These Cheesy Beer Sloppy Joes are messy in all the right ways! You’ll love the tasty ground beef mixed with rich beer and gooey cheese, all piled on soft buns.
Perfect for a casual dinner, they’re quick to make and hard to resist. I always keep extra napkins handy because things might get a bit saucy! 😄
What I enjoy most about this dish is that it’s a fun twist on the classic. Serve it with a side of fries or chips for the ultimate comfort meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well, but you may need to add a bit more fat for flavor.
Beer: A lager or ale is best for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever beer you enjoy. If you prefer to skip alcohol, beef broth or non-alcoholic beer can be great alternatives, adding flavor without the alcohol.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is popular, but I also enjoy American cheese for its meltiness. If you’re a fan of stronger flavors, gouda or pepper jack can add a nice twist.
Buns: Soft sandwich buns or pretzel buns both work well! For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.
How Do I Ensure My Sloppy Joes Aren’t Too Runny?
Keeping the sauce thick is key for the perfect sloppy joe. After adding the beer, let it simmer down to reduce the liquid. This also allows all the flavors to concentrate. If the mixture seems too watery at the end, let it cook a bit longer on low heat until it thickens.
- Make sure you stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If you’re still feeling it’s too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the mixture for quick thickening.
Enjoy these tips while making your Cheesy Beer Sloppy Joes for a fun and hearty dinner!
Cheesy Beer Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of your choice of cheese (cheddar, American, or a melty cheese)
- 4 soft sandwich buns or pretzel buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and around 20 minutes cooking everything to delicious perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This will add a great base flavor to your sloppy joes!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up while it cooks. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take around 6-8 minutes. Make sure to cook it all the way through to ensure it’s safe to eat.
3. Add Garlic:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—this will really elevate the flavor of your sloppy joes!
4. Deglaze with Beer:
Pour in the beer and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This will help to reduce the liquid a bit and enhance the flavor.
5. Mix in the Sauces:
Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so all the flavors combine nicely.
6. Simmer the Mixture:
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and be patient as the sauce thickens and coats the beef beautifully.
7. Prepare the Buns:
While the beef is simmering, lightly toast your sandwich buns. This will add a nice crunch and hold up well to the saucy filling!
8. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once the meat mixture is ready, spoon it generously onto the bottom halves of the buns. Don’t be shy—pile it high!
9. Add the Cheese:
Place a slice of cheese on top of the hot beef mixture. The heat from the meat will help melt the cheese just right, making it gooey and delicious.
10. Complete and Serve:
Finally, place the other halves of the buns on top. Serve your cheesy beer sloppy joes immediately, and consider adding a side of fries or chips for extra crunch!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and savory beer-infused sloppy joes perfect for a comforting dinner!
FAQ for Cheesy Beer Sloppy Joes
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If using turkey, consider adding some extra seasoning or a bit of oil, as lean meats can be drier.
What Kind of Beer Should I Use?
A lager or ale works best for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite beer! If you’d prefer to avoid alcohol, non-alcoholic beer or beef broth can also be great alternatives.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stove before serving, and toast the buns just before assembly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
