Description
This irresistible Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe combines tender ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce blended with classic condiments and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly served on sandwich buns with optional toppings, this hearty dish is quick to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 sandwich buns or burger rolls
Optional Toppings
- Sliced pickles
- Jalapeños
- Lettuce
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a sloppy joe consistency.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich, cheesy texture.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the cheesy meat mixture generously onto the warm sandwich buns. Add optional toppings like sliced pickles, jalapeños, lettuce, or extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit jalapeños or replace with mild peppers.
- Use lean ground beef for less grease; turkey or chicken can be substituted similarly.
- Toast sandwich buns lightly before assembling for added texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
