Get ready for game day with these Philly cheesesteak-inspired recipes! From handheld sliders to creamy pasta, messy sloppy joes, gooey dip, easy slow cooker sandwiches, and hearty casserole, these 6 variations bring the iconic taste of thinly sliced beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese to your tailgate, party, or family dinner. Perfect for crowds in Casablanca or anywhere—make ahead, feed a hungry group, and score big on flavor!
These recipes capture the essence of a traditional Philly cheesesteak while adding fun twists for versatility. Use ribeye, sirloin, or ground beef depending on the dish. Let’s dive into each full recipe with ingredients, steps, tips, and serving ideas.
1. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders (Hawaiian Roll Style)
Ingredients (Serves 12 sliders):
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin, frozen slightly for easy slicing)
- ½ large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2.5 tsp beef stock or bouillon (dissolved in 1 tsp water)
- Optional: Garlic powder for butter topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice rolls in half horizontally, keeping connected.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season and sear steak slices 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove.
- In same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft (5-7 minutes). Add steak back, mix, and season.
- Place bottom rolls in a greased baking dish. Layer steak mixture, top with provolone slices.
- Add top rolls. Brush with melted butter mixed with beef stock.
- Cover with foil; bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts and tops are golden.
Tips: For extra flavor, add mushrooms or provolone under the top bun. Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 25 min. Calories per slider: ~280.
2. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta (One-Pot Creamy)
Ingredients (Serves 6-8):
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup water
- 14.5 oz can beef broth
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 6-8 oz provolone cheese, chopped or sliced
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot. Brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper; drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire, and garlic. Stir in uncooked pasta, water, and broth.
- Bring to boil, then simmer covered 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in milk, cream cheese, mozzarella, and provolone until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Tips: Use leftover steak for authentic chunks. Add extra broth if needed. Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 25 min. Calories per serving: ~550.
3. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1-2 tbsp A1 sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 6 sesame seed hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Brown beef in a skillet; drain fat. Add onion, pepper, and mushrooms; cook until soft.
- Stir in ketchup, A1, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth; simmer 5 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Pile mixture on toasted buns, top with melted provolone (broil if desired).
Tips: Make filling ahead—reheats perfectly. Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 20 min. Calories per sandwich: ~600.
4. Philly Cheesesteak Dip (Baked Skillet)
Ingredients (Serves 8-10):
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion
- ¾ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz shaved or thinly sliced steak (or ground beef)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic in oil until soft. Add steak; cook until browned.
- Mix in cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and half the mozzarella until smooth.
- Transfer to oven-safe skillet; top with remaining mozzarella and provolone.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve with bread or chips.
Tips: Use leftover steak for best texture. Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 25 min. Calories per serving: ~400.
5. Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak (Shredded Beef Sandwiches)
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 2-3 lbs sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 beef bouillon cube dissolved in 1¾ cups hot water
- 1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 6 hoagie buns
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 3 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions:
- Place steak, broth, Worcestershire, seasonings, peppers, and onion in slow cooker.
- Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until tender and shreddable.
- Shred beef in cooker; mix with juices.
- Toast buns with butter; pile with beef mixture and melted provolone.
Tips: Freeze leftovers for quick meals. Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 6-8 hours. Calories per sandwich: ~650.
6. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (Baked Comfort)
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown beef with peppers and onion; drain.
- Stir in Worcestershire, salt, pepper, cream cheese, broth, butter, and mayo until combined.
- Transfer to greased baking dish; top with mozzarella and provolone.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.
Tips: Add pasta or rice for a heartier version. Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 30 min. Calories per serving: ~700.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground beef in all recipes?
Yes! Ground beef works in sliders, pasta, sloppy joes, dip, and casserole for easier prep and budget-friendly options.
How do I make these ahead for tailgating?
Prepare fillings (sloppy joes, dip, casserole, slow cooker) a day ahead. Reheat in slow cooker or oven. Sliders assemble quickly on-site.
What’s the best cheese substitute?
Provolone is classic, but try Cheez Whiz for authentic Philly style, or cheddar/mozzarella blends.
Are these recipes spicy?
Mild by default—add jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper for heat.
How to store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3-4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave; oven keeps crispiness best.
Conclusion
These 6 Philly cheesesteak tailgate recipes transform the classic sandwich into crowd-pleasing favorites perfect for game days, parties, or cozy dinners. Whether you crave melty sliders, creamy pasta, cheesy dip, or easy slow-cooker sandwiches, there’s a version here for every mood and occasion. Simple ingredients, big flavors, and endless customization—try them all and find your new go-to! Which Philly twist will you make first? Share your favorites or variations in the comments—happy cooking and enjoy the game!