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These are not your classic Sloppy Joes. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes are a delicious cheesy twist on the original that your family will love. All the ingredients used in the regular sandwiches, but using ground beef instead of sliced steak!

Ingredients For Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Lean ground beef is best to keep the dish healthy. If you can’t find lean ground beef (90 % lean), make sure to drain the fat after cooking it.
Onion chopped finely adds great flavor to the ground beef mixture. You can use white or yellow onions.
Green bell pepper is the traditional bell pepper used in Philly cheese steak sandwiches, but use red, yellow, or the one you have on hand.
Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to the ground beef filling. For a lighter version, use sugar-free ketchup.
Worcestershire sauce is a great condiment to use because it adds umami flavor. It is sweet, sour, salty, and zesty all at the same time.
Parsley flakes not only add flavor but are very convenient to use. You can add fresh parsley if you like.
Mustard powder acts like a secret flavor agent. You only have to use a little bit, but it provides great flavor to savory dishes.
Garlic powder is used for convenience, but if you feel up to the task, use freshly minced garlic.
Dried thyme adds depth of flavor to the filling. This herb is very potent to use it sparingly.
Salt and pepper must always be used to taste. Some people like their food is more salty than others, so try the meat mixture and go slowly, adding a bit at a time.
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent when dissolved in a bit of water. Use cold water to dissolve cornstarch,
Beef broth makes the filling “juicy”. Use low-sodium beef broth if you are sensitive to salt.
Provolone cheese slices or your favorite melty cheese. Provolone is the most commonly used cheese for Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, but you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Brioche hamburger buns are buttery and not too soft. They hold the saucy meat mixture perfectly when toasted beforehand.

How To Make 30-Minute Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Brown the ground beef with the onions and bell peppers in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink is left in the meat. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley flakes, mustard powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute.
Dissolve the cornstarch in the beef broth and pour it into the skillet. Cook until thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Divide the meat mixture into the six buns and top with a slice of provolone cheese. Toast in the toaster oven until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead:

If you want to prep ahead, make the meat mixture and freeze it. Once the Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe filling has cooled down completely, transfer to an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Reheating:

To reheat the filling, use a skillet to warm it up on the stovetop or do it in the microwave. If you feel it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Swap: if you don’t have provolone cheese or don’t like it, you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or white American cheese. They are all great melty cheese that tastes great with the meat filling.

Thicker Meat Mixture: if you prefer a thicker meat mixture let it cook a bit longer until almost all the liquid evaporates. You can also mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and add it to the skillet. Let it simmer until it thickens.

Healthier Version: Hoping to make it healthier? Look for lean ground beef (you can find 93% lean ground beef), and still drain the extra fat rendered when browning it. Also, use low-fat cheese.

Add Mushrooms: To make it a bit more authentic, add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers. They add an earthy flavor to the sloppy joes.

Bun Substitutes: If you don’t have brioche buns, regular hamburger buns, ciabatta bread, or even wraps work great. Just make sure you toast them before adding the filling so they don’t become soggy.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Great Browning: a cast iron skillet will give the best flavor when cooking the ground beef. It helps develop a nice brown crust before you break it apart, giving the filling an extra flavor boost.
Get a Deep Brown Crust on the Meat. For that amazing flavor, make sure the beef browns well. After placing it in the skillet, let it sit without touching it for a couple of minutes. This will enhance its flavor.
Add Mushrooms for that Extra Philly Flavor. Mushrooms are used in the classic Philly Cheese Steak, so add them to the meat mixture to make them more authentic and to add that extra earthy flavor.
Try Different Cheeses. Swap the provolone for mozzarella, Swiss, or white American cheese. In fact, any melty cheese of your choice will work just fine.
Make it Healthier by using lean ground beef and draining the extra fat after cooking it. Also, use low-fat cheese to reduce calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on Brioche Buns: Toast the buns lightly so they can support the moist filling. They have a soft, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy filling. Don’t skip this step!

Tater Tot Twist: For a fun twist, skip the bun and serve the meat filling over crispy tater tots. They soak up all that cheesy goodness!

Baked Potato Option: Not feeling like having bread? Load the sloppy Joe mixture on top of a baked potato. Add an extra slice of melted provolone on top for that irresistible cheese pull!