These Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic! Ground meat is cooked with tangy beer cheese sauce, all piled on soft buns for a messy and tasty meal.
Who doesn’t love a meal that lets you be a little messy? I often make these for game days and everyone goes wild for them. Plus, who can resist cheese? 🧀
Making them is a breeze! Just cook the meat, mix in that creamy beer cheese, and serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe works best with ground beef, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan, try using diced bell peppers instead, or skip it completely.
Beer: Lager or ale adds flavor, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, use beef or chicken broth. Just use less to account for the saltiness!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for a strong cheese flavor. If you want a different taste, substitute with pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder option.
Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns are great because they’re soft and flavorful. But any sandwich bun will work in a pinch. Just avoid overly crusty ones; you want soft for easy eating!
How Do You Make Creamy Cheese Sauce Without It Getting Clumpy?
The cheese sauce can be tricky, but it’s all about temperature and technique! Follow these steps to get that creamy texture:
- Once your beef and beer mixture simmers down, lower the heat to medium-low before adding cheese. This prevents the cheese from cooking too fast and clumping.
- Make sure your cream cheese is really softened; it will mix in better. If it’s cold, it won’t blend smoothly.
- Stir constantly as you add in the cheese, letting it melt slowly into the sauce. This keeps it creamy and smooth.
Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 soft sandwich buns (brioche or pretzel buns preferred)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have delicious, cheesy sloppy joes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, which should take around 4-5 minutes. This will give your sloppy joes a nice flavor base!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep your joes from being too greasy.
3. Season the Beef:
Now it’s time to season your beef. Sprinkle in some garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are well mixed into the meat.
4. Add Beer and Worcestershire Sauce:
Pour in your chosen beer and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get up any tasty bits stuck there. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to reduce.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce that coats the beef. This is the delicious moment you’ve been waiting for!
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, you can toast the sandwich buns in a toaster or under a broiler for a minute or two. This adds a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Spoon generous portions of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun to complete your sandwich. They’re ready to serve!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your easy, creamy beer cheese sloppy joes. They are perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering!
FAQ for Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative if you want a lighter option. Just cook it until it’s no longer pink, similar to ground beef, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
What Type of Beer Should I Use?
A lager or an ale works best as they add good flavor without overpowering the dish. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, feel free to substitute the beer with beef broth for a similar taste in the creamy sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the mixture creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish!
