Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes

Name: Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes with Crispy Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup barbecue sauce (Arby's style); 4 onion buns; 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce, warmed; 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

These beef and cheddar sloppy joes combine seasoned ground beef with a tangy-savory cheddar cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions for textural contrast. The quick weeknight recipe comes together in under 20 minutes using pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Sloppy joes 🏷️Beef and cheddar 🏷️Sandwich Ground beef

🏷️

🏷️Cheddar cheese sauce

🏷️Crispy onions

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cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookinginthemidwest

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce (Arby's style)
4 onion buns
1 cup cheddar cheese sauce, warmed
1/2 cup crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion.
2
Break up the meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3
Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4
Add the minced garlic, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce to the skillet.
5
Stir everything together until well combined and let it simmer for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.
6
Toast the onion buns until golden brown.
7
To assemble, place a generous scoop of the beef mixture on the bottom bun.
8
Top the beef with crispy fried onions.
9
Spoon the warm cheddar cheese sauce over the inside of the top bun.
10
Place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dice the onion finely so it breaks down completely into the sauce for a smoother texture rather than chunky pieces.
Toast the buns in butter just before assembly to prevent sogginess and add a subtle richness.
Add the crispy fried onions as a topping right before serving to maintain their crunch—don't fold them into the warm sauce.
Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until no pink remains and it's slightly caramelized for deeper flavor.

Substitutions

Barbecue sauce → homemade tomato-based sauce or Kansas City-style BBQ (adjust sweetness to taste)
Yellow mustard → Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard (reduces tanginess slightly)
Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce (use 2 tsp for saltier profile)
Onion powder → 1/4 tsp additional minced fresh garlic (fresher onion flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months without the crispy onion topping, which should be added fresh after reheating.

Common Questions

Can I make the sloppy joe sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce, cool completely, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, before serving.

What's the best way to toast the onion buns?

Butter the cut sides lightly and toast them in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden, or use a toaster oven at 375°F for even browning.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Ground turkey or ground chicken work as substitutes, though beef delivers the richest flavor. Use the same weight and cook until no pink remains.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Toast the buns thoroughly and spoon the filling onto the buns just before serving, or lightly butter the insides to create a moisture barrier.

Can this recipe be scaled for a crowd?

Yes. Double or triple all ingredients and keep the sauce warm in a slow cooker on low. The cooking time for browning meat may increase slightly with larger batches.