Description
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Subs
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
4 hoagie rolls
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Season & Sauce:
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Subs:
Preheat your oven’s broiler.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into hoagie rolls and top with shredded cheese.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with chips or a side salad!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~450 kcal per sub
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Cheesy Sloppy Joe Subs every time. First, ensure all vegetables are finely diced for even cooking. In your skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles. After draining the fat, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender, about 5-7 minutes. This builds a flavorful base. Next, reduce the heat to low before adding the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and spices. Let the mixture simmer gently; this crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, preventing a runny filling.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty subs are a complete meal on their own but pair wonderfully with classic sides. For a casual dinner, serve with crispy potato chips, dill pickle spears, or a simple coleslaw. To balance the richness, a light garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. For a game-day spread, cut the subs into smaller portions for easy sliders and serve alongside other finger foods like onion rings or celery sticks with ranch dressing.
How-to Summary
Quickly brown ground beef with diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Drain fat, then stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture into hoagie rolls, top generously with shredded cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time? Absolutely. The filling can be cooked, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling and broiling the subs.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Adjust cooking times as needed and consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil if using lean meats.
How can I prevent the rolls from getting soggy? Lightly toast the insides of the hoagie rolls under the broiler for 1 minute before adding the filling. This creates a protective barrier against the sauce.
My cheese isn’t melting properly under the broiler. Why? Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. For best results, shred cheese from a block. Also, ensure the filling is hot when you add the cheese.
Can I freeze these subs? It’s best to freeze only the cooked, cooled filling for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. Assemble and broil with fresh cheese and rolls for the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results. First, do not skip draining the fat from the cooked beef, as excess grease will make the filling oily. Second, do not rush the simmering step; this is essential for flavor development and sauce consistency. Third, never leave the subs unattended under the broiler—they can burn in seconds. Finally, avoid overfilling the rolls, which makes them messy to eat and difficult to manage on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Subs are the ultimate upgrade to a classic comfort food, combining a savory, saucy filling with melted cheese in a toasted roll. This recipe is reliably quick, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common errors and create a delicious, satisfying meal any night of the week. Enjoy the cheesy, messy goodness!