Cheesesteak style sloppy joes are packed with flavors reminiscent of a cheesesteak sandwich. Made with ground beef, these quick and easy sloppy joes sandwiches are filled with bell pepper and onion, then topped with melty cheese.
If you love everything cheesesteak related (like my cheesesteak pasta recipe), you're going to love my recipe for cheesesteak style sloppy joes.
While these sloppy joes are not like a traditional cheesesteak sandwich - they make a fantastic, low-cost alternative and a great weeknight meal for the family.
Plus they're made with simple, easy to find ingredients. The best part is that you can easily customize your sloppy joes to suit the tastes of your family.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Ground beef - I used 85/15 beef, but ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner sandwich.
- Buns - Your favorite soft sandwich buns work great in this recipe. Some readers have used hoagie rolls instead of buns.
- Onion, garlic/garlic powder, & bell pepper - Adds flavor to your sloppy joes. I don't recommend omitting these ingredients. Optionally, mushrooms could be added for more savory flavor.
- Cheese - White American cheese can be substituted with smoked provolone cheese if desired, but white American is my favorite choice. It is rich, creamy, and melts perfectly.
- Salt & pepper - Add flavor to the ground beef. Feel free to more to suit your tastes.
- Butter - Salted or unsalted butter works in this recipe. Butter could also be substituted with olive oil or excess grease from the cooked ground beef.
- Worcestershire sauce - Adds savory flavor to the sloppy joes. I don't recommend omitting it. Worcestershire sauce could be substituted with soy sauce or steak sauce if needed for allergy reasons.
- Beef broth - Broth also adds savory flavor to your sloppy joes and helps create that classic sloppy joe sauce. I don't recommend omitting it.
- Cornstarch - Necessary to thicken the sauce as your sloppy joes cook. Cornstarch could be substituted with flour if needed.
Tips and tricks
If using high fat beef - If you're using a high fat content ground beef, like 80/20 or 75/25, you may want to drain some grease from the pan after the beef is done cooking. Some of the excess beef grease can also be used instead of the added butter listed in the recipe.
Cornstarch - If you're worried about your cornstarch clumping when adding it to the hot pan (I've never personally had this issue), feel free to whisk your broth and cornstarch in a separate bowl before adding them to the pan.
Optional mix-ins - Many readers have added chopped mushrooms along with the pepper and onion for added savory flavor. A dash of hot sauce also adds flavor and a little heat.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, the filling will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and reheats well.
Frequently asked questions
Try adding your leftovers to a skillet and heating over medium-low heat until warmed through. Or, reheat in the microwave, lightly covered with a paper towel.
My favorite side dish for sloppy joes is oven roasted potatoes or ranch roasted potatoes. For a veggie side, I'd recommend cheesy broccoli, roasted potatoes and asparagus, or oven roasted corn on the cob.
This is not a recipe for cheesesteaks. This recipe is for cheesesteak style sloppy joes - the look (and low cost!) of a sloppy joe, but with flavors similar to a cheesesteak. Otherwise, the two sandwiches are very different!
If you've never had one before, a sloppy joe (via Wikipedia) is a "sandwich consisting of ground beef or pork, onions, tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings, served on a hamburger bun."
A traditional cheesesteak consists of thin sliced steak, sometimes onions, with melted cheese, on a hoagie roll. In parts of the world other than Philadelphia, bell peppers and mushrooms are also common ingredients.
I hadn't heard of chopped cheese before a reader reached out, so I did some research. Chopped cheese is a sandwich popular in New York that's made with chopped ground beef and onions, topped with melted cheese, and served on a hoagie roll with cheeseburger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and condiments. While they may look similar at a glance (without reading the recipe), the two seem to be quite different to me.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Cheesesteak Style Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 slices white american or provolone cheese
- 4 rolls
Instructions
- Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Crumble ground beef and season with salt and pepper, then cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. If there's excess grease in the pan, drain it out at this time.
- Add butter to pan. Once melted, add onion and bell pepper and saute until vegetables begin to brown and onions turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then return ground beef to pan. Add garlic powder, worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan as you incorporate your ingredients. Cook for about a minute.
- Add cornstarch and stir until dissolved, about a minute. This thickens the beef broth to create a sauce. If beef looks dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
- Remove from heat. Top meat mixture with cheese slices and allow to set for 1-2 minutes, or until melted. Remove from heat, spoon onto rolls and serve immediately.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Want to spice things up? Try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your sloppy joes. Or, dice a jalapeno and add with your onions and bell pepper.
