Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe

Take a trip down memory lane with this classic Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich recipe. It's a comforting and delicious dish that's easy to make and full of flavor. Made with hearty ingredients such as ground beef and rich sloppy joe sauce, it's a sandwich that you'll want to make again and again.

Photos of Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, the Sloppy Joe sauce is one that you might not have in your pantry. It's a tangy and sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the beef. You can usually find it in the canned goods or condiments section at your local supermarket. Additionally, the Borden® Mild Cheddar Shreds is another ingredient to note. It's a specific brand of shredded cheese which adds a creamy and slightly sharp flavor to the dish. However, you can substitute it with any shredded cheddar cheese.

Ingredients for Classic Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich

Crusty sandwich rolls: These serve as the base for your sandwich. They are chosen for their sturdiness and ability to hold up to the hearty filling.

Lean ground beef: This is the main protein for the dish and it is cooked until no longer pink before the sauce is added.

Sloppy Joe sauce: This sauce gives the sandwich its classic tangy and sweet flavor. It's a mix of tomato sauce, onions, and various spices.

Borden® Mild Cheddar Shreds: This cheese offers a creamy, slightly sharp flavor that complements the savory beef and tangy sauce.

One reader, Clo Padilla says:

This classic sloppy joe beef sandwich recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the melted cheddar on top adds the perfect finishing touch. It's a family favorite in our household, and it's so easy to make. Highly recommend trying it out!

Clo Padilla

Key Techniques for Making Classic Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwiches

How to hollow out the bread: Use a knife to cut a hole at the top of each sandwich roll and carefully hollow out the bread, leaving about a ½-inch shell. Discard the extra bread or save it for another use.

How to cook ground beef: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and stir to crumble. Cook for about 10 minutes until it is no longer pink. Use a paper towel to sop up any excess grease, if necessary.

How to melt cheese in the oven: After spooning the beef mixture into the sandwich rolls and topping them with shredded cheddar cheese, bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to serve: Serve the classic sloppy joe beef sandwiches warm and enjoy!

How To Make Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich

This beef sandwich is a hearty dish made of delicious ground beef-stuffed crunchy sandwich rolls, all coated in a savory Sloppy Joe sauce and cheese atop!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4crusty sandwich rolls,(6-inch), unsplit
1lblean ground beef
15ozSloppy Joe sauce,(1 can)
1cupBorden® Mild Cheddar Shreds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut a hole at the top of each sandwich roll and hollow out the bread leaving about a ½-inch shell, then discard the extra bread or save for another use. Place the rolls on a rimmed baking sheet.
Lightly oil a skillet and place over medium to medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef and stir to crumble. Cook for about 10 minutes until no longer pink. Use a paper towel to sop up any grease, if necessary.
Pour the sloppy joe sauce over the beef and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Evenly spoon the beef mixture into each sandwich roll and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 569.74kcal
Fat: 34.68g
Saturated Fat: 14.41g
Trans Fat: 1.67g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.06g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.98g
Carbohydrates: 30.41g
Fiber: 1.31g
Sugar: 1.09g
Protein: 31.90g
Cholesterol: 109.33mg
Sodium: 566.85mg
Calcium: 265.25mg
Potassium: 389.20mg
Iron: 4.11mg
Vitamin A: 78.83µg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwiches

When hollowing out the sandwich rolls, be careful not to puncture the bottom or sides. This will ensure the sloppy joe sauce and beef mixture stays contained within the roll, providing a delicious and mess-free eating experience. Additionally, when cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces. This will allow the beef to cook evenly and absorb the sauce better, resulting in a more flavorful sloppy joe.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sloppy Joes

Prep ahead: Prepare the ground beef and hollow out the sandwich rolls the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

One-pot cooking: Consider using a skillet or pot to cook the beef and warm the sloppy joe sauce simultaneously, cutting down on clean-up time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the beef and sauce mixture and store the extra in the refrigerator or freezer for future quick and easy meals.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.

Substitute Ingredients For Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe

crusty sandwich rolls - Substitute with hamburger buns: Hamburger buns can be used as a substitute for crusty sandwich rolls, providing a soft and sturdy base for the sloppy joe filling.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a lean alternative to ground beef, offering a similar texture and flavor while reducing the overall fat content.

