Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Q: Can I use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin instead of ground beef for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Yes — using thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin will give a more traditional cheesesteak texture and richer mouthfeel. Cook the slices quickly in a hot pan in batches so they brown without overcooking, then fold them into the sauce at the end; avoid long simmering if you want tender slices rather than shredded meat. If you prefer the convenience of ground beef, the recipe’s sauce and veg still deliver the same flavor profile.

Q: How do I get the onions and peppers nicely caramelized without burning them?

Cook the onions and peppers over medium-high heat with a little oil and give them room in the pan so they can brown rather than steam — patience is the key, about 6–8 minutes until edges are golden. Salt them toward the end to avoid drawing out too much moisture too early, and scrape the browned bits off the pan to fold into the sauce for extra flavour. If they’re browning too fast, lower the heat slightly and keep stirring every minute or so.

Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes My Weeknight Family Favorite

By Fia MartinezSeptember 16, 2025

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4.00 (2 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Quick Hook

Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes grabbed me the first time. I mean, who doesn't want a cheesy hoagie roll sandwich with messy, comforting flavors? This mashup tastes like Philly Cheesesteak met Sloppy Joe at a backyard party.

I read once that quick dinners are the most clicked recipes online. That hooked me. Honestly, this is a real crowd pleaser.

Brief Overview

This idea borrows from Philadelphia’s classic cheesesteak. It adds the saucy, casual vibe of a Sloppy Joe for easy weeknight fun.

Difficulty is easy. Prep Time: 15 minutes . Cook Time: 15 20 minutes . Total Time: 30 35 minutes .

Yields 4 sandwiches .

It’s great for busy evenings. Perfect as a 30-minute weeknight dinner. Toast the rolls, melt provolone, and you’re eating in no time.

Main Benefits

Top health perk good protein from the ground beef. This ground beef recipe packs flavor and keeps you full. Swap leaner meat if you want fewer calories.

Best served for casual dinners or game nights. It’s a fast dinners hero. Kids and adults both dig the melty cheese and tender meat.

What makes it special is the balance. Caramelized onions meet tangy tomato sauce. The provolone cheesesteak recipe twist gives that smooth, melty finish.

I once overcooked the veg and learned to let onions get golden. That caramelization is the soul of a Philly style sloppy joes version.

This is also flexible. Use thinly sliced ribeye for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak feel. Or keep it as a skillet sloppy joe recipe for convenience.

Add pickled peppers for brightness. Try a spicy version with red pepper flakes for a kick.

I love that it reheats well. Make extra and your next day lunch is sorted. Quick tip: if the sauce looks thin, simmer a bit longer.

If it’s too thick, splash in a little broth.

Now that you’re drooling, let’s move on to the ingredients and tools. The list is simple and pantry friendly, so go grab a cutting board and a skillet.

Ingredients & Equipment

Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes started as a lazy weeknight idea. I made it one rainy Tuesday. Everyone loved it.

It’s a fun mash of Philly Cheesesteak thrill and sloppy comfort. Prep is quick. Total time is 30 35 minutes .

Main Ingredients

Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes presentation

Meat & veg

1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean. Quality tip: choose beef with a bright red color.
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 150 g ).
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 120 g ).
1 2 tbsp (15 30 ml) vegetable oil.

Seasoning & sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp / 6 g ).
1 tbsp (15 g) tomato paste.
1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth.
1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup.
1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce.
1 tsp (5 g) brown sugar (optional).
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper.
Optional: 1/2 tsp dried oregano and pinch red pepper flakes.

Assembly

4 soft hoagie rolls (70 100 g each).
8 slices provolone (or 8 oz / 225 g shredded provolone). Quality tip: use full fat provolone for the best melt.
2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, softened.

I sometimes swap thin sliced ribeye for ground beef. It makes the sandwich more authentic. It’s a fun option for a Provolone cheesesteak recipe vibe.

Seasoning Notes

Essential combos: garlic, Worcestershire, and tomato paste. That trio screams Sloppy Joe but with Philly notes. Add oregano for herb warmth. Add red pepper flakes for heat.

Flavor enhancers: a splash of beef broth wakes up the sauce. A teaspoon of brown sugar tones acidity. A quick hit of pickled peppers brightens the sandwich.

Quick substitutions: no provolone? Use American or mozzarella. No beef broth? Use water plus a teaspoon of soy sauce.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools: large heavy skillet (12" / 30 cm), spatula, knife, cutting board, measuring spoons/cups.
Household alternatives: use a nonstick skillet instead of cast iron.

A wooden spoon works if you lack a spatula.

This is a true 30-minute weeknight dinner and a great skillet sloppy joe recipe . Honestly, it’s become my go-to for fast dinners with big flavor.

Cooking Method

Fun fact: sandwiches top many lunch lists in the U.S. So why not make one unforgettable? I call this mashup Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes .

It blends Philly Cheesesteak flavor with classic Sloppy Joe comfort. Honestly, this is my go-to 30-minute weeknight dinner .

Prep Steps

Get your mise en place. Slice one onion and one green pepper thin. Mince garlic. Measure broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire in a small bowl.

Save time by doing two things at once. While veg cooks, start the beef. Use a big skillet so nothing steams.

