Get ready for a tasty twist on the classic sloppy joes with this Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe! It’s packed with ground meat, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, perfect for a hearty meal.
These sloppy joes are a crowd-pleaser! I love serving them with fluffy buns and a side of chips. Who knew beer and cheese could make a messy sandwich so much fun? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main component, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, substitute with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Beer: Lager or ale works best for this recipe, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, try using non-alcoholic beer or beef broth for flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its strong flavor, but you can use any cheese you love—like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you want some heat. Vegan cheese also works well for a dairy-free option.
Tomato Paste: If you don’t have tomato paste, ketchup can be a substitute, though it will add a bit more sweetness. You could also use a bit of tomato sauce.
How Do You Make the Beer Cheese Sauce Smooth?
Creating a smooth beer cheese sauce can be tricky. The key is to properly make a roux. Here’s how:
- Start with melted butter in the pan, then slowly whisk in the flour. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- When adding the beer, pour it slowly and keep whisking. This helps avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens; this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Remember, patience is key!
Finally, make sure to add the cheese while the mixture is warm to help it melt evenly and stay creamy. Enjoy this process—it’s where the magic happens!
Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or pretzel buns
- For the Beer Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup beer
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Beer Cheese Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the beer, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add the cayenne pepper too. Keep warm for later.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it before moving on to the next step.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well to combine the flavors.
4. Simmer the Mixture:
Pour in the beer and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Mix in the Cheese Sauce:
Carefully stir in the warm beer cheese sauce until everything is well combined and heated through. Let it cook for another minute to ensure everything is perfect.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
If you like, lightly toast the sandwich or pretzel buns to enhance the texture. Now, spoon a generous amount of the beef and beer cheese mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes immediately with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries, potato chips, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
Bon Appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll still get a delicious result!
What Type of Beer is Best for This Recipe?
Lager or ale works best because they provide a nice depth of flavor without being too bitter. If you prefer not to use alcohol, feel free to substitute with chicken or beef broth for a similar taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute in place of the ground beef. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly for lentils to ensure they’re well-cooked!
How Do I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet or microwave. You may want to add a splash of beer or broth to keep the mixture moist while reheating!
