Looking to spice up your dinner routine with a hearty twist on two iconic sandwiches? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes—a flavor-packed fusion of rich, cheesy Philly cheesesteaks and the beloved saucy sloppy joe. This easy crockpot version delivers juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese, all piled high on soft sandwich buns. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or game day, this one-pot comfort food satisfies cravings without much cleanup. Don’t miss our hearty stuffed pepper casserole for another satisfying dinner idea packed with flavor.
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What Are Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?
A Delicious Twist on Two Classics
Imagine taking the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak—think melty provolone, tender beef, and sweet bell peppers—and combining it with the messy, saucy fun of a traditional sloppy joe. The result? A sandwich that’s savory, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast at the dinner table. This recipe transforms two American staples into a single slow cooker masterpiece.
While the original Philly cheesesteak is known for thin-sliced steak and hoagie rolls, this version uses ground beef for a quicker, more affordable meal. The familiar sloppy joe texture makes it a favorite among kids, while the cheesesteak flavors keep the adults coming back for more.
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This genius fusion likely started in home kitchens where busy parents sought shortcuts to recreate their favorite subs. Today, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are trending on food blogs and social platforms because of how effortlessly they come together—especially in a slow cooker. You get the robust flavor of a Philly sandwich with none of the fuss. Plus, they scale beautifully for parties, potlucks, and meal prepping.
Ingredients Needed for the Best Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy, savory meal:
| Ingredient | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (1 lb) | The base of the sloppy joe |
| Onion (small) | Adds sweetness and aroma |
| Green bell pepper | Brings classic Philly flavor |
| Worcestershire sauce | Deepens the savory profile |
| Beef broth (½ cup) | Keeps everything moist and rich |
| Cornstarch (1 tbsp) | Thickens the sauce to coat the meat |
| Salt & pepper | For balanced seasoning |
| Provolone cheese | The gooey topping that ties it all together |
| Sandwich buns | A sturdy base for the saucy filling |
You can absolutely substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor remains bold, especially when you keep the Worcestershire sauce and broth in the mix.
Cheese Options for the Perfect Melt
Provolone is the go-to here for a classic Philly vibe, but you’ve got some delicious alternatives. Mozzarella delivers a stretchy bite, American cheese offers a creamier melt, and if you’re going full traditional, a drizzle of Cheez Whiz will take you straight to South Philly. Just make sure your cheese melts well and complements the seasoned beef.
Choosing the Right Buns
Since this filling is rich and saucy, go with buns that can hold their shape. Classic hamburger buns work fine, but brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and richness. For parties or kids, use slider buns or even split hoagie rolls. Lightly toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess and adds texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in a Slow Cooker
Prepping the Beef Mixture
Start with a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef alongside diced onions and green bell peppers. Stir often to break up the meat and ensure even cooking. Once the beef is browned and the veggies are soft, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy final product.
Assembling and Cooking in the Crockpot
Transfer the meat and vegetables to your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir everything together. Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4–6 hours.
Toward the end of cooking, layer provolone cheese slices over the top. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. Once melted, give everything a good stir so that the cheese blends into the meat mixture.
Looking for inspiration? Try our slow cooker beef curry recipe for another make-ahead comfort dish.
Time-Saving Tips and Shortcuts
- Use frozen pre-chopped onions and peppers to cut down on prep.
- Make it a freezer meal by browning the meat/veg and freezing the mixture in a zip-top bag. On cooking day, just thaw and drop into the slow cooker.
- If you don’t want to wait hours, this recipe can also be made entirely on the stovetop in under 30 minutes—just simmer everything together in a deep skillet after browning.
Check out our creamy scalloped potatoes to serve alongside this saucy sandwich.
Storage, Freezer, and Reheating Instructions
How Long It Lasts and Best Storage Practices
Once you’ve enjoyed your first round of cheesy, savory sandwiches, you’ll want to know how to store the leftovers the right way. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes hold up well when stored properly.
