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Juicy Classic Sloppy Joes Recipe Easy Cheesy Melted Goodness

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy classic sloppy joes topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4–6 soft hamburger buns (brioche recommended)
  • Optional: pickle slices, sliced jalapeños, or chopped fresh parsley for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients (5 minutes): Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese if needed. Have your ketchup, tomato paste, and other seasonings ready.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef (8-10 minutes): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink and starting to brown (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic (3 minutes): Push beef to one side of the pan. Add chopped onions and garlic to the empty side. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Mix everything together.
  4. Mix in the Sauce Ingredients (5 minutes): Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  5. Add the Cheese (2 minutes): Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the beef mixture. Cover pan with lid for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese.
  6. Prepare the Buns (2-3 minutes): Toast buns lightly in oven or toaster.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Spoon cheesy sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Add optional toppings like pickles or jalapeños. Serve immediately.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent soggy buns. Finely chop onions for better texture. Simmer sauce to thicken and blend flavors. Toast buns to avoid sogginess. Adjust seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joes, classic sloppy joes, cheesy sloppy joes, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/juicy-classic-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-cheesy-melted-goodness-guide/