These Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic! Ground beef is cooked with tangy beer cheese sauce, then piled high on soft buns. Yum!
Who doesn’t love a messy meal? I always keep extra napkins handy because things can get a little saucy! 😄 They’re quick to whip up and perfect for game night!
Making these Sloppy Joes is a breeze—I just cook the meat, mix in the cheese sauce, and serve. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles all around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re looking for plant-based, try lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to mix in some pepper jack for a kick! For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Beer: Lager or pale ale works best, but you can swap in non-alcoholic beer or use beef broth for a non-drinkers option. The flavor will change slightly, but it still holds up nicely!
Onion: Finely chopped onions boost the flavor. You can use shallots or even onion powder if fresh onions aren’t available, but fresh is always better.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce is Smooth?
A common struggle with cheese sauces is getting that perfect creamy texture. It starts with making a good roux. Use equal parts butter and flour, and cook for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in the beer and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Keep whisking until smooth and thickened—this takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to avoid the sauce separating. Stir until the cheese fully melts into the mixture.
By following these steps, your beer cheese sauce will be rich and creamy, making your Sloppy Joes irresistible! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup beer (lager or pale ale works well)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns (pretzel buns recommended)
Estimated Time:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have these tasty Sloppy Joes ready in about 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Base:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and the finely chopped onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season the Beef:
Season your cooked beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together well to ensure the flavors combine nicely.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. This will help thicken your sauce!
4. Whisk in Liquids:
Slowly whisk in the beer and milk, keeping it smooth as you mix. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this—whisking keeps it creamy!
5. Add Cheese and Mustard:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Keep stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Meat and Sauce:
Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked beef mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to ensure that the beef is well coated with the beer cheese sauce.
7. Prepare the Buns:
Lightly toast your sandwich buns in a toaster or on a skillet. This step adds a nice crunch and helps the buns hold up against the saucy filling!
8. Assemble and Serve:
Spoon generous amounts of the beer cheese sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Finally, place the top half of the bun on top and serve immediately!
9. Enjoy!
Your delicious, gooey Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes are ready to enjoy! Grab some napkins and dig in—these are sure to be a hit!
This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional sloppy joes, combining the savory flavors of beef and onion with a rich, creamy beer cheese sauce, all nestled in soft, chewy pretzel buns. Enjoy your meal! 🍔
FAQ for Easy Beer Cheese Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be aware that it might be a bit less juicy, so consider adding a little extra seasoning to keep the flavor vibrant.
What Kind of Beer Should I Use?
A lager or pale ale works best for this recipe as they provide a nice balance of flavor without overpowering. If you’d prefer non-alcoholic options, you can substitute with a non-alcoholic beer or beef broth for a similar taste.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk to smooth it out if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove or microwave, and consider freshening up the buns by toasting them again before serving!