- If you're worried about your cornstarch clumping when adding it to the hot pan (I haven't experienced this issue but some readers have), feel free to whisk your broth and cornstarch in a separate bowl before adding them to the pan.
- If adding mushrooms, add with the onions and bell pepper.
- Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator in a well sealed container.
How could I make this into a casserole? Would it be good with rice or pasta?
This was amazing!
This recipe turned out great!! I doubled it (because I have a 19 year old boy I’m feeding!). Only changes I made was to add an extra “hamburger” spice and didn’t have provolone so used Cheddar cheese! Will make again!!
These were tasty and so quick and easy to make. My teens loved them. Definitely going to make these again and again! Saw someone's comment about putting it over a baked potato and now I want to do that, too! Yum 🙂
This recipe is a winner! I didn’t realize I was out of beef broth base until I went to add it to the pan, so I just used water. Even then it turned out great. My husband loved them too!
We put the meat over baked potatoes and subbed Monterey Jack cheese for the provolone. It turned out amazing! I am definitely adding this to our rotation!
Was a winner for my family. Already added to my rotation. Thanks for sharing.
Hubby said this was the best that I have made! So thank you!!!!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
My family really enjoyed this recipe! I added mushrooms to it and chopped them up so they were undetectable. I had to add mild cheddar and mozzarella to it since that was all I had. It was very yummy!! I definitely plan to make it again.
This is a great recipe and so easy! My family loves it! I am gonna try it with ground chicken & chicken broth. Instead of hamburger and beef broth. See if I can make chicken cheese steak sloppy joes!
Added a little extra beef flavoring, and some mushrooms! Everyone including the kids loved it!
So simple and absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Loved this recipe but feel like it needs more seasoning. I think I’ll double the broth - seasonings and Worcestershire next time to give it that oomph it needs. Very good though. Thank you
My husband and I loved this recipe! I made them into sliders! 👌🏽👌🏽
what sides did you serve with this? looking for an idea that would compliment the flavors of the sandwiches...
Our favorite side dish to go with sloppy joes is oven roasted potatoes (https://thetoastykitchen.com/easy-oven-roasted-potatoes/). You can find a list of side dish options in the post just above the recipe card - anything like corn on the cob, potato salad, or mac and cheese would make a great side dish as well.
I made this tonight and it was so delicious. I doubled recipe. Toast. Buns, added mayo and Gardiner. It was fantastic!! Will definitely be making it again!!
This was amazing! Whole family loved it!
Thank you for sharing, definitely a Keeper!
Going to try it with Mini Hawaii sliders next time.
How would you suggest making this in the crockpot?
Hi Brittany, I haven't tried it myself, but here's what I would do: brown ground beef on the stove top in a skillet, then add to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (minus the cheese). Cook on low for 4 hours, then add cheese just before serving, or add cheese on top of each sandwich.
What sides do you suggest cooking with these? I have 3 young children (5, 3, & 1) and they enjoyed this recipe on Hawaiian rolls!
Hi Kendra, so glad to hear everyone enjoyed the recipe! You can't go wrong with a starchy side dish, like french fries or oven roasted potatoes (https://thetoastykitchen.com/easy-oven-roasted-potatoes/). You could also serve coleslaw or cheesy broccoli (https://thetoastykitchen.com/cheesy-broccoli/) to add more veggies!
Excellent! Making again today.
Just wondering how many points this is.
Hi Alice, I'm not familiar with weight watchers (If this is what you're referring to), but it looks like there is a calculator online where you can input the nutrition (at the bottom of the recipe card) to get a points value of a recipe: https://www.calculator.net/weight-watchers-points-calculator.html
Fan-freakin'-tastic. I have lost count of how many times I made this recipe.
Sooooo good.
What if beef broth is unavailable? What can be substituted? Is it necessary to put the broth?
Beef broth adds savory flavor to the dish, so I don't recommend excluding it. You can use any broth you have on hand (chicken, vegetable) for a slightly different flavor.
Very good, thanks!
This is absolutely delicious! We made it for the first time tonight and are already planning it again for next week.
Super easy and delicious!
Made this last night and it was really, really good. I used beef bone broth and added mushrooms. Tastes just like a cheesesteak!
