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Sloppy Joes are a longtime family favorite, known for their saucy, savory filling piled high on a soft bun. Our version kicks things up with melty cheese and just a hint of tangy sweetness so each bite is beyond satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 4 soft hamburger buns
Instructions
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Once the meat is nicely browned, stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, letting everything get softened and fragrant.
Next, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar (or honey). Add the Worcestershire sauce along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes so all the flavors come together. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of water or beef broth will loosen it right up.
When the sloppy joe mixture has thickened to your liking, fold in half of the shredded cheese. Give it a moment to melt into the sauce, becoming gorgeous and gooey. Turn off the heat and spoon the mixture onto toasted buns, finishing each with a sprinkle of the remaining cheese for that extra bit of decadence.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual backyard get-together, these Bold & Cheesy Sloppy Joes are sure to impress. They’re perfect comfort food for anyone craving something hearty and fuss-free. For a lighter spin, trade ground beef for ground turkey, or add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. If you prefer a kick of heat, try
a hot sauce drizzle or jalapeño slices. With their quick prep time and simple ingredients, these sloppy joes are a tasty way to feed a crowd—no one will leave hungry!
