There’s something about a Philly cheesesteak that just feels like home. Maybe it’s the sizzle of onions and peppers in the pan, or the way that melty cheese wraps everything together like a big, savory hug. This recipe for Philly Cheese Steak Joes is a fun, family-friendly take on the classic sandwich. Think of it as a mashup between the all-American sloppy joe and the iconic Philly cheesesteak—comfort food on a bun.
Back in the day, these kinds of meals were staples in our house. We didn’t always have time for big, fancy dinners, but there was always something hot and hearty on the table. My mom loved to make meals that stretched a budget and filled up a table full of hungry kids. That’s exactly what this recipe does—without skimping on flavor.
What makes these Philly Cheese Steak Joes special is how easily they come together. You don’t need a grill or special cuts of meat. It’s made with ground beef, which keeps it simple and affordable. The meat gets seasoned and browned with tender bell peppers and onions, then blanketed in gooey melted cheese. All of that gets piled onto soft sandwich buns for a satisfying, fork-free dinner that feels both nostalgic and new.
Perfect for weeknights, game days, or when you just need something cozy and filling in a hurry—this is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Quick and easy – It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
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Family-approved – Great for picky eaters and adults alike.
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One-pan magic – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
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Ultimate comfort – Think warm, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite.
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Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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6 slices provolone cheese
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4 sandwich buns or hamburger buns
HOW TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK JOES:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Sauté the veggies
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Cook until they’re nice and soft—about 4–5 minutes. This step builds that classic cheesesteak flavor base, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened veggies. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add the seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so that the flavors blend together. The tomato paste adds a bit of richness, while the Worcestershire gives it that signature umami zing.
Step 4: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this into the skillet and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens into a rich, savory sauce. You want it just saucy enough to coat the meat, but not so runny that it drips all over your hands—unless you’re into that.
Step 5: Melt the cheese
Lay the provolone cheese slices over the meat mixture in the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted. Then give everything a gentle stir so the cheese gets evenly distributed. Creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Step 6: Serve it up
Spoon the hot filling onto your favorite sandwich buns, and serve right away while the cheese is still melty and perfect. I love to toast the buns lightly beforehand—it gives just the right amount of crunch to contrast that soft, gooey filling.
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Toast your buns – A light toasting adds texture and keeps them from getting soggy.
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Want it extra cheesy? Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving.
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Add mushrooms – For a heartier, more traditional Philly twist.
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Make it spicy – A dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes gives it a kick.
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Meal prep tip – The filling stores well, so make a double batch and save half for later!
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Category: Sandwiches
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Method: Stovetop
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Cuisine: American
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Diet: Nut-free
NOTES:
This is a super flexible recipe. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, add in other veggies like mushrooms or jalapeños, or even use turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. The key is to let that cheese work its magic and keep the texture hearty and saucy without being too wet.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per serving – approximate)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 5g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just make sure to season it well since turkey is leaner and milder in flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would work too.
How do I keep the filling from being too runny?
That cornstarch and broth combo does the trick! Just simmer until it thickens to your liking.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Store the meat and veggie mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat—they’re best that way!
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION
Philly Cheese Steak Joes are the kind of recipe that brings comfort and ease to your dinner table. They’ve got all the heartiness of a cheesesteak, the simplicity of a weeknight meal, and the kind of cheesy, satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving something cozy and nostalgic, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your rotation.
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Philly Cheese Steak Joes
Description
There’s something about a Philly cheesesteak that just feels like home. Maybe it’s the sizzle of onions and peppers in the pan, or the way that melty cheese wraps everything together like a big, savory hug. This recipe for Philly Cheese Steak Joes is a fun, family-friendly take on the classic sandwich. Think of it as a mashup between the all-American sloppy joe and the iconic Philly cheesesteak—comfort food on a bun.
Back in the day, these kinds of meals were staples in our house. We didn’t always have time for big, fancy dinners, but there was always something hot and hearty on the table. My mom loved to make meals that stretched a budget and filled up a table full of hungry kids. That’s exactly what this recipe does—without skimping on flavor.
What makes these Philly Cheese Steak Joes special is how easily they come together. You don’t need a grill or special cuts of meat. It’s made with ground beef, which keeps it simple and affordable. The meat gets seasoned and browned with tender bell peppers and onions, then blanketed in gooey melted cheese. All of that gets piled onto soft sandwich buns for a satisfying, fork-free dinner that feels both nostalgic and new.
Perfect for weeknights, game days, or when you just need something cozy and filling in a hurry—this is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
6 slices provolone cheese
4 sandwich buns or hamburger buns
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the veggies
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Cook until they’re nice and soft—about 4–5 minutes. This step builds that classic cheesesteak flavor base, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened veggies. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add the seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so that the flavors blend together. The tomato paste adds a bit of richness, while the Worcestershire gives it that signature umami zing.
Step 4: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this into the skillet and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens into a rich, savory sauce. You want it just saucy enough to coat the meat, but not so runny that it drips all over your hands—unless you’re into that.
Step 5: Melt the cheese
Lay the provolone cheese slices over the meat mixture in the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted. Then give everything a gentle stir so the cheese gets evenly distributed. Creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Step 6: Serve it up
Spoon the hot filling onto your favorite sandwich buns, and serve right away while the cheese is still melty and perfect. I love to toast the buns lightly beforehand—it gives just the right amount of crunch to contrast that soft, gooey filling.
Notes
This is a super flexible recipe. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, add in other veggies like mushrooms or jalapeños, or even use turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. The key is to let that cheese work its magic and keep the texture hearty and saucy without being too wet.