How to Beautifully Present Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Elevate the bread: Use artisanal crusty sandwich rolls with a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Craft the perfect beef filling: Select high-quality lean ground beef and season it with a blend of aromatic spices to create a rich and flavorful filling that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Enhance the sauce: Elevate the classic sloppy joe sauce by infusing it with a hint of smokiness or a touch of heat to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Artfully melt the cheese: Gently melt mild cheddar shreds over the beef filling, ensuring a perfect, gooey consistency that adds a luxurious touch to the sandwich.
Present with finesse: Carefully place the finished sandwiches on elegant, rimmed plates, ensuring that the presentation is clean and visually appealing.
Garnish with finesse: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of vibrant sauce to the plate for a pop of color and a final touch of flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sloppy Joes

Oven: You will need an oven to preheat to 375 degrees F for this recipe.
Rimmed baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is used to place the sandwich rolls on before baking.
Skillet: A skillet is used to cook the ground beef and heat the sloppy joe sauce.
Paper towel: Use a paper towel to sop up any grease from the cooked ground beef, if necessary.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwiches

Let the sloppy joe sandwiches cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the fridge, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated sandwiches, unwrap and place on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen sandwiches, remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the frozen sandwich on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the sloppy joe filling separately and serve it on fresh sandwich rolls for a quicker and easier option. Simply store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat the filling in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwiches

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover sloppy joe sandwich in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sandwich is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
If you prefer a crispier bun, you can reheat the sandwich in a toaster oven. Place the sandwich on the toaster oven rack and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sandwich is heated through and the bread is crispy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sandwich is heated through. Be aware that microwaving may cause the bread to become slightly soggy.
If you have leftover sloppy joe filling without the bun, you can reheat it in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the filling is heated through, then serve it on a fresh bun with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
For a tasty twist, try reheating the leftover sloppy joe filling and serving it over a bed of rice, pasta, or even a baked potato. This creates a whole new meal out of your leftovers and adds some variety to your dinner routine.

Interesting Trivia About Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

The classic sloppy joe beef sandwich recipe is a popular comfort food in the United States. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and was named after a cook named Joe. The original sloppy joe sandwich was made with ground beef, onions, and a sweet tomato-based sauce. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, and variations include the addition of different spices, vegetables, and condiments. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. Whether served at a casual family dinner or a backyard barbecue, the sloppy joe sandwich remains a beloved and timeless favorite.

Is Making Sloppy Joes at Home Cost-Effective?

This sloppy joe beef sandwich recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are also reasonably priced. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15-$20. The recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that is budget-friendly. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious taste.

Is the Classic Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Healthy or Unhealthy?

The classic sloppy joe beef sandwich recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

High in saturated fat: The recipe calls for ground beef, which is typically high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Processed sauce: Sloppy joe sauce is often high in sodium and may contain added sugars, both of which can be detrimental to health when consumed in excess.
Refined carbohydrates: The crusty sandwich rolls are likely made from refined flour, which lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain alternatives.
High in calories: With the combination of beef, sauce, cheese, and bread, this sandwich can be quite calorie-dense, making it easy to overconsume.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the saturated fat content
Make your own sloppy joe sauce using tomato sauce, tomato paste, and a blend of spices to control the sodium and sugar content
Choose whole wheat or multigrain sandwich rolls to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Reduce the amount of cheese used or select a low-fat cheese alternative
Add vegetables to the sandwich, such as sliced bell peppers or onions, to increase the fiber and nutrient content while reducing the overall calorie density
Serve the sloppy joes with a side salad or vegetable-based soup to create a more balanced meal

Editor's Opinion on the Classic Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe

This classic sloppy joe beef sandwich recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy sloppy joe sauce, and melted cheddar cheese creates a deliciously messy and flavorful filling for the crusty sandwich rolls. The hollowed-out rolls provide the perfect vessel for holding the hearty beef mixture, and baking them adds a delightful crispness. It's a simple yet delicious meal that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Enhance Your Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese, served with a dollop of herb-infused butter on top.

Grilled Vegetables: Colorful array of seasonal vegetables, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad featuring a mix of juicy berries, tropical fruits, and citrus segments, tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing.

Chocolate Brownie: Decadent chocolate brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Sloppy Joes

Spicy Chicken Tacos: Marinate the chicken in a blend of spices and lime juice for a burst of flavor. Grill the chicken and assemble the tacos with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Sauté onions and garlic, then add in fresh tomatoes and basil for a fragrant and flavorful base. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in cream for a rich and creamy finish. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Mango Coconut Rice Pudding: Cook rice in coconut milk and sugar until creamy and tender. Stir in diced mango for a tropical twist, then chill the pudding until ready to serve. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of this spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe:

This recipe is a classic sloppy joe beef sandwich that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The combination of savory lean ground beef and flavorful sloppy joe sauce creates a delicious and satisfying filling for the sandwich. The addition of mild cheddar shreds adds a creamy and cheesy element, elevating the overall taste. By following these simple steps, you can recreate a beloved comfort food dish in your own kitchen. Trust the timeless appeal of this recipe to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dining table.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Sloppy Joe Beef Sandwich Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of cheese you prefer. Some great options include sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of different cheeses for added flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can definitely make the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop and assemble the sandwiches with fresh rolls and cheese.

What can I serve with the sloppy joe beef sandwiches?

These sandwiches go great with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with some crispy fries or chips for a classic pairing.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as these meats may cook faster than beef.

Can I freeze the leftover sloppy joe beef mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it before serving.