Safety note: cook ground beef to 160° F . Use an instant read thermometer. Keep handles turned inward. Clean boards after raw meat.

step-by-step Process

Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium high. Sauté onions and peppers 6– 8 minutes until translucent and edges brown.
Add remaining oil if needed. Brown 1 lb ground beef 6– 8 minutes until no pink shows. Drain fat if it’s excessive. (Doneness: meat crumbly and browned.)
Stir in garlic for 30 60 seconds . Add tomato paste, then the sauce mix. Scrape browned bits.
Simmer 3– 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return veg. Simmer 2– 3 minutes more until sauce coats meat. Visual cue: sauce should cling to beef, not pool.
Butter roll insides and toast until golden. Pile meat on rolls. Top with 2 provolone slices each. Broil or return to skillet 1– 2 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Serve hot. Add pickled peppers or parsley if you want extra bite.

Pro Tips

Use 85% lean beef for flavor and moisture. Caramelize the veg well. That brown flavor makes this feel like a real Provolone cheesesteak recipe .

If mixture seems loose, simmer uncovered longer. If too thick, add a splash of broth.

Common mistakes: overcrowding the pan and under seasoning. Both ruin texture and flavor. make-ahead: the meat reheats well. Store in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add broth.

This recipe reads like a cozy Cheesy hoagie roll sandwich meets Skillet sloppy joe recipe . Try it on a hectic night.

Your family will call it Philly style comfort food or simply ask for seconds. Oh my gosh, it’s that good.

Recipe Notes

I made these Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes on a hectic Thursday. They saved dinner and tasted like comfort. Total time was 30– 35 minutes , which felt like pure magic.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on warm, toasted rolls for a real treat. The hot beef meets melty cheese in a perfect bite. Add crispy seasoned fries or sweet potato fries on the side.

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness. For drinks, I like a cold lager or iced tea.

This is a classic Cheesy hoagie roll sandwich moment. Guests loved the mix of Philly Cheesesteak flavor and sloppy joe ease.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Add a splash of beef broth when microwaving. You can freeze the meat mix for longer storage. Freeze in meal sized portions for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

Want a lighter version? Use 90% lean beef or ground turkey. Swap oil and add a little olive oil for flavor.

For a vegetarian twist, try chopped cremini mushrooms and lentils. Seasonal swaps are easy. In winter, add mushrooms and thyme.

In summer, toss in roasted red peppers. These tweaks keep the Skillet sloppy joe recipe fresh.

Nutrition Basics

One sandwich is roughly 620 calories. It offers about 36 grams of protein. The sandwich is satisfying and filling. Provolone adds calcium and a creamy texture.

The onions and peppers give fiber and vitamins. This is a hearty Ground Beef Recipe that still fits busy lives.

I love that this dish combines Philly style sloppy joes vibes with quick weeknight power. Honestly, it became my go-to for Fast Dinners and a true 30-minute weeknight dinner .

Try it, tweak it, and make it yours. You’ll smile at the first melty bite.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Irresistible 30Minute Cheesy Sandwich

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and how do they differ from a traditional Philly cheesesteak?

Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a hybrid: they combine the thinly sliced beef, peppers and onions of a Philly cheesesteak with the saucy, spoonable approach of a sloppy joe served on a soft roll.

Unlike a classic Philly (which is usually less tomato forward and often uses Cheez Whiz or provolone on thin sliced ribeye), this version uses a tangy tomato based sauce and is designed for quick weeknight cooking and easy assembly. Think of it as pub-grub comfort with Philly flavors, ready in about 30 minutes.

Can I use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin instead of ground beef for Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Yes using thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin will give a more traditional cheesesteak texture and richer mouthfeel. Cook the slices quickly in a hot pan in batches so they brown without overcooking, then fold them into the sauce at the end; avoid long simmering if you want tender slices rather than shredded meat.

If you prefer the convenience of ground beef, the recipe’s sauce and veg still deliver the same flavor profile.

How do I get the onions and peppers nicely caramelized without burning them?

Cook the onions and peppers over medium high heat with a little oil and give them room in the pan so they can brown rather than steam patience is the key, about 6 8 minutes until edges are golden.

Salt them toward the end to avoid drawing out too much moisture too early, and scrape the browned bits off the pan to fold into the sauce for extra flavour. If they’re browning too fast, lower the heat slightly and keep stirring every minute or so.

How should I store, reheat, or freeze leftover Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?

Store the cooled meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 4 days or freeze for up to 2 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce, and toast the rolls separately just before serving to avoid sogginess.

If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then warm through on the stove or in the oven.

What are easy substitutions to make these sandwiches lower in calories or vegetarian friendly?

For lower fat, swap to 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey and add a teaspoon of oil for flavor; use a smaller or whole grain roll and reduce the cheese to cut calories. For vegetarian versions, finely chopped cremini mushrooms with lentils or a plant based ground product mimic the meaty texture use vegetarian Worcestershire or tamari and a vegan cheese if needed.

To lower sodium, choose low-sodium broth, reduced sugar ketchup, and skip added salt until you taste.

Any tips for melting the cheese and toasting the rolls so the sandwich doesn't go soggy?

Toast or butter the roll interiors under a broiler or in a skillet until golden before adding the meat that golden barrier helps keep moisture out. After piling the saucy meat on the roll, top with provolone and briefly return to the broiler or an oven safe skillet (about 1 2 minutes) until the cheese is melted and bubbly; alternatively cover the skillet with a lid for a quick steam melt.

Avoid overloading the roll with sauce; if it’s too loose, reduce it a few minutes longer or drain a touch to preserve texture.