My hubby passed away a year ago yesterday and all of your recipes make me want to cook and bake again-you have put some jest into an old lady's life.
Hi Janice, I'm so glad that you're enjoying the recipes!
I can't wait to try this! Could I use flour instead of cornstarch? If so, do you know the measurements?
Hi Alicia, the cornstarch can be substituted with flour in equal amounts. If using flour, I'd suggest that after adding your beef back to the pan, coat with flour and allow to cook for one minute, then continue with the instructions (instead of adding the flour/cornstarch in a later step). Enjoy!
This was DELICIOUS!! I had to keep it on the burner on low to get the cheese to melt though as when I took it off and left it, the cheese wouldn't melt. But it was so good! My family & I definitely enjoyed it and I will make again, probably with mushrooms next time.
Followed the recipe to a t ( I used provolone ) and sautéed mushrooms on the side but seriously delicious ! My whole family wished I had made more just for leftover immediately put this in my recipe book !
I'm hoping to get a reply before Super Bowl this weekend lol! I wanted to make the meat mixture and put it in a crockpot - but even on low for hours, will it just get too dried out? I don't want to have to make it overly soupy to start, either.... :-/ I saw that someone else made this into the 'oven sandwiches' that so many of us have made before - out of the two options (crockpot or sammies), which do you think would serve better throughout the day? And, if crock, I'd love any suggestions you may have to keep the meat loose - maybe just add a little broth throughout? Thank you! I cannot WAIT to have this!!
Hi Maryn! I haven't tried this sloppy joe recipe in a slow cooker, but I think it would last for several hours on the lowest setting (low or warm). I'd try adding a splash of beef broth or water throughout the night if it starts to dry out.
I think the slow cooker method might last longer if you'd like people to serve themselves throughout the evening, while keeping the meat mixture warm.
Great! I'll report back with how it worked! Thanks much 🙂
Made this yesterday evening. Doubled the recipe because it looked so good and I wanted to have leftovers. Added in a yellow bell pepper and some diced jalapenos and baby portabella mushrooms. Used provolone cheese slices. It was so good! My wife ate it over some riced cauliflower and I made 2 sandwiches on a deli hamburger bun. We will definitely be making this again (once I work my way through the leftovers). Going to freeze several servings in some Gladware bowls. Thanks for a great meal!
Hi Eric, thanks for the great review. Cauliflower rice is a great idea to make this dish a bit healthier!
Very good, I substituted thin sliced venison, broth made with better than bullion brand base, and onion poppy seed rolls. Great either way
Sounds great, Matt! Glad you enjoyed them.
So why only the 4 star?
This looks very yummy but I have a question. What could you use in place of the Worcestershire sauce as we cannot eat it because it has anchovies in it and we are allergic?
Hi ginger! I haven't personally tried these but I think either would work well.
Try substituting the Worcestershire sauce with an equal amount of steak sauce, like A1.
Or, try adding 6-8 drops of hot sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar instead of the 1 tablespoon of worcestershire sauce.
I make this all the time, except I use a packet of Au jus, water and cornstarch and toasted bun in butter.
I tried this recipe and OMG, delicious. I added the mushrooms and crushed red pepper flakes, as I like spicy and these were absolutely amazing. I used mozzarella & pepper jack cheese. Thanks so much
Thanks Tonya for the great review!
I’m thinking of turning this into an appetizer sized dish for a New Years Day party using Hawaiian rolls. 24 rolls, cut in half, toast, set aside. Layer the meat and veggie mixture on the bottom, cover with sliced Swiss (or maybe shredded swiss) cover with the top of the buns. Brush with melted butter, garlic and onion powder, return to vent or broiler until cheese melts and tops are lightly browned.
Yum, this sounds great Deb! Do let us know how it goes!
Ended up using Sam's Choice buttery dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian and Monterey jack and pepper jack shredded cheese. Brushed the tops with the melted butter, garlic powder and onion powder. Then sprinkled a little dried parsley on. Got rave reviews! Thanks for the recipe. This will definitely be going on our dinner menu as well. After my hubby ate and liked it, I told him there were mushrooms on it. He hates mushrooms. Lol
Thanks for the rave review, Deb! These sound amazing as an appetizer. And a great way to hide mushrooms, haha!
