Description
This Cheesy Sloppy Joes recipe features a rich and flavorful ground beef mixture simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, enhanced with spices and melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, comforting filling. Perfectly served on toasted hamburger buns, these sloppy joes make a quick and satisfying meal, ideal for a busy weeknight or casual family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Pickles or fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which helps build flavor.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, then let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld well together.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella). Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and is fully incorporated, creating a creamy and cheesy sloppy joe filling.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon generous portions of the cheesy meat mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns. Place the top halves over the filling to make the sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy sloppy joes hot. Garnish with pickles or fresh parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with sides like fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy slurry.
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.
- Using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can add extra creaminess and stretchiness.
- To make it a bit healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
