Bacon Cheddar Sloppy Joes

Name: Bacon Cheddar Sloppy Joes with Dark Beer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz bacon, chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup dark beer; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed; 4 brioche hamburger buns

Bacon cheddar sloppy joes are an upscale take on the diner classic, combining crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and dark beer in a rich, savory sauce served on brioche buns. The beer adds unexpected depth and complexity to the traditional tomato-based meat sauce.

🌍American 🏷️Sloppy joes 🏷️Sandwich 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Bacon Cheddar cheese

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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TikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

8 oz bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dark beer
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
4 brioche hamburger buns

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
2
Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
3
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
5
Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, beef broth, and dark beer. Mix well to combine.
6
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
7
Stir in the cubed sharp cheddar cheese and the reserved cooked bacon.
8
Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the mixture.
9
Serve the sloppy joe mixture generously on brioche hamburger buns.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Render the bacon slowly over medium heat to maximize crispness, then use the rendered fat to cook the onions and ground beef for deeper flavor.
Simmer the sauce uncovered for at least 10–12 minutes to allow the beer to cook off and flavors to concentrate.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after simmering; the tomato paste and beef broth can vary in saltiness.

Substitutions

Dark beer → beef broth or 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (reduces depth but avoids alcohol)
Sharp cheddar → Gruyère or smoked cheddar (milder cheese will be less assertive)
Brioche buns → toasted white sandwich bread or potato buns (texture and richness will differ slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate the meat sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop and assemble fresh.

Common Questions

Can I make bacon cheddar sloppy joes ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving on fresh buns.

What type of dark beer works best?

A porter, stout, or brown ale works well. Avoid overly hoppy IPAs, which can make the sauce bitter. Non-alcoholic options: substitute beef broth or Worcestershire sauce.