Is there anything better than a messy, cheesy, flavor-packed sandwich? I don’t think so! Cheesy Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food—savory, saucy ground beef smothered in melty cheese, all piled high on a toasted bun. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
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Trust me, once you take that first bite, with the cheese stretching and the rich, tangy sauce hitting your taste buds, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this sooner. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy, quick, and made with simple pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sloppy Joes
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights, game nights, or potlucks. Serve it in a bun, over rice, or even as a dip with tortilla chips!
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy grocery store trips!
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Prefer a spicy kick? Add some hot sauce or chili powder. Want a little sweetness? A splash of barbecue sauce works wonders!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s cheesy, it’s saucy, it’s downright irresistible—both kids and adults will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients in Cheesy Sloppy Joes
Here’s what makes this dish so amazing—it’s a handful of simple ingredients that come together for maximum flavor:
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish. Choose lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and texture.
Onion & Garlic: These two add depth and richness to the sauce—don’t skip them!
Tomato Sauce & Ketchup: A tangy-sweet combo that creates the signature Sloppy Joe flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient that adds a little umami magic.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Mustard: A little zip to bring everything together.
Shredded Cheese: Because everything is better with melty, gooey cheese! Cheddar, American, or even Pepper Jack work great.
Buns: Toasted for that perfect crunch-to-softness ratio.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavor-packed classic:
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease to keep the sauce from getting too oily.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix well and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture and stir until it’s melted and gooey.
Toast the Buns
For the best texture, lightly butter the buns and toast them in a separate pan until golden brown.
Assemble & Serve
Spoon the cheesy Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted buns, serve warm, and enjoy every messy, delicious bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Joes
- With Fries: Classic and always a win—crispy fries are perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
- Over Rice or Pasta: A fun twist that turns this into a hearty bowl meal.
- As a Dip: Serve with tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices for a party-friendly appetizer.
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp, fresh salad.
- With Pickles: The tanginess of pickles cuts through the richness beautifully!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can make the meat mixture ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Freeze for Later: This recipe freezes beautifully—just thaw overnight and reheat when needed.
Swap the Cheese: Try different cheeses like Swiss, Provolone, or even a cheese blend for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a lighter alternative. Just add a little extra seasoning since it’s milder in flavor.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the meat mixture, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze Cheesy Sloppy Joes?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cooked meat mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A5: Cheddar is a classic, but American cheese gives it that extra melty goodness. Pepper Jack adds a bit of spice!
Q6: How can I make it healthier?
A6: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, use whole wheat buns, and reduce the sugar for a lighter version.
Q7: Can I add veggies?
A7: Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots blend in perfectly and add extra nutrients.
Q8: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
A8: Toasting the buns helps, but you can also spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on them before adding the filling.
Q9: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A9: Yep! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in the cheese before serving.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and cook in a larger skillet or slow cooker. It’s great for feeding a crowd!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Sloppy Joes are one of those meals that instantly bring joy. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—the kind of dinner that makes everyone at the table happy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Print
Cheesy Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Sloppy Joes are a family-favorite dinner packed with savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy sandwich is perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 cup diced onion
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1 cup diced green bell pepper
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
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2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
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4 pretzel buns
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell peppers, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
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Cook for about 10 minutes, until the beef is fully browned, onions are translucent, and peppers are soft. Drain excess grease.
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Stir in garlic and black pepper and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce heat to low, add cubed Velveeta, and stir until melted. This may take a few minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
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Spoon the beef mixture onto pretzel buns and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Swap pretzel buns for brioche or hamburger buns if preferred.
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Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Try using ground turkey as a leaner alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 542 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 105mg