Gordon Ramsay’s Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on two classic favorites. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef loaded with melted cheese, green peppers, and onions, all piled high on a soft bun. It’s like a Philly cheesesteak sandwich met a sloppy joe and they instantly became best friends.
I love making these because they’re messy in the best way—so full of flavor and perfect for a casual meal where everyone can dig in and get their hands a little saucy. What’s great is how simple the ingredients come together to create something that tastes a lot more complicated than it really is. I always make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!
My favorite way to serve this is with some crispy fries or a fresh side salad to balance out that rich, cheesy filling. These sloppy joes are perfect for a weekend dinner or a game day meal when you want something comforting and exciting at the same time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (80/20): This fat ratio keeps the sloppy joes juicy and flavorful. You can swap for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, though it may be less rich.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully, giving that classic Philly cheesesteak feel. Mozzarella or Swiss are good substitutes if you can’t find provolone.
Green Bell Pepper & Onion: These veggies add sweetness and crunch. If you prefer milder flavors, use yellow bell pepper or skip the pepper and only use onion.
Worcestershire & Soy Sauce: They add depth and umami. Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for gluten-free needs.
Tomato Paste: It thickens and adds richness. If unavailable, a spoonful of ketchup or tomato sauce works in a pinch.
Buns: Soft buns work best here, but crusty rolls or brioche buns add a nice texture and flavor twist.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor & Texture in These Sloppy Joes?
Start by slowly cooking the onions and peppers until they soften and get a little caramel color—this brings out sweetness. Adding garlic at the end keeps it fresh and aromatic.
When browning the ground beef, break it into small pieces and cook until just browned—this avoids dryness while keeping nice texture.
Mix in flavorful sauces and spices before simmering in broth to build a rich, saucy base. Simmer gently until it thickens so it won’t be runny but still moist.
Finally, broiling the sandwiches helps melt the cheese perfectly and adds a bit of golden color—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like it because it browns the beef evenly and cooks the veggies perfectly.
- Spatula – helps break up the meat and mix everything smoothly.
- Baking tray – for broiling the sandwiches and melting the cheese nicely.
- Oven or toaster oven – lets you melt the cheese quickly without drying out the meat.
- Knife and chopping board – for prep work on onion, peppers, and garlic.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Use mozzarella or Swiss cheese if you want a different cheesy twist.
- Mix in a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire for added kick and depth.
Gordon Ramsay Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 4-6 slices provolone cheese (or provolone-style cheese)
- 4-6 soft sandwich buns (preferably slightly crusty on the outside)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total — 10-15 minutes prep and cooking the filling, and 5-10 minutes for broiling the sandwiches so the cheese melts perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Veggies
Heat the olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, bringing out their sweetness.
2. Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then turn the heat up to high and add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
3. Season and Simmer
Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Pour in the beef broth or water and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes saucy but not dry.
4. Assemble and Broil
Preheat your oven’s broiler or toaster oven. Spoon the sloppy beef mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the sandwich buns. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each portion, then put the sandwiches on a baking tray.
Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts and bubbles. Remove them carefully once done.
5. Serve
Place the bun tops on the sandwiches and serve immediately. The melted cheese, juicy beef, and sweet peppers all come together for a delicious, messy, cheesy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps the beef brown evenly and prevents excess moisture in the skillet.
Can I Make These Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling and broiling with cheese.
What’s a Good Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
Mozzarella or Swiss cheese work well if you can’t find provolone. Both melt nicely and complement the flavors of the beef and veggies.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave and add fresh cheese if needed before serving.
