Cheesy Sloppy Joes

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food that’s ooey, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying—Cheesy Sloppy Joes! This isn’t your regular sloppy joe; this version comes loaded with melty cheese that perfectly complements the savory, tangy filling. Picture this: tender ground beef in a rich, zesty tomato sauce, topped with layers of cheese, and served on a soft, toasted bun. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends. Trust me, once you try these cheesy, saucy wonders, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sloppy Joes

If you’re craving a hearty meal that’s easy to whip up and everyone will love, Cheesy Sloppy Joes are the answer! Here’s why:

Cheesy Goodness

What could make a classic sloppy joe even better? Cheese, of course! The melty cheese adds an irresistible richness to each bite, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to kick back and enjoy a meal without much hassle.

Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist these cheesy, saucy sandwiches. The balance of flavors is kid-friendly yet satisfying for adults too.

Customizable

Want a bit more heat? Add some jalapeños or chili flakes to spice things up. Prefer a milder version? Simply skip the spicy elements, and you’ll still have a creamy, flavorful dish.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch and have leftovers for lunch the next day! These sloppy joes are perfect for making ahead, and the flavors just get better as they sit.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your Cheesy Sloppy Joes:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• Ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
• Onion (diced)
• Bell pepper (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• Brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
• Chili powder (for a bit of spice)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Cheese:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese (for gooeyness)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)

For Serving:

• Hamburger buns (soft and toasted for the best bite)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making Cheesy Sloppy Joes is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if needed.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until it thickens up nicely. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating that deliciously gooey texture.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While the filling is simmering, toast your hamburger buns lightly. You can do this in a toaster or on a griddle with a little butter to give them a golden, crispy finish.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the cheesy sloppy joe filling onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately, and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 830mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Joes

These Cheesy Sloppy Joes are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to make a full meal, here are some great sides to pair them with:

Fries

You can’t go wrong with crispy fries! Pair the sloppy joes with classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even loaded fries for a fun, hearty meal.

Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the richness of the cheesy filling. It adds some freshness and balance to your plate.

Pickles

Serve the sloppy joes with some dill pickle spears for a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Chips

For a simple and satisfying side, serve your cheesy sloppy joes with your favorite chips—whether it’s kettle-cooked or classic potato chips, they’ll complement the sandwich perfectly.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

If you like some heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling. You could also top your sloppy joes with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!

Swap the Meat

Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you want to switch things up. The cheesy sauce will still be amazing no matter what!

Make It a Casserole

For a fun twist, layer the sloppy joe filling in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake it for 15-20 minutes at 350°F. You can serve this as a cheesy sloppy joe casserole over rice or pasta!

Double the Batch

This recipe is great for doubling! Make a big batch for a crowd or freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later on.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A1: Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, but mozzarella and cheddar are the perfect combo for that cheesy, melty goodness. You could also try provolone or pepper jack for something different.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A2: Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or beans for a hearty filling.

Q3: Can I freeze leftover sloppy joe filling?

A3: Yes, you can freeze the sloppy joe filling! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q4: How can I make these more kid-friendly?

A4: You can tone down the spice by leaving out the chili powder or hot sauce. Also, using less mustard and sugar can make the flavor more mellow for little ones.

Q5: Can I use store-bought sloppy joe mix?

A5: You can, but I highly recommend trying the homemade version for the best flavor. It’s super easy to make, and you can control the sweetness, spice, and tang to your liking.

Q6: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

A6: Toasting the buns before adding the sloppy joe mixture helps prevent sogginess. You can also butter the buns and toast them in a pan for an extra crispy texture.

Q7: Can I add more veggies to the filling?

A7: Absolutely! You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots to the filling. They’ll blend right in and add extra flavor and nutrients.

Q8: Can I make these ahead of time?

A8: Yes! You can make the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and assemble the sandwiches.

Q9: What sides go well with Cheesy Sloppy Joes?

A9: Classic sides like fries, coleslaw, and chips work perfectly with these cheesy sandwiches. You could also serve a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a lighter option.

Q10: Can I use a different type of bun?

A10: Yes, feel free to use any kind of bun you like—brioche, potato, or whole wheat buns all work great! You could also use English muffins or even a crusty roll for a bit of crunch.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food with a cheesy twist! They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making them the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a fun dish to share with friends and family, these sloppy joes are sure to satisfy. With their gooey cheese, savory filling, and flavorful toppings, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Try them out today, and enjoy a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!

Print