Satisfy Philly cheesesteak cravings with a ground beef version that still brings all the iconic flavors in a more affordable form. It’s somewhere between a sloppy Joe and a traditional cheesesteak and boy, is it delicious. It’s ready in 30 minutes too!
For a traditional experience, check out our recipe for an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
Because our recipe
- All the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors you love using ground beef.
- Ready in 30 minutes or less and affordable.
- Choose your cheese and mix and match all your favorite cheesesteak toppings.
They’re incredibly easy to make for a crowd, use inexpensive ingredients, and come together quickly for a tasty meal on a whim. You can choose your favorite cheese (provolone, American, or even a classic cheese whiz) and pile on all the toppings you love. Peppers, onions, mushrooms, jalapeños. The sky is the limit! Trust me, everyone will be back for a few seconds!
Notes on ingredients
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef with the best flavor and texture or leaner. Just be sure to drain excess fat as needed.
- Onion: Use yellow onions or white onions. Slice it thinly or cut it into small cubes if you want it to blend more with the texture of the ground meat.
- Green Pepper: Slice them thinly or into small cubes if you want them to blend more with the texture of the ground meat. Try using red, yellow, or orange peppers for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Cut it into cubes to help it melt more evenly. Use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese.
- Sandwiches: Brioche buns are our favorite, but any bun will work. You could also use hoagie buns for a more traditional cheesesteak vibe. Toast for better texture.
- Cheese: We like provolone, but you can also use American, or go to Philly and use Cheese Wizard.
Ground meat options
We recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe. The extra fat enhances the flavor and adds enough juiciness to mix with the cream cheese for a perfectly saucy texture.
If you prefer a more streamlined option, like 90/10, that works too. You could also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Keep this in mind that using ground beef with a higher fat content will produce more fat, which you’ll have to shed to keep your sloppy boys from getting too fat.
sandwich options
We recommend using brioche style burger buns because they toast beautifully and are buttery, sweet and soft. Traditional sesame seed buns, potato buns, Hawaiian buns, or regular hamburger buns also work.
If you prefer a more traditional cheesesteak feel, hoagie rolls are the way to go. They are sturdier and can hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
Whatever you choose, be sure to toast them – it adds a delicious touch and helps keep the buns from getting soggy when topped with Sloppy Joes.
How to Toast Sandwiches
Toasting your rolls gives them a crispy edge and helps hold in all that juicy filling without getting soggy. This is an optional step, but we recommend taking a few extra minutes to do it.
Hob: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Cut the rolls in half and place them in the pan with the cut side facing down. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Broilers: Preheat the oven rack to maximum temperature. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray with the cut side facing up and place them under the grill. Keep an eye on them and toast them for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly browned.
Toaster: For a quick option, use a toaster if your sandwiches will fit in it. Cut them in half and toast them at a medium-low temperature to prevent them from burning.
Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes go great with chips, chips or tater tots. For a more complete meal, add coleslaw and baked beans to take it to the next level.
Instructions for storage and heating
Refrigerate leftovers beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze Allowing beef mixture to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Heating on the hob in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
Heating in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until hot.
