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Cheesy Sloppy Joes Made Easy

Cheesy Sloppy Joes Made Easy

Quick, family-friendly sloppy joes with a rich, sweet-tangy sauce and plenty of melted cheddar. On the table in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil for the skillet
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 0.75 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1.25 lb ground beef 85% lean works well
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 0.33 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 tbsp light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup beef broth or water
  • 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 6 bun hamburger buns split
  • 2 tbsp butter for toasting buns

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  • Soften the onion and bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and broth.
  • Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until thick and glossy.
  • Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar until melted. Keep the rest for topping.
  • Butter the buns and toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.
  • Pile the meat onto buns, sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover a minute to melt, and serve.

Notes

Try pepper jack instead of cheddar for a little heat, or add diced pickles for extra tang. The filling keeps well; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months, then rewarm with a splash of broth.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cheesy Sloppy Joes Made Easy flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.