Ultimate Cheesy Sloppy Joes
Indulge in the perfect comfort food with these Ultimate Cheesy Sloppy Joes! This easy-to-make recipe features ground beef simmered to perfection with sautéed onions and bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Served on soft onion hamburger buns, this dish is not only delicious but also perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Your family and friends will love it, making it a must-try recipe for your dinner rotation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow onion
1/4 (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1/4 (chopped)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Onion hamburger buns
1 (8 count) package (for serving)
Ground beef (80/20)
2 lbs (browned)
Cheddar cheese soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (stirred in)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the yellow onion and green bell pepper. The smaller the pieces, the better they will combine with the beef.
2
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Set the sautéed onions and peppers aside on a plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
5
Return the sautéed onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in one full can of cheddar cheese soup and then gradually add a little from the second can, stirring constantly until you reach your desired consistency. The mixture should be creamy and cheesy.
7
Allow the mixture to heat through for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
Serve the cheesy meat mixture generously on onion hamburger buns. Enjoy the savory goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ultimate Cheesy Sloppy Joes different from traditional ones?
Unlike traditional tomato-based sloppy joes, this version uses a rich and creamy cheddar cheese soup base combined with sautéed vegetables for a savory, cheesy flavor profile.
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 80/20 ground beef, which provides a good balance of flavor and juiciness while browning.
Can I use a different kind of onion?
Yes, while yellow onion is recommended for its sweetness when sautéed, you can substitute it with white onion or even red onion.
What color bell pepper should I use?
This recipe calls for green bell pepper, but you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.
How many cans of cheddar cheese soup are needed?
The recipe uses two 10.75-ounce cans, but it suggests adding the second can gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Do I need to drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, for the best texture and to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily, you should drain any excess fat after browning the meat.
What kind of buns are recommended for serving?
Onion hamburger buns are recommended because they complement the savory beef and cheese mixture perfectly.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers in butter for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner protein substitute in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is mild and savory, making it a great option for children and those who prefer non-spicy foods.
Can I add more vegetables to the mix?
Absolutely! You can add finely diced mushrooms, carrots, or even corn to increase the nutritional value and add extra texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this sloppy joe mixture be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat the mixture?
Reheat the mixture on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 2 lbs of beef and an 8-count package of buns, this recipe typically serves about 8 people.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then combine everything in a slow cooker on the low setting to keep it warm for serving.
What side dishes go well with cheesy sloppy joes?
Classic sides like potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad pair excellently with this dish.
Is butter necessary for sautéing the vegetables?
Butter adds a rich flavor, but you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute if you prefer.
Can I use fresh cheese instead of canned soup?
While the soup provides a specific creamy texture, you could use a homemade cheese sauce made from flour, milk, and shredded cheddar.
Should I toast the buns before serving?
Toasting the onion buns with a bit of butter can add a nice crunch and help the bun stand up better to the moist meat mixture.
Can I use frozen onions and peppers?
Yes, frozen pre-chopped vegetables are a great time-saver and work well in this sautéed application.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of milk or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
If it is too thin, continue to simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing the onions and peppers would add a lovely aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, because it uses simple ingredients and a canned soup base, it is an ideal quick meal for busy weeknights.
Can I use regular hamburger buns?
Yes, if you cannot find onion buns, regular hamburger buns or brioche buns will work perfectly fine.
How fine should the vegetables be chopped?
The recipe suggests chopping them into small pieces so they combine more easily with the ground beef.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough skillet or a pot to hold the volume.
Can I add a dash of Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can help deepen the savory flavors of the beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you would need to use gluten-free buns and ensure the canned cheddar cheese soup is a certified gluten-free brand.