These Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes are messy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! Ground beef mixes with beer and gooey cheese, all piled high on soft buns for a fun meal.
Who can resist a meal that you can eat with just one hand (the other one gets to hold your drink)? They’re quick to make, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
I love making these when friends come over—they’re always a hit and so easy to whip up. Just cook, mix, and enjoy the cheesy goodness. Perfect for game nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives these sloppy joes their hearty texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Beer: A light lager or ale works best for this recipe. If you’re not a fan of beer, you can replace it with a non-alcoholic beer, or for a different flavor, use beef broth or vegetable broth instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor; I recommend using freshly shredded cheese for better melting. You could also swap in pepper jack for some heat or even use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic elevate the flavor of the beef. If you’re short on time, consider using garlic powder and onion powder as substitutes, adjusting to your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Sloppy Joes Are Creamy and Cheesy?
The key to achieving a creamy and cheesy mix is combining the cheeses at the right time. After simmering the beef and beer, remove the skillet from heat. This prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery and ensures a smooth texture.
- Mix the cheddar and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually stir it into the beef mixture while it’s off the heat.
- This method lets the cheese melt evenly without overcooking, resulting in a perfect cheese sauce.
Remember to keep an eye on the heat when simmering, so it doesn’t evaporate too much liquid, keeping your mix just the right consistency.
Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or pretzel buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up as you go. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep your sloppy joes from being too greasy.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Once the beef is browned, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Mix in the Spices and Sauces:
Stir in the smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This blend adds a great depth of flavor to your mixture!
4. Incorporate the Beer:
Pour in the beer and give the pan a good scrape to lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom—those have tons of flavor! Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the beer reduces slightly, thickening the mixture.
5. Create the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese together until they’re well blended. This combination will make your sloppy joes super creamy!
6. Combine Everything:
Take the skillet off the heat, then gently stir the cheese mixture into the beef until it melts and becomes creamy. You’ll be amazed at how gooey this gets!
7. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast your sandwich or pretzel buns to add a nice crunch and structure for your filling. Nobody wants a soggy bun!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Pile up the cheesy beef mixture onto the toasted buns and serve right away. These are fantastic with sides like fries or pickles. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy sloppy joes!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook a bit quicker than beef.
What Beer Should I Use for This Recipe?
For the best flavor, stick with a light lager or a mild ale. However, if you’re not a beer drinker, you can substitute it with beef broth or vegetable broth for a similar effect!
How Do I Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joes?
To reheat, place the leftover mixture in a skillet over low heat. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave small portions for convenience, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve and add the cheese mixture right before serving for the creamiest results!