Refrigerator: Transfer any leftover mixture into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Want to meal prep or save some for later? Let the mixture cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Be sure to label it with the date.
Pro tip: Store the meat filling separately from the buns to prevent sogginess.
Looking for more prep-friendly ideas? Discover great ideas like our crockpot lasagna soup recipe that also freezes beautifully.
Best Ways to Reheat Sloppy Joes
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating the right way will help you keep all the flavor and texture.
Skillet Method (Recommended): Place the mixture in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Crockpot: If you’re feeding a crowd, toss the thawed mixture back into the slow cooker and warm on low for 1–2 hours.
Quick Tip: Avoid reheating with buns—they’ll get soggy. Always warm the meat first, then serve fresh buns on the side.
Creative Serving Ideas and Delicious Pairings
Toppings and Serving Variations
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are great as-is, but you can take them to the next level with fun toppings and creative twists.
Popular toppings to try:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Jalapeño slices for a spicy kick
- Extra melted provolone or a drizzle of cheese sauce
- Caramelized onions for deeper sweetness
Presentation Ideas:
- Make sliders with Hawaiian rolls for parties
- Serve open-faced on toasted sourdough
- Use the filling as a stuffing for baked bell peppers
- Layer over pasta or egg noodles for a cheesy Philly-style casserole
Don’t miss our spooky fun mummy dogs recipe for another family-friendly twist on classic comfort food.
Best Side Dishes for Sloppy Joes
Balance out the richness of your sandwich with crispy, tangy, or hearty sides. Here are a few perfect pairings:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Crispy French fries | Classic combo, salty crunch |
| Baked beans | Sweet and savory balance |
| Coleslaw | Cool, crunchy contrast |
| Pickle spears | Adds bite and freshness |
| Mac & cheese | Ultimate comfort food pairing |
| Corn casserole | Slightly sweet, balances the savoriness |
Looking to switch things up? Try pairing it with our maple-roasted carrots with cranberries for a savory-sweet flavor combo.
Common Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (FAQ)
Can you make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes on the stovetop?
Absolutely. While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can prepare the entire dish in under 30 minutes on the stovetop. Brown the beef and veggies, stir in the seasonings and broth, let it simmer until thickened, then stir in cheese and serve.
What’s the best cheese for cheesesteak sloppy joes?
Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella, American, and Cheez Whiz are all delicious options depending on your preference. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the beefy flavor.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both ground turkey and chicken work well in this recipe. You may want to add a touch more seasoning or Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor if using leaner meats.
How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
Skip the buns and serve the cheesy meat mixture over romaine lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas. You can also serve it bowl-style over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef and vegetables a day in advance, store in the fridge, and dump into your slow cooker the next day. Or freeze the cooked mixture for future use.
Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Dinner Rotation
When comfort meets convenience, magic happens—and that’s exactly what you get with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids on a weeknight, prepping for game day, or making freezer meals for later, this slow cooker sandwich recipe checks every box. It’s bold, cheesy, and satisfying with just the right amount of messiness to make dinner fun again.
These sandwiches bring a unique twist to your dinner table while staying incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll love the way the rich, savory filling melts together in the crockpot while you go about your day—and your family will love how good it tastes.
Don’t miss our easy pumpkin bread recipe with crumb topping for a warm and cozy dessert to follow this savory sandwich.
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a savory fusion of two American classics made in the slow cooker—featuring ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and melty provolone cheese on soft buns. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 6 slices provolone cheese or 1 1/2 cups shredded
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, onions, and bell pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain grease.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
- Remove lid, add provolone cheese on top, and cover again until cheese melts (about 5 minutes).
- Stir the cheese into the meat mixture until fully combined.
- Scoop onto sandwich buns and serve hot.
Notes
- Can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken.
- Use frozen chopped veggies to save prep time.
- Make it a freezer meal by preparing and freezing the mixture in advance.
- Serve over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 457 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 919 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
