Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Queso Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp diced green chilis
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, hand-grated
- Salt, to taste
To Serve
- 6 brioche buns, lightly toasted
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside to use later.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell peppers and cook until soft and slightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the pan. Cook over medium heat until browned completely, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Simmer the sloppy joe mixture: Pour the prepared tomato-based sauce over the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
- Make the cheese queso sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together half and half, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic powder. Heat over medium-high, whisking constantly until it reaches a light boil. Reduce heat to low, then gradually add grated cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Stir in diced green chilis and salt to taste.
- Toast the brioche buns and assemble: Toast brioche buns in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides. Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture onto the toasted buns, top with creamy homemade queso, and add sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
- The queso sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute brioche buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the half and half before heating to avoid lumps in the queso sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
