickled banana pepper rings or a dash of hot sauce—these little touches turn a simple dinner into something seriously special.

Side Dishes

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the star, so pair them with easygoing, crowd-pleasing sides. Classic pickles, crispy potato wedges, or a tossed salad with tart vinaigrette all work wonderfully. If you’re feeling indulgent, shoestring fries or cheesy baked potatoes on the side turn this into the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond basic buns and serve your filling stuffed into hoagie rolls, wrapped in a tortilla for a Philly cheesesteak burrito, or spooned over baked French fries for a playful spin. Mini brioche buns can transform these sandwiches into appetizers perfect for game day or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes as fresh as possible, store any leftover filling in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the buns separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a double batch (highly recommended!), the cooked beef and pepper filling freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat the filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems thick. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring often to keep the heat even. Re-toast your buns for a just-made experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Provolone and mozzarella are classics, but feel free to experiment—Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even American cheese melt beautifully and add their unique personalities to these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

A little butter in a skillet or a quick broil in the oven gives you golden, crispy edges, helping your buns stand up to the hearty filling. Don’t skip this step—the texture payoff is totally worth it!

Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and pepper mixture a day or two ahead, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat before assembling the sandwiches. This makes them a lifesaver for meal prepping or low-key entertaining.

What ground meat works best for this recipe?

Classic Philly style calls for beef, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Each brings its own twist to the table, just make sure to adjust seasoning to keep those signature flavors shining through.

Do Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes work for picky eaters?

These sandwiches are pure comfort food, so most kids and adults gobble them up. If anyone isn’t a fan of peppers or onions, you can simply reduce the amounts or chop veggies extra small to make them less noticeable.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes brings together the heart of two American icons—melty, savory, colorful, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Grab a stack of napkins, toast your favorite buns, and get ready to make this your new go-to comfort meal. Give these a try and watch them become an instant favorite in your kitchen!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe