Name: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded; Black pepper, to taste; 5 hamburger buns; Mayonnaise (for toasting buns)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, melty cheese, and toasted bread—and simplifies it into a quick skillet meal. The homemade cheese sauce makes it creamy and indulgent, while the seasoned beef adds layers of flavor. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Black pepper, to taste
5 hamburger buns
Mayonnaise

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Season the beef with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Set the beef mixture aside.
Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add butter, let it melt, then sprinkle in flour. Stir to form a roux and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and thickened into a cheese sauce.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the cheese sauce.
In a separate skillet over medium heat, spread mayonnaise lightly on the inside of each bun and toast until golden.
Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted buns. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Yield: 5 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Different Cheese: Substitute provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese for a traditional Philly-style flavor.
Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added texture and taste.
Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy version.
Lean Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Open-Faced: Serve the mixture on toasted bread slices instead of buns for a fork-and-knife meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving the buns—toast fresh ones before serving. The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and cheese filling ahead, then reheat and serve with freshly toasted buns.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is rich and sharp, but provolone or mozzarella give it more of a Philly cheesesteak taste.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Toast the buns with mayonnaise as instructed, and serve immediately after assembling.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely. Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or beef mixture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, the beef and cheese filling freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and avoids graininess.

What side dishes go well with this?

Fries, tater tots, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly with these sloppy joes.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, both work well, though you may need to add a little extra seasoning for flavor.

Do I need to use mayonnaise for toasting the buns?

No, butter works too, but mayonnaise creates an even golden crust.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

You can prepare the beef mixture and cheese sauce on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm for serving at parties.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the ultimate mash-up of comfort food classics. With seasoned beef, a creamy homemade cheese sauce, and perfectly toasted buns, this recipe delivers big flavors in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings, it’s a meal that’s guaranteed to please the whole family.