The Best Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Easy Crockpot Recipe!)

The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup to End All Dinner Debates

In our house, the “what’s for dinner?” debate can get pretty intense. On one side, you have a craving for the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak. On the other, a nostalgic yearning for a messy, saucy, classic Sloppy Joe. What if you didn’t have to choose? What if you could combine two of the greatest sandwiches of all time into one epic, easy-to-make meal?

That’s exactly what we’re doing today. This Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe is the delicious peace treaty your family dinner table needs. It has all the beloved flavors of a classic cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey provolone—all wrapped up in a saucy, easy-to-eat sloppy joe form. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the work!

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist for a Flavor-Packed Meal

You only need a handful of simple, hardworking ingredients to create this incredible comfort food mashup.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground Beef	1 pound	Use a lean ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) for the best flavor.
Small Onion	1	Diced, for a sweet and savory base.
Small Green Bell Pepper	1	Diced, for that classic cheesesteak flavor and a bit of crunch.
Worcestershire Sauce	1 tablespoon	Adds a deep, savory, umami flavor that’s essential.
Salt & Black Pepper	½ teaspoon each	To season the beef perfectly.
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon	The secret to a perfectly thick, saucy mixture.
Beef Broth	½ cup	Creates the savory sauce base. Use low-sodium to control the salt.
Provolone Cheese	6 slices	The classic, melty cheese of a Philly Cheesesteak. Shredded works too!
Buns	For serving	Toasted brioche or hoagie rolls are fantastic.

Your “Set It and Forget It” Timeline

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, hot meal waiting for you.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-6 hours on LOW
• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes (mostly hands-off!)

Family-Friendly Insight: Slow cookers are a lifeline for busy families. According to market surveys, the number one reason people use their slow cooker is for the convenience of coming home to a ready-made meal, saving valuable time and stress on hectic weeknights.

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

This first step is key to developing a deep, rich flavor. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened. Be sure to break up the beef as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to the basin of your slow cooker. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Set It and Forget It

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. This slow simmering time allows the flavors to meld together into a truly delicious and tender mixture.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to create that perfectly saucy consistency. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the cold beef broth until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir it into the beef. Cover and cook on HIGH for the final 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Get Cheesy and Serve

Once the sauce is thick, give everything a final stir. Spoon the Philly Cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture generously onto your favorite buns. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese and serve immediately, letting the heat from the meat melt it into gooey perfection.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings), without the bun.

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 21g

Disclaimer: This is an estimate and will vary based on the leanness of your beef and type of cheese used.

Healthier Swaps & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your family’s tastes and needs.

• Leaner Protein: Substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
• Veggie Boost: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet when you are browning the beef and veggies for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun! This mixture is fantastic served in crisp lettuce cups, over cauliflower rice, or stuffed into a baked bell pepper.
• Cheese Swap: While provolone is classic, Cheez Whiz is the other famous Philly choice. Shredded mozzarella or a white American cheese would also be delicious and melty.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

The bun is just the beginning!

• Toasted Garlic Buns: For the ultimate experience, brush your buns with a little melted garlic butter and toast them before piling on the sloppy joe mixture.
• The Ultimate Spud: Spoon the cheesy mixture over a fluffy baked potato or baked sweet potato for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Philly Fries: Serve a generous portion over a pile of crispy French fries or tater tots and top with extra melted cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Browning Step: It’s tempting to just dump everything into the slow cooker, but browning the beef and vegetables first is a crucial step. It creates a deep, caramelized flavor (thanks to the Maillard reaction) that you won’t get otherwise.
2. Forgetting to Drain the Grease: After browning the beef, be sure to drain off any excess fat. If you don’t, your final sloppy joe mixture can be greasy.
3. Adding the Cornstarch Slurry Too Early: If you add the cornstarch at the beginning of the cooking time, it can clump up and lose its thickening power over the long cook time. Always add it at the end.

Storing and Reheating for Easy Leftovers

This recipe is fantastic for batch cooking and makes for amazing leftovers.

• Storing: Store the leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This is a perfect freezer meal! Let the meat mixture cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the mixture gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

These Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner needs. They combine two beloved classics into one incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have the whole family running to the dinner table.

Give this ultimate comfort food mashup a try! We know your family will love it. When you make it, come back and leave a comment or a rating below. For more easy and delicious family-friendly recipes, be sure to subscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I have to brown the ground beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

For the best flavor and texture, yes, it’s highly recommended. Browning the meat and vegetables creates a deeper, more complex flavor. It also gives you a chance to drain off any excess grease, which prevents your final dish from being too oily.

Q2: Can I make this Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely! Simply follow Step 1 to brown the beef and veggies. Then, instead of transferring to a slow cooker, add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and the beef broth directly to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. Make and add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Q3: What are the best buns to use for these sloppy joes?

A sturdy bun is key to holding up to the saucy filling! Toasted brioche buns are a fantastic choice for their slight sweetness and soft texture. A classic hamburger bun or a crusty hoagie roll cut into sections also works great.

Q4: My sloppy joe mixture seems too watery. How can I fix it?

If your sauce hasn’t thickened enough after adding the cornstarch slurry, you can let it cook for a little longer on the HIGH setting with the lid slightly ajar to allow some of the steam to escape and the sauce to reduce. If it’s still too thin, you can make another half-batch of the cornstarch slurry (½ tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and stir that in.