I made this for my mom's birthday this year and everyone loved it! I'm back looking at the recipe to make it again! I love the idea of having a Philly with meat I normally have on hand (ground beef) rather than having to get some kind of thin sliced steak. Thanks for simplifying my Philly addiction!!
‘Made this last night. Even my picky teenage Daughter ate like a hyena! That is the ultimate compliment. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Thank you for the great review, Brian! Glad to hear your family enjoyed the recipe 😊
First off, triple this recipe, you are going to love it!
Ok. A few complaints now…
1. 1/4 teaspoon of garlic?! Nope two tablespoons. 1/4 teaspoon of garlic? I spill that much!
2. Hamburger type buns? Nope. Sub roll. Fill it up!
3. Provolone or white American?! Nope. Cheez Whiz!
This is a GREAT recipe!
Ha, yes! Wit Whiz!
Extremely delicious! I've made this several times. I serve with some toasted WW hoagies and then a side of veggies -- I like roasted Brussel Sprouts!
This recipe is in my rotation now. Easy to double and reheats for a few dinners.
Thanks for sharing, Jessica! I also love brussels sprouts 🙂
My husband will love this! I prefer a chicken Philly, I might give it a go with ground chicken and/or turkey. Any suggestions for the ground chicken or turkey?
Great idea! I'd probably use chicken broth instead of beef broth if you're using chicken or turkey.
What’s the best/safest way to reheat these?
You can reheat the filling over medium-low heat in a skillet on the stove, or lightly covered with a paper towel in the microwave.
The only thing I would suggest differently is to add the cornstarch before the broth. Dissolves much easier without clumps. Otherwise great recipe.
You can always dissolve the cornstarch in a cup of cold water before adding it to any recipe. This will avoid clumping. Or you could dissolve it in a little of the beef broth for this recipe. You just have to be sure it's cold. Heat causes the clumping. I use a ramekin & cold water out of my refrigerator. I also keep my broth in the fridge so I know it's cold enough.
Should I drain the beef after browning?
If there is any excess grease in the bottom of the pan, I would suggest draining it!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
It will keep for 3 or so days in the refrigerator and is easily reheated.
I started out looking for dare I say a manwhich style sauce. Your recipe popped up and it is so good! I don't think I can eat tomato style sauce ones after having these! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Thanks for sharing, Diana. I'm glad you enjoyed them!
This was excellent! It tastes just like a real cheese steak! Will definitely make it again!
Thank you for sharing, Donna. Glad you enjoyed them!
I made this recipe for my family last night. We all gave it 2 thumbs up, which means we will be having it again! So 2 adults and a 9 year old and 5 year old. So good for the whole family. My kids were leary of the bell pepper at first but once they tried it, it was all good! Thanks for the great recipe, it was nice to add something new to our dinner menu. I think mushrooms would be great in it too, but didn't want to push my luck with the kiddos.
Glad you enjoyed it Kimberly! I agree, mushrooms would make a great addition.
Hi Amber, for 4 servings you'll need 1/2 cup of beef broth.
I was just wondering if you can substitute the ground beef with Steak-umm® Sliced Steaks
Yes you can!
Thank you for replying! That's true I just added my own amount of pepper and I'm using garlic powder onion powder to compensate I also thought about maybe adding some Italian seasoning that it also may help thank you so much for the help!
You're welcome, hope you enjoy!
If my sauce turns out to be too runny can I add a little more cornstarch? Just thought I would ask before I get to that point thank you!
Yes you can!
Hi, I'm making this recipe as we speak I have been wanting to find a good Philly recipe and yours does not require a bunch of ingredients which I really liked the only thing that I will be taking out will be the green pepper, mushrooms we don't like either but I still think it will turn out wonderful! Will try to share a picture when done.
Sounds great! Do let us know how they turn out 🙂
I'm just starting LOL been a little lazy do you think they will still turn out good even though I'm not using green pepper or mushroom?
It will turn out, but may lose some flavor without them. You can add a bit more seasoning to compensate for this. I would taste test at the end and use your judgement. Enjoy!
This has become one of our new favorites!! I do use the paprika and I always add mushrooms. Thank you for the new idea!!
I’m sure you can make a slurry with the broth and cornstarch, correct? Can’t wait to try this!
Hi Kim, yes you can make a slurry with the broth and cornstarch if you like!
My family loves this dish! Super easy, quick, and very tasty. We substitute flour tortillas for bread from time to time and it’s great as well