These Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! Loaded with juicy beef and a creamy beer cheese sauce, they’re super tasty and quick to make, perfect for any night.
I love how messy these are—in the best way possible! Pair them with some crunchy fries or a simple salad, and you’ve got a dinner that’s sure to please everyone. Cheers to that! 🍻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a juicy flavor. However, you could substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Beer: Light beer adds a nice depth to the sauce. If you want an alcohol-free version, you can replace it with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer for similar flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great kick! You can use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added creaminess and spice.
Sandwich Buns: Pretzel buns are my favorite for this recipe because they have a sturdy, slightly sweet flavor. If you can’t find them, regular hamburger buns work just fine.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the beef properly is key to a great sloppy joe. Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Stir occasionally, allowing it to brown for about 6-8 minutes.
- If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it—this will help the flavors shine without being greasy.
Following these tips will give you perfectly cooked beef for your sloppy joes!
Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup light beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 4 sandwich buns (pretzel buns shown for extra flavor and texture, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. A quick and tasty meal for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring sometimes, until they are soft and translucent, which should take around 4-5 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, letting it brown and become fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Now, stir in the light beer, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let this simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and the mixture thickens slightly!
4. Make the Beer Cheese Sauce:
While the beef is simmering, you can prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth—this will be your delicious cheese sauce.
5. Combine and Warm:
Once the beef mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in half of the cheese sauce until it’s well combined. This creates the sloppy joe filling you’ll love!
6. Toast the Buns:
If you’d like, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a toaster or on a skillet. This adds a nice crunch and keeps them from getting soggy.
7. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Begin by spooning the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. You want them nice and hearty! Then, drizzle or spoon your remaining cheese sauce over the top of the beef filling.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh, so dig in right away and savor every cheesy bite!
Enjoy your rich, creamy, cheesy beer-infused sloppy joes!
FAQ for Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just remember that cooking times may vary a bit, especially for chicken, so ensure it’s cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Beer on Hand?
No problem! If you’re not able to use beer, you can replace it with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer to still achieve some flavor depth. Apple cider vinegar with a bit of broth can also work if you’re looking for an alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in the microwave, but if you want to keep the buns from getting soggy, it’s best to warm the meat and sauce separately and reassemble before serving.
Can I Make the Cheese Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead! Simply prepare it, allow it to cool, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until smooth before drizzling it over your sloppy joes.
