Go Back

Cheesy Baked Sloppy Joes

A fun, mess-free twist on a classic! Savory sloppy joe meat stuffed into soft sandwich buns, layered with cheddar, topped with mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 soft sandwich buns (hot dog or sausage style)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half to fit the buns)
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard metal baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the pan.
  3. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. Remove from heat.
  5. Prep the buns: Arrange the 6 sandwich buns tightly together on the prepared baking sheet. Gently open them up without tearing the hinges.
  6. Add the cheddar base: Take your cheddar cheese slices, cut them in half lengthwise, and press them into the bottom of each open bun. (This creates a cheese barrier so the bun doesn't get soggy).
  7. Stuff the buns: Spoon the hot sloppy joe meat evenly into all 6 sandwich buns, directly on top of the cheddar cheese.
  8. Top with mozzarella: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat on all the sandwiches.
